The MLS All-Star Game that could have been

                                                                                  Photo by ISIphotos.com

It's okay to admit it. You aren't happy with this year's MLS All-Star Game. You were hoping for a Champions League title contender like Manchester United or Real Madrid instead of West Ham United (no offense, Hammers fans). You would almost have preferred to see an All-MLS game rather than this meaningless friendly.

You're not alone.

I said back when West Ham was announced that I wasn't a fan of the decision and if there was ever a year to go back to an All-MLS format, this was it. But no, I'm not advocating the old East vs. West format, though such a game would have provided some good storylines and still would have sold out BMO Field. I have a few new twists on the All-MLS All-Star Game.

Let's start with a USA vs. the World All-Star Game format. Who wouldn't want to see that, particularly now that there are more foreign players in the league than ever before. Here is what the two teams might look like in such a format:

MLS USA ALL-STAR TEAM

----------Landon Donovan-------Kenny Cooper------------

--------------------------Sacha Kljestan----------------------

Robbie Rogers----------------------------------Steve Ralston

----------------------------Maurice Edu------------------------

-Wade Barrett---------------------------------Frankie Hejduk

-------------Michael Parkhurst-----Jimmy Conrad--------------

------------------------------Matt Reis----------------------------

MLS WORLD ALL-STAR TEAM

-------------Luciano Emilio-----------Jaime Moreno-------------

--------------------------Cuauhtemoc Blanco----------------------

Dwayne DeRosario--------------------------------David Beckham

-----------------------------Shalrie Joseph-------------------------

Gonzalo Segares--------------------------------------Jim Brennan

----------------Bakary Soumare------Facundo Erpen-------------

-----------------------------Pat Onstad-----------------------------

Now, the only problem with this set-up is the fact that this year's game is in Toronto, meaning that the fans at BMO Field would surely be rooting for the World Team, which would create an odd scene at an MLS All-Star game (nothing U.S. national team veterans haven't dealt with before).

With this in mind, here is my next variation, a CONCACAF against the World match. Yes, it would tilt toward CONCACAF, but wouldn't be a complete mismatch:

ALL-CONCACAF TEAM

----------Landon Donovan---------------Kenny Cooper------

--------------------------Cuauhtemoc Blanco------------------

Robbie Rogers----------------------------------Steve Ralston

----------------------------Shalrie Joseph-----------------------

Gonzalo Segares--------------------------------Frankie Hejduk

-------------Michael Parkhurst-----Jimmy Conrad------------

------------------------------Matt Reis----------------------------

ALL-REST OF THE WORLD TEAM

-------------Luciano Emilio-----------Jaime Moreno-------------

--------------------------Marcelo Gallardo-------------------------

Guillermo Barros Schelotto----------------------David Beckham

----------------------------Carl Robinson---------------------------

Gonzalo Martinez-----------------------------------Jamison Olave

----------------Bakary Soumare------Facundo Erpen-------------

-----------------------------Bouna Coundoul----------------------

What do you think of these alternatives? Would you have preferred them to the West Ham friendly? Share your thoughts and what format you would like to have seen the All-Star Game take in the comments section below.

Comments

[Jonathan]

It wasn't possible to invite big Argentine or Brazilian clubs? Surely they must view an All Star game to be lucrative.

[Dannyc58]

Regardless its an exhibition, that the other team doesn't take very seriously.

I find it comical how out of place people are by this game.

And can people please focus their anger at MLS for their choice, and leave the West Ham bashing out of it? They were offered the game, and its good for branding. No reason to rip West Ham to shreds.

But without hyperbole we wouldn't ever read comments, I guess.

[Garrett]

US v. North America like the NHL format

[Ives]

Danny, a pre-emptive West Ham bashing response? Nice.

Folks, please refrain from bashing West Ham and focus on potential alternative all-star game formats.

[Ives]

And I fixed the DeRosario thing. The hazards of copy and paste.

[j]

how about don't have this stupid game? Play a league game and give the players off during international dates.

[frank from sf]

ives- you have to put dero's in th e all-concacaf.

