MLS defeats Liga Mx in All-Star game

The best of MLS clashed with the best of Liga Mx in Los Angeles at Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday night. While the result will not likely do much to change any perceptions of either league, both teams still managed to put on quite a show that put both leagues in a positive light.

In the end though, it was MLS that earned the bragging rights. First, the LAFC duo of Eduard Atuesta and Jesus David Murillo combined for a goal that erased a halftime deficit and eventually resulted in a 1-1 regulation time draw, then New England Revolution keeper Matt Turner showcased himself in the penalty shootout, stopping two penalty shots that enabled MLS to emerge with the 3-2 penalty shootout win.

“It was what you would hope, a really good game, competitive and a lot of players that are fun to watch,” MLS head coach Bob Bradley said.

Ninety minutes of quality soccer was not enough to settle matters between the MLS and Liga Mx All-Stars, which meant matters had to be settled in the ensuing penalty shootout. Rubens Sambueza opened the shootout with a goal right to the center of goal, Demar Kreilach did the same for MLS with a goal in similar fashion. The key moment came right after, as Rogelio Funes Mori attempted to go to the center of goal, Turner dived to his right, but kept his feet down and Mori’s shot went off Turner’s foot and away from goal, giving MLS the opportunity to grab control of the shootout, which Sporting Kansas City’s Daniel Salloi did when he scored on a shot to the left corner, and MLS’ position in the shootout was further solidified when on Liga MX’s ensuing penalty, Erik Lira sent his shot over over the framework and into the 3252 Supporters Section. The shootout went onto the final takers for both teams, Luis Romo scored to keep Liga MX alive, but Ricardo Pepi earned the role of hero for MLS, as he beat Alfredo Talavera with a shot off the crossbar and into the back net at the left corner to clinch the win for MLS. For his efforts in the shootout, Turner earned MLS All-Star game Most Valuable Player honors.

“I was just enjoying myself out there,” Turner said of his mindset in the shootout. “I always stay relaxed and I enjoy the penalty kick shootouts, and fortunately I was able to guess right on a couple.”

Both teams looked to put on a shot for the sellout crowd at Banc of California Stadium. Liga Mx struck in the first half in the 20th minute. Jorge Sanchez dribbled forward down the field, then crossed a ball into the penalty area, Jonathan Rodriguez chested the ball down before firing the right-footed shot just outside the six-yard box that went through the legs of Yeimar Gomez Andrade and beat keeper Pedro Gallese far post to give Liga Mx the lead. MLS however came back in the second half, and perhaps it was fitting that in Los Angeles, at Banc of California Stadium, it would be players from LAFC that got MLS back into the game. Eduard Atuesta sent a corner kick into the penalty area and Murillo headed a ball past Talavera near post to level the match.

“Guys really put a lot into the game,” MLS defender Miles Robinson said. “It was definitely a good time out there.”

Those two goals were not both sides only chances to score goals. MLS had the game’s first great chance in the ninth minute, as Raul Ruidiaz initially looked to thread a pass to Gustavo Bou, the pass was cut off by Cesar Montes, but fell to Diego Rossi, and his touch was enough for Rossi to break forward and dribble into the penalty area and drew out keeper Guillermo Ochoa, Rossi chipped a ball over Ochoa, but Sanchez was able to clear the ball at the goal line. Both Bou and Montes found themselves drawn back into play, as Bou trailed the play and found himself with a rebound chance, but it was Montes that ended up with redemption, as he blocked Mou on the rebound. Liga Mx had a chance in the 41st minute to add to its lead, as Diego Valdes sprung Santiago Gimenez for goal, Gimenez outraced and side-stepped Walker Zimmerman as he went into the penalty area, Gimenez however may have waited too long to create a chance, which bought keeper Andre Blake enough time to swoop in and scoop up the ball before Gimenez could attempt any type of shot.

“I think both teams came into the game with the idea that they wanted to play football and turned it into a good game all around, with good attacks, some incredible defensive plays and reactions, some saves, and finishes with a penalty shootout.”