With the GOAT, Leo Messi, officially being unveiled as a Heron in South Beach last Sunday, coupled with his highly anticipated on-field debut this Friday, it’s no wonder why the MLS All-Star Game was nearly forgotten about this week. But fear not folks, the match hasn’t passed us by just yet. Tonight is kickoff from DC at 8:30pm on Apple TV. So, let’s get acquainted with the teams and players involved ahead of game time.
MLS All-Stars
This year’s roster is comprised of 28 players across the league chosen by a combination of fan, media, and player vote coupled with Manager Wayne Rooney’s 12 selections and Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber’s two picks. Some notable selections are GK Roman Burki, DF Walker Zimmerman, MF Hector Herrera, FW Jesus Ferreira, and FW Christian Benteke.
Roman Burki made over 200 appearances for Borussia Dortmund between 2015-2022. Walker Zimmerman was a key contributor to the United States Men’s National Team during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Hector Herrera not only was an integral part to El Tri’s midfield during its golden generation, but also the Mexican international plied his trade at club level for Porto and Atletico Madrid. Meanwhile, Jesus Ferreira recently broke out as a USMNT starlet after tying Clint Dempsey for most goals scored by an American in a single Gold Cup with seven strikes. Lastly, Belgian international Christian Benteke played 10 seasons in the English Premier League, including one season at Liverpool.
Arsenal FC
As for the Gunners, the roster for this match is still up in the air considering that the London based club is just beginning preseason. Notable players that fans and media alike would enjoy seeing on the pitch are GK Aaron Ramsdale, MF Martin Odegaard, MF Kai Havertz, MF Declan Rice, MF/FW Bukayo Saka, FW Gabriel Jesus, FW Gabriel Martinelli, FW Eddie Nketiah, and FW Folarin Balogun.
Of these nine players mentioned, the biggest buzz will likely be around three men, Havertz, Rice, and Balogun. Havertz and Rice are newly hired guns to the London armory. Thus, this’ll be the first chance for many to see them suit up in the red and white uniform. As for Balogun, he’s one of the newest faces to the United States Men’s National Team. Therefore, the crowd will be clamoring for his appearance in this match. Whilst out on loan, Balogun dominated Ligue 1 last season as he scored 22 goals for Reims.
LSB Prediction
With an 8-7 record in favor of Europe over MLS, history shows us that this match is historically competitive, and much more so than what many would have thought. However, as aforementioned, Arsenal is in preseason mode, whereas the MLS All-Stars are in midseason form. As a result of this situation, the matches are finely balanced, which is what we’ll see again tonight. The MLS All-Stars will have a greater desire to win this match compared to the Gunners simply seeking quality scrimmage companionship en route to staying healthy ahead of the upcoming Premier League campaign. With that said, I’m still picking the Gunners, even with a well rotated squad that’s humming in second gear. Saka will strike early and Balogun will win it late. MLS All-Stars 1 - 2 Arsenal FC