[Dannyc58]

Ives,

thanks for helping, West Ham can be bashed. I'm just hoping we qualify for Europe after this season, and you might have to kick me off the website I'll be so annoying!

I understand West Ham being a disappointing choice, and don't disagree. But no reason to rip my club to shreds...be mad at the MLS for offering it!

[Kaiser]

@j

brilliant!

[Betinho]

USA v world would be fun to watch. I'd even prefer East v West. Instead of West Ham how about the USWNT to help them prepare for the Olympics?

[j]

sorry, don't mean to sound negative but this is like a friendly during the regular season (pointless)

[Dannyc58]

I'm with J. I couldn't care less that NYRB are playing Barca too. I guess part of this is that I don't care for exhibitions much at all.

[anotherbodymurdered]

The NHL used to do North America (aka USA/Canada) v. the rest of the world but they went back to East v. West a few seasons ago.

[Jonathan]

Not bashing West Ham, but I question the end game intent of the league regarding the All Star games. What kind of demographic is the league trying to attract? Fulham, Chelsea, Celtic, and West Ham suggest that the league is trying to attract the demo that watches the U.K leagues.

Am I alone in guessing that a major team from Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, or even Japan would not bring the same results?

[Steve]

100 bucks says Dean Ashton gets hurt on the turf.

[wtf]

The All-Star game should be scrapped altogether!!!

[MetroTard]

What, you don't think West Ham fans are disappointed their pre-season opponents are MLS All Stars? That door swings both ways...

[Brant]

while it may seem pointless, the bottom line is that American audiences expect some sort of all-star game, and it gives the league a chance to showcase itself a bit to both the US audience (where it'll get mentioned in the sports media) and to the int'l audience (at least the fans of the team coming to play).
In that respect, I don't think it's a bad thing.

And if Fulham can be the all-star opponent, we can certainly stop griping about West Ham, eh? I know Fulham got the gig b/c of the McBride-Columbus connection, but it's not like they were a Champions League contender or something.

[Fumar]

Is there a skills competition that goes along with this game? I've always been more interested in the aim for a target thing the NHL did or the throw to moving targets thing that the NFL does than the actual All-Star games. The game itself is always a disappointment and a waste of time. But if it can fill a stadium then I'm all for doing whatever brings more money in for the league.

[Betinho]

Steve, Would that be US or Canadian?

[MLS Fan]

Ives,

Toronto fans rooting for the int'l team a problem? Well the majority will be rooting for West Ham since we will not be pulling for Donovan, Beckham & Co so that would be no different.

[KingSnake]

Skills competition? Like "prepare to receive ball before it is passed rather than madly hacking it under under pressure after poor first touch"?

[Will]

Wouldn't be the end of the world if MLS world team got cheered one year and MLS USA got cheered every other year. Those are some great suggestions Eves. I thought it would be interesting to see an MLS all star team against an all star team from the Carribean. There are some good players in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago etc. It could probably only be a one time thing, but would be interesting.

[Thomas]

Rather than an all-star break I would prefer to see the league have a date set aside for each team to host an international team...so West Ham plays Toronto the same weekend NY plays Barcelona and all the other teams find good international teams to play that weekend. I think that would do more to raise the profile of each team and the league domestically and abroad.

[Will]

Make that Ives, not Eves. I'm going to use this all star break to learn how to spell.

[kco]

Ditch the All-Star game, create an All-Star Skills Competition.
Hardest shot, on goal accuracy, 1v1 juggling battle tourney (that would be awesome!), goal keeper whatever, there's tons of fun stuff that can be done without dumbing it down as a pointless, unprofessional, mid-season $$$ making, marketing show. ok, so maybe pointless, but USA gets to keep it's mid-summer All-Star tradition without the pointless match. How about it?

[John Giles]

With this format you would have to change the dates too. To many MLS games in close proximity datewise. No MLS coach would release a player for something they consider not essential to their job security.

At least the current format has an element of unknown about it, rather than being in bred.

And how Schelotto is not within your "world all star team" is beyond me. Is anyone REALLY watching?

