MLS All-Stars survive LIGA MX fightback in seven-goal Charlotte thriller
A capacity crowd of 35,197 filled Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte as MLS and LIGA MX renewed their All-Star rivalry, with the league's top talents going head-to-head on one of the biggest nights of the MLS calendar. Fans were treated to an entertaining contest packed with quality, momentum swings and attacking football as the two leagues went toe-to-toe.
LIGA MX made the brighter start and were rewarded in the ninth minute from a well-worked free-kick. Juan Brunetta whipped an inviting delivery towards the back post, where Club Puebla defender Luis Gabriel Rey rose highest to power a header beyond Matt Freese and hand the visitors an early advantage.
Despite falling behind, the MLS All-Stars quickly found their rhythm, with Son Heung-min proving to be the biggest threat on the pitch. By the 18th minute, the South Korean had already forced Santos Laguna goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo into two excellent diving saves with a pair of close-range efforts as the hosts searched for an equaliser.
The breakthrough finally arrived two minutes later. Just as LIGA MX looked set to launch a counter-attack, Carles Gil won possession around 25 yards from goal before releasing Son down the left channel. The LAFC forward took the ball in his stride, shifted onto his right foot and curled a superb finish into the far corner to level the contest.
MLS completed the turnaround just three minutes later. Gil once again played a crucial role, doing brilliantly to keep the ball from running out of play before clipping an inviting cross into the path of the onrushing Son, who met it with a venomous first-time volley beyond Acevedo. The understanding between the two playmakers was evident as the home side seized control of the match.
Dean Smith's side continued to dominate the closing stages of the first half and were rewarded again in the 42nd minute. Guilherme's effort was blocked inside the penalty area, but the loose ball fell kindly to Chicago Fire forward Philip Zinckernagel, who reacted quickest to smash home and extend the MLS lead before the interval.
LIGA MX emerged from the dressing room with renewed energy, and substitute Salomón Rondón made an immediate impact in the 55th minute. Carlos Rodríguez delivered an inviting cross into the box and the Venezuela all-time leading scorer showed his trademark finishing instinct to head home and reduce the deficit.
Any hopes of a comeback were short-lived.
Just three minutes later, Nashville SC full-back Andy Nájar produced an excellent delivery from the right, Sam Surridge flicked the ball intelligently into the path of Evander, and the Brazilian showed superb composure to steady himself before placing his finish into the bottom corner to restore the MLS All-Stars' two-goal cushion.
The drama continued in the 66th minute when LIGA MX were awarded a penalty after Jackson Ragen's sliding challenge on Rondón inside the penalty area. As Rodolfo Ruiz prepared to take the spot-kick, VAR intervened. Following a lengthy review, referee Victor Rivas overturned his original decision after determining that Ragen had made contact with the ball first, much to the delight of the home supporters.
LIGA MX ensured there would be a tense finish when José Paradela struck in the first minute of stoppage time, arriving in the centre of the box to convert Israel Reyes' cross and make it 4-3.
However, the late goal proved only to be a consolation as the MLS All-Stars held firm through the closing moments to secure victory. The result means MLS have now won four of the last five All-Star meetings with LIGA MX, continuing their recent dominance in the showcase fixture.
