The 2023 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for Wednesday, August 9 at 7:30 PM Central Time. The game will be played at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, home of Minnesota United FC.
What is the MLS All-Star Game?
The MLS All-Star Game is an annual exhibition match that features a team of the best Major League Soccer players taking on a prominent international club. It is meant to be a showcase of the talent in MLS and a measuring stick against top competition from overseas.
The MLS All-Stars are selected through a combination of fan, player, and coach voting. The opponent is typically a famous European club visiting the United States on a pre-season tour, such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, or Bayern Munich.
What is the format of the game?
The MLS All-Star Game consists of a single match between the MLS All-Stars and their invited opponent. It is played according to standard FIFA rules and regulations, with two halves of 45 minutes each and a 15-minute halftime break.
The match has a competitive intensity despite its exhibition status. The MLS All-Stars are always highly motivated to win in order to earn bragging rights over one of the world’s best clubs.
What time does coverage start?
TV coverage for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game will begin at 7:30 PM Central Time on ESPN and Univision networks. Pregame analysis will air in the hour leading up to the 8:30 PM scheduled kickoff.
The coverage will include player interviews, discussion of the starting lineups, analysis of the opponent, and predictions for the match. There will likely also be features on the host city and highlights of past All-Star Games.
How can I watch the MLS All-Star Game?
Here are the broadcast details for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game:
- English language: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- Spanish language: Univision, TUDN
- Streaming: ESPN+, MLS LIVE on ESPN App, TUDN App
The match will be called by ESPN’s lead MLS broadcast team, including play-by-play announcer Jon Champion and analyst Taylor Twellman.
Who is playing in the game?
The MLS All-Star roster will be announced in mid-July. It is voted on by fans, current MLS players, and the league’s head coaches and general managers.
The 2023 opponent has not been officially confirmed yet, but reports indicate it will be an elite Premier League club. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal are among the speculated opponents.
Where is the game being played?
The 2023 MLS All-Star Game will be held at Allianz Field in Saint Paul, Minnesota, home of Minnesota United FC.
Allianz Field opened in 2019 and seats 19,400 fans. It has been widely praised for its European-inspired supporter culture and is considered one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in MLS.
This will be the first time that Minnesota has hosted the MLS All-Star Game. The area is known for its growing soccer fanbase and commitment to the sport at all levels.
Who won the 2022 MLS All-Star Game?
The 2022 MLS All-Star Game was played on August 10 at Allianz Field in Minnesota. The opponent was the Liga MX All-Stars from Mexico’s top league.
The match ended in a 2-1 win for the MLS All-Stars. Goals were scored by Carlos Vela and Luciano Acosta for MLS, while Kevin Alvarez scored for Liga MX.
Have the MLS All-Stars ever beaten a European club?
Yes, the MLS All-Stars have defeated European opponents in recent All-Star Games:
- 2021: MLS All-Stars 1-1 (2-0 on penalties) Liga MX All-Stars
- 2019: MLS All-Stars 3-0 Atletico Madrid
- 2018: MLS All-Stars 1-1 (5-4 on penalties) Juventus
- 2015: MLS All-Stars 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
The MLS All-Stars have a track record of rising to the occasion against renowned international clubs. With elite players like Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez, and Raul Ruidiaz on the roster, they have proven they can compete with the best.
Who is the opponent prediction for 2023?
While not confirmed yet, reports indicate the 2023 MLS All-Star Game opponent will be a major Premier League club such as Manchester United, Chelsea, or Arsenal. All three would bring star power and intrigue to the exhibition.
Manchester United is coming off a strong 2022-23 season and boasts global superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Casemiro, and David de Gea. Chelsea is rebuilding under new ownership but has an American star in Christian Pulisic. Arsenal is battling for the Premier League title behind Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
An emerging prediction is that Arsenal will take part in their pre-season U.S. tour. Facing the red-hot Gunners led by manager Mikel Arteta would be a great challenge for the MLS All-Stars.
Who are the biggest MLS All-Star Game snubs?
While the 2023 rosters have not been announced yet, here are some notable MLS players who were surprise omissions from recent All-Star Games:
- 2022: Valentin Castellanos (NYCFC)
- 2021: Raúl Ruidíaz (Seattle Sounders)
- 2020: Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC)
- 2019: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy)
Castellanos was the reigning Golden Boot winner last season but was left off in favor of other forwards. Ruidiaz has been one of MLS’ top goalscorers but couldn’t crack the lineup. Snubs often occur due to oversaturation at one position and difficult roster decisions.
Who has scored the most MLS All-Star Game goals?
Here are the leading goalscorers in MLS All-Star Game history:
Player | Goals |
---|---|
Landon Donovan | 6 |
Gabriel Barbosa | 3 |
Carlos Velo | 2 |
Thierry Henry | 2 |
Diego Valeri | 2 |
Retired legend Landon Donovan holds the record with 6 total goals spanning multiple All-Star appearances. Gabriel Barbosa, known as “Gabigol,” scored 3 goals in the 2022 game alone. Carlos Vela, Thierry Henry, and Diego Valeri are all tied for second with 2 goals each.
Conclusion
The 2023 MLS All-Star Game promises to be an exciting showcase of the league’s top talent against elite international competition. With the game being hosted in soccer-crazed Minnesota and broadcast nationally in primetime, it is sure to be a can’t-miss event for American soccer fans. Tune in on August 9th at 7:30 PM Central Time to see who comes out on top!