[Cabrito]

Get rid of the All-Star game! The schedule is already cluttered with tournaments and US Open Cup. Here's an idea....instead of the All-Star game, use that extra weekend for a true international date for WC qualifiers. I know...that's crazy talk.

[Gilly73]

Hum, a skills competition, now that would bring a little more excitement to the MLS All-Star game. Just be sure to include the visiting team in this competition.

EVENTS:

TARGET PRACTICE: setup 4 targets in goal and give 4 shots to hit them

HARDEST/FASTEST SHOT: get a radar gun out for this ripping event from the spot (must include a target to hit to ensure accuracy)

1 on 1: here the forwards get a chance to go 1 on 1 with the keeper (variation on this event 2 Attackers vs. 1 Defender & a Keeper)

FASTEST ALL-STAR: This would be a timed race from one end of the field to the other (other variations could include cones to dribble the ball around while racing)

LONGEST GOAL KICK: give the keepers a chance to show off their big legs and see who can kick it the furthest (variations would include targets on the pitch that keepers hit for points)

PENELTY KICK's: this one is a no brainer

and finally (I'm sure you all think I'm nuts)

BEST GOAL CELEBRATION: let the fun begin!

[tsingletonvt]

I do not mind an All Star game as an idea, but I have big problems with a mid season, mid week all star game. The risk of injury, adding to an already crowded schedule, players skipping the game or not being motivated to play, awful halftime acts, etc... The solution I would love to see would be something like the following:

1) Play the game the week after the MLS Cup game (Similar to the NFL's Super Bowl and Pro Bowl). This prevents all star game injuries from impacting the current season. It also allows for long term travel planning for fans of any team. This also recognizes the efforts of players over the entire season.

2) Play the game at a destination location as a reward for players (Similar to the NFL's Super Bowl and Pro Bowl). Perhaps the destination is Wembley and the game can be used to showcase MLS talent abroad? The league might now like that idea, but the players might. Once again, this destination game might lead to fans planning to attend in a famous world soccer location. If the destination is not a famous soccer destination, perhaps it can be a rewarding vacation destiantion (Hawaii)?

3) The game can be between two MLS all star teams (world vs. US, CONCACAF vs. US, etc...) or between an MLS All Star team and an in season local team. The idea of playing an in season team, in front of scouts, a month before a transfer window might motivate players. I can understand that local teams might not be interested in this type of game.

[paul Lorinczi]

GET RID OF THE ALLSTAR GAME!

IT IS A DUMB FORMAT THAT IS MEANINGLESS!

Replace it with the US Open Cup final. Elevate the US Open Cup. It has Hoosiers, Rudy, The Game of their Lives qualities that any sports marketing person with half a brain could promote.

F*&# the All-Star game!

(Now you know how I feel about it).

[From the North End]

scrap this game...who likes All-star games anyways?
btw - check the TFC supporters group chat boards -they are planning a protest during this game! nice!

MLS - coordinate your schedule with FIFA and give players days off on International delegated days would be a smart move too...

that way you don't get big stars not appearing for games due to call-ups (which is wreaking havoc on MLS sides this year with WC qualifers and Olympics)

[JSquaredNY]

I think that Gilly should be in charge of the MLS All Star Events.

[William the Terror]

Actually, these are very entertaining ideas. I have another. Judging from the results in the U.S. Open Cup the last two weeks, why not a game with MLS All-Stars v. USL All Stars. I put that at 6-5 odds on the USL.

[Tony in Quakeland]

danny:

Saw the header and wiced on your behalf.

[EDB]

should be like what the NHL did.. North America vrs the world.. but really I think they should do away with it..

or do a friendly tour at the end of the season when other squads are more fit

[Adam M.]

