The 2008 MLS All-Star Game will be remembered not for the victory against West Ham, but for a collection of talent better than any we’ve seen in an all-star game before it.
When Landon Donovan and Juan Pablo Angel are coming off the bench in a game, you know there is some serious firepower on the roster. when Dwayne DeRosario can enter the game late and still work his magic despite being less than 24 hours from having played 90 minutes in Washington D.C., you know the game is special.
I don’t put too much stock into the whole "Beating West Ham legitimizes MLS" thinking. A result in a friendly doesn’t do that. Strong teams, good games, more star players and full stadiums do that. What last night’s game did was give the league a chance to show off a bit, and the game certainly accomplished that.
Here are some other observations from MLS All-Star week:
Cuauhtemoc Blanco stole the show. Yes, he’s easy to hate when he’s punching opponents, flopping and berating referees and opponents, but when Blanco does what he does best he truly is a special player. I get the sense that he was out to prove something on Thursday. Let’s face it, David Beckham gets most of the attention from non-Latino media and I’m sure Blanco can’t help but think to himself, "Hey, I’m a pretty good player too." He showed that and showed why he has been a great acquisition for MLS.
Dwayne DeRosario sent the crowd home happy. Not just because he scored the game-winner but because his 31 minutes of action were chock full of exciting plays. He gave everything he had to put on a show in front of his hometown fans and they showed him love for it. I know Toronto FC has Amado Guevara right now but I’m willing to bet good money that DeRosario is playing for Toronto FC next year.
DeRosario is 30 years old and you get the sense that he would love nothing more than to come back home. It also probably doesn’t hurt that MLS all but urged Toronto FC to deal the Brian McBride allocation to Chicago so McBride could come home. MLS will look pretty hypocritical if it doesn’t show the same enthusiasm for a DeRosario move back home to Toronto. Especially considering DeRosario has done far more for in MLS than McBride ever has. (One word can make all the difference. I meant no slight to McBride in the initial paragraph, should have written ‘in’ and not ‘for’. McBride is an MLS pioneer without question, but just as some feel he deserved special consideration with regards to his request to come home and play, I believe DeRosario has done enough in his career in MLS to merit the same treatment.)
Shalrie Joseph is too good for MLS. There, I said it. He didn’t do anything flashy like drop back-heels or blast a goal from distance, but he just gets the job done in central midfield. You almost got the sense early on that West Ham’s midfielders had given up trying to fight him for the ball because he’s just so tough to take off of it. He is on a new deal with MLS but told me he still holds on to dreams of playing in Europe. Thursday night showed us once again that Joseph could step into any league in the world and hold his own.
Jonathan Bornstein looked very sharp. He had a solid game and while I still don’t think he deserved the call-up he looked very dangerous getting forward and looks primed to get right back into the fight for the starting left back spot on the U.S. national team. it won’t be an easy fight. Heath Pearce enjoyed a strong run in the U.S. team’s most recent friendlies.
Juan Toja was adamant that no deal was done with Steaua Bucharest yet. He was pretty irate at having quotes attributed to him that he insisted were completely made up. He definitely wants to leave, and is desperate for the deal to be done, but he is rightfully concerned that premature talk about the deal could jeopardize it.
What were your favorite moments of the MLS All-Star game, eh? What stood out for you? Share your thoughts on the 2008 MLS All-Star Game Below.
Blanco scored a nice goal and had a good assist, but he didnt win many friends.
Beckham was furious with him halfway through the half. While Beckham was trying to string passes together and get everyone involved, Blanco insisted on holding it up and then forced things on his own. I thought til the pass to Gomez he may have been the worst player for MLS. Then he showed his skills on the two goals.
I dont know if its just that he didnt understand the allstar game or what, but he was the only guy on the pitch who looked like he wanted to be the star, and wasnt necessarily enjoying playing with other good players.
Then in is quotes after the match he barely mentioned other guys. Just “I did it for Mexico”.
Yes, he is a quality player and a great DP signing, but he still deserves to be the most hated guy in the league.
I thought Donovan mailed it in and if that’s all the effort he’s going to give then do us all a favor and stay home
I don’t know if there was any doubt about Bornstein being a good player. He is a top 3 left back in this league when healthy and probably a top 10 defender.
The issue was that the All-Star game should be for players who earned it with their play on the field.
The same goes for Toja and Angel: both good players, but neither had the credentials this season to compare to the players left out.
Couldn’t MLS have hooked up their all-stars with some nicer kits? The blue shorts with black shirts were hideous. I like the individual team patches on the shirts though.
“i agree with u on donovan. looked tentative, and unsure of himself. his first touch seemed off, and he seemed to be in a “past first, dribble second” mode. i know its just an all-star game, but he seems to disappear in some big games.”
