The MLS All-Star Game Preview

08/25/2021

By: Jeff Yoder

Tonight: MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX Stars (9:00 pm ET, FS1)

The 2021 MLS All-Star Game is finally here, and the stakes are higher than ever before. This year’s one-of-a-kind match is the first ever battle between MLS and Liga MX stars. Instead of East vs. West, it’s the U.S.-based players against their Mexican counterparts in a highly competitive showdown. The U.S. men’s national team recently beat Mexico (1-0) in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, but this is league vs. league at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles.

 

Selecting the Rosters

This year’s unique spectacle features 28 MLS players selected by fans and media (13), All-Star head coach Bob Bradley (13) and MLS commissioner Don Garber (2). The top player at each position in the fan vote receives a spot in the starting nine. Seattle Sounders’ Cristian Roldan was named the captain.

 

MLS All-Star Roster | Liga MX Roster

 

The Skills Challenge

Before the 90-minute game is a flurry of skill events between various members of the MLS and Liga MX. They include: Shooting Challenge, Touch Challenge, Cross & Volley Challenge, Passing Challenge and the Crossbar Challenge. | Skills Challenge Participants

 

It’s an all-star showcase unlike any before, and it starts tonight. We’ll have full coverage in tomorrow’s edition.

 

Additional Storylines

MLS: 5 Things to Know About the 2021 MLS All-Star Game

FOX Sports: Alexi Lalas & David Mosse Breakdown the MLS All-Star Game (Video)

 

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images