The game we should get, and there really is no debate about this, is MLS v. Euro All-Stars. European club teams are on break, their top stars are free, and in fact, do compete in charity games all over the place, including the US. Surely MLS can get UEFA to field a respectable side from the wealth of available European-based talent. Surely this match would be more enjoyable than West Ham (no offense) or some watered down version of a better side, even if said Euro squad never took the field together before (and maybe for that very reason). Surely Tierry Henry and others looking to dip their boots into MLS waters would play. Surely Beckham would love to test himself against his old friends. Answer this question: is the MLS All-Star games, as currently constituted, more or less likely to be as entertaining as that pickup game was in Chinatown a few weeks ago? If South America weren't in the middle of its season, I'd even suggest a rotation with their club All-Stars.

[jloome]

Yeah, the All-Star game's going to be interesting, with upwards of a 1,000 people wearing black protest shirts and sitting throughout the game to protest the possible conversion of BMO Field into a joint-use facility for the CFL team.

On top of that, pretty much every fan will be cheering West Ham. We hate most of the MLS all-stars; they're our opponents. This is football. We're not going to cheer Beckham! Are you mad?!?! We'd rather see Dean Ashton score a double hattrick then accidentally-on-purpose take Donovan out for the rest of the season.

[victor]

would definitely prefer a usa vs world over a mls vs ____. it'd be nice to see if eventually in the future it could be configured in various ways such as eastern hemisphere vs western hemisphere. or northern hemisphere (north america, europe, asia) vs sourthern (south america, africa, oceanic).

[Robert]

Kudos on the CONCACAF vs World... I also like MLS vs Euro All-stars. Much more fantasy in that one.

[Gilly73]

Adam M.

I think your idea is a great one however I'm pretty sure Clubs wouldn't agree to let their players participate in an event like that.

Most contracts do not allow certain activities that could get a player injured anyway so this idea just wouldn't ever fly.

[YakimaShorty]

I like the current format. It has a better chance of attracting the fan who is unfamiliar with the MLS. Plus, I like the idea of having one elite MLS team. I think it's exciting to pit the cream of the MLS crop against the world's best clubs.

[Dannyc58]

haha, thanks for the support Tony...

[Jay]

What about a fan picked team vs. a coaches/media select team (with whoever is left over after fan voting)?

Yeah, OK, that's probably dumb.

[cam]

i like thomas's idea. frankly, the all star game is a joke. but, frendlies against intl powers is a good thing for exposure. its also great timing as all the euro teams are in training now. it also makes no sense to compete against mlb's all star game, which will always be way more popular in the us.

usa vs. world isnt a bad idea either, better than east vs. west, and way better than playing wet spam.

[srfinger]

Was it just me, or was the All Star game versus Chelsea the best ever. Dero's classy goal...

Sure the schedule is crazy, but done right these matches can be good for the league.

I dont think "Well in Europe they dont have allstar games" is a valid reason to scrap it.

Let the league try and get big clubs, and when that fails move down the ladder. Some years you get the Hammers and others you get Chelsea.

At least in these types of matches something is on the line.

In terms of US v World MLS. The world is always at a disadvantage, because most of the US players have played or at least trained together at USMNT camps. After a few goals its not interesting anymore.

[Stuart Beckett]

PLEASE!! Let's do away with this All-Star nonsense. Do we really need this?

[srfinger]

I also agree with folks who suggested trying to find Argentine or Brazilian squads depending on whether or not they are in preseason yet.

[northzax]

you know what would be fun? besides the all-star game which is just going to happen? an all-Developmental game. reserves, regulars, whatever, as long as they are technically developmental players, let's see what they can do. they work for peanuts, after all.

[Lee]

Major League Soccer All Stars versus Mexican League All Stars.
Use it as a spring-board into SuperLiga.

Lee

[HomeyBoehme]

I'm with Thomas as well. I don't see any reason that all MLS teams couldn't organize some team from Europe/England to come play a warm up match over here.

Other than that scrap All-star games for all sports. (Baseball can keep theirs because they stand around or sit in the dugout 75% of the time anyway.)

Am intrigued about the protest by the TFC supporters. I guess I'm curious what the opposition is to the field share? BMO field gets used for concerts too, right? And it's not like the field is grass so the CFL isn't going to tear the shreds out of it.

Besides, stadiums are all about money and the owners are going to get as much money as they can out of it. It's not like you aren't going to show up to watch TFC every week because there is a field share happening.

[Javier]

i had never thought of an MLS All-CONCACAF team, but i think it's brilliant.

Lee, the idea of MLS All-Stars vs Mexican League All-Stars is also a good one, but I don't think it would generate enough publicity (a key component of these games), or at least not as much as some of the other ones we've seen.

[Fumar]

I love that idea. Play up the Mexican American Rivalry. Love it.

[KingSnake]

American vs. World Referees match, refereed by MLS players and coaches

[HomeyBoehme]

wow...disregard what I said about the TFC protest. (That's what I get for not researching before posting...sorry boys.)

It sounds like if the ground share happens they will have to renovate the stadium and add the dreaded football lines to the turf.

[Mark]

wow...disregard what I said about the TFC protest. (That's what I get for not researching before posting...sorry boys.)

It sounds like if the ground share happens they will have to renovate the stadium and add the dreaded football lines to the turf.
-------------------------------------------

Does anyone care? No

[Chg]

If you want to preserve HFA, US/Canada vs. the world would be a more even matchup. As much as it bothers Canadians, the main difference between the two (apart from Quebec) is our northern neighbors tendency to remind everyone that they're not American at every opportunity.

[Kim]

USA v World

Who gives a _____ if Toronto would be cheering for the World side

If I am way off on this

then

North America v World

[josh]

@Chg-Yeah, the funny thing about Canadians is that they think they are from a whole other country. :)

Until MLS starts recognizing int'l dates this All-Star thing is ridiculous. We can get everyone to jump through hoops for the sake of conforming to an American Sports mentality, but we cannot assist our own players in achieving international success.

[Aljarov]

There already has, and will be more, bigger cliubs than WHU playing MLS sides this season...why then is this supposed to be an All Star game? Stars on the Hammers are few and far between....like Fulham all over again, minus the Americans.

[cam]

lee, you might be on to something. i like that idea a lot.

[Ryan]

I like the idea of US vs. The World. I think the MLS should do a three day things like the other sports. Have mini games with the players one day. Have a celebrity game (who wouldnt want to see celelbrities suck it up on tv). Then cap it off with the actual game. I would love that.

[Alan]

The MLS v Mexico Primera all-stars is a great idea.

I'm going because I already bought the tickets along with my TFC season tickets but frankly, between having West Ham as the opponent and having no TFC players on the roster (neither of which I could have known when I bought my tickets in November), my interest has diminished considerably.

[Dylan]

The fact that you don't even mention an RSL player is disgusting.

Javier Morales has the 2nd most assists in MLS. Nick Rimando is having his best year ever. Nat Borchers has been rock solid.

Yet nothing...

[Dylan]

AS of now, i'm not watching the All-Star game because of the RSL snubs.

[Gene]

I would prefer the league dumps this game completely. It's a glorified exhibition that is at once aimed at extracting $$ and is also a misguided attempt to get PR from a victory over a "European" team (the fact they are all in an offseason form does not often get mentioned).

[Mel]

I cannot wait to see what the BMO crazziees do for this game...that will be the highlight of the night! I would love to see them cheer for the Hammeers and whats with the MLS and their cover up with the black kits (which are ugly)?

[Russ]

a USA all-stars vs. mexico all-stars would be a game that both sides would take seriously, something that past MLS all-star games have lacked (it's preseason for all those euro teams...why risk getting your best players hurt? plus, they aren't in peak condition yet). the rivalry between the national teams is only just the beginning of a USA-mexico soccer rivalry, i feel. why can't it extend to the club level, or in this case, to the all-stars of these club teams?

i also like thomas' idea about each team finding an int'l opponent. this would be a great time for RSL to play real madrid, maybe colorado could play arsenal since these clubs seem to be loosely linked, chivas USA versus the chivas in mexico? the possibilities are endless here, and it would raise awareness of MLS soccer MUCH more so than an all-star game against a mediocre EPL team would.

[Lee]

Why do we even have an all-star game. Its just retarded.