Is a friendly a big game? By the way, here are Landon’s all-time playoff stats:
18 Games played, 14 goals, 7 assists.
He doesn’t play well in All-Star games? Here are those stats:
7 games played, 5 goals, 4 assists.
Also, U.S. / Mexico is probably the biggest game our national team consistently plays in, and he has always been lightning in a bottle against the Mexicans. That’s why they hate him so much (and something involving urine and a bush).
I think anyone who watched that game would have to admit that MLS has some talent; it was a very competitive entertaining game. I think you have to cut the MLS team some slack as well, most of those players have never played together, so the all important team chemistry is just not there. I think we have to give Nichol some credit also, I had reservations about his selections, but Bornstein and Toja where had great games. Toja helped as much as anyone controlling the midfield and Bornstein was attacking up the left flank all night.
Donovan didn’t have a great game, but it’s ridiculous to judge him on one game, give me a break people! He’s at his best when the game opens up a bit, so he can run at people, not jammed into a forward spot after West Ham had completely bunkered in. But last nights game was about getting as much talent on the field as possible. Your right, Donovan is a lousy target forward 🙂 But I’m sure he and Angel would have combined for a couple of goals given enough time.
I’d love to see DeRo in Toronto, but Toronto would have to give up a good young player at least I would think. I think Edu would fit in very nicely in Houston…
DL-
McBride was the FIRST EVER PICK in the MLS draft as well. Talk about value picks! I wont let people forget he is the greatest Forward ever from this league and for the US national team. Its going to be sad to see McBride in MLS not in the black and gold. At least it isnt Toronto. McBride is the one player I wont boo when he comes to Columbus
guys they mentioned it several times last night , that donovan wasn’t 100% . thats one of the reasons nicol did not play him right of the bat. i’m a quakes fan i hate donovan and the galaxy, BUT it’s F@#KING old hearing about how weak he is. he’s the best american player and would run circles around any idiot posting here. people …let…..it….GO!! damn.
Jordan – as a fellow Columbus-ite (Columbusian? Columbusor?) I agree with you entirely about McBride. He was one of the fundamental players who helped set the foundation for the MLS, and though there may have been higher scorers in the league at the time (Diaz Arce, Lassiter, et al) McBride was THE class forward in the MLS while he played. I remember watching McBride at the ‘Shoe back in the day – he was a man among boys.
Some people have short memories.
Mig22
I am bitter this years negativity towards my team is getting to me. But it is absolute farce to say DeRo has done more for MLS. Ives does anything he can to prop up NY and Toronto, and since Toronto is not getting McBride and Chicago is, Ives is going to try to diss McBride. Ives hates Chicago because they didnt lie down and let NY have Conde and now their getting McBride from his new favorite Toronto
DeRo is a slave.
Sharlie Joseph is a slave.
I go out of my way to not watch MLS matches, but I have to say I’m impressed. The MLS select made West Ham look really primitive.
Shalrie Joseph looked like he could play in the French, Dutch, and Portuguese leagues while Donovan demonstrated why he is still an MLS caliber player.
Jordan, you sound bitter. 🙂 And I agree with you about McBride.
Donovan looked lousy last night but it was an exhibition thus who really cares? If you field a team of MLS players and he’s not starting, then it’s obvious that nobody cares much about the result. But yes, he didn’t have much to do with the flow of things last night.
DeRo has done more than McBride? Are you high? McBride is one of the 5 most important players in this league EVER and if you cant see that then you have a problem. O I forgot, he played in Columbus so that doesnt count since the rest of the league acts like we dont exist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Steaua_BucureÅŸti
Wikipedia has Toja on the roster of Steaua Bucharest. It must be true. 😛
Yeah, i too thought Bornstein played exceptionaly well, in fact i think he should have been strongly considered as the MVP. But Blanco’s goal and assist was too much to ignore.
It also should be said that Dean Ashton should have recived some support for MVP as well.
Overall the ASG was entertaining, i have no complaints.
Shalrie was beat more than once by Parker last night. I don’t think watching him lag behind and not catch up to the play is going to impress many in the Premiership. He makes Frankie look like an Olympic sprinter.
Outstanding game and great coverage by ESPN last night.
I know I’m opening a can a worms with my next statement but the streamers have to go period. I found the fans to be extremely rude when the commissioner was being interviewed at half time by ESPN and streamers were being thrown at him.
Besides the streamers, it was great quality soccer.
I’m pretty sure Sepp Blatter will proclaim that DeRo should be allowed to go to TFC *if he wants to.* Otherwise its modern slavery or something.
I still remember the TFC v Houston game in Toronto last year. DeRo’s family bought a whole section and filled it with orange-clad DeRo support. The supporters groups responded by chanting “Who the hell is DeRo” for the whole game.
Houston doesn’t deserve DeRo. They don’t really appreciate him. Besides that, all his comments in the last year about Toronto imply he wants to move back there.
Posted by:MLS Watcher | July 25, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Houston Season ticket holