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Major League Soccer

MLS All-Star Musings and Five Favorite Moments

No, it wasn't the most meaningful match of the summer, but Major League Soccer's marketing machine made sure everybody had a good time, and ASN's Brian Sciaretta picked out his five favorite moments. 
BY Brian Sciaretta Posted
July 30, 2015
3:30 PM

THE 2015 MLS ALL-STAR GAME is in the books as the locals took down Tottenham 2-1 with goals coming from Kaka and David Villa. Like All-Star games in many sports, it was quite the spectacle and there was a lot of talent on the field and it looked as though everybody had a pretty good time. Here are some notes on the game. 

Mission Accomplished: It was fun

The purpose of an all-star game is to have fun. The regular season, Open Cup, and CONCACAF Champions League games are all about the competition, and winning. In that regard, this game was a success. It was a nice celebration of the league.

The best payers stepped up and many of them enjoyed special moments. Kaka and David Villa really seemed to be enjoying themselves. Of course Tottenham was in preseason form and the MLS All-Stars are not really a team familiar with each other, so it wasn’t always well played, but it was entertaining. 

Beyond the Designated Players

Kaka was rightfully given the Man of the Match award. Clint Dempsey and David Villa also impressed in the first half. But it wasn’t just the designated players who shined.

Dax McCarty was very impressive in the first half and was an important and effective link between the backline and the attack. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who has watched the Red Bulls because the Texan is having an outstanding season. McCarty should be in contention to replace Kyle Beckerman on the national team when the dreadlocked midfielder is finished with international play.

Tony Beltran at right back was perhaps the surprise of the night. In the first half he was solid both defensively and getting into the attack.

Finally, if there was one person who could have made a case for Man of the Match over Kaka, it was Nick Rimando who made a pair of unbelievable saves in the opening half on Harry Kane.

In the second half, the MLS All-Stars came out with an entirely different 11 players. It wasn’t as pretty as the first half, but Fabian Castillo was the standout player for MLS. The FC Dallas attacker gave Tottenham’s defenders fits trying to keep him off the scoreboard.

It wasn’t all pretty for MLS. Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler both struggled and more should be expected out of a pairing that has a long history together on the high level. Also, Gyasi Zardes made a great pass in the build-up to the second MLS goal and also had some nice moments on the ball. But the U.S. national team forward/winger also made some poor passes and his initial blunder lead to the Tottenham’s goal.

Five best plays of the night

5. Ethan Finlay’s hustle moment

 

4. Dempsey’s Rabona through-ball 

 

3. Rimando stuffs Kane

 

 2. Harry Kane gets Tottenham on the board

 

1. David Villa's goal

What was your favorite moment of the 2015 All-Star Game? Share it below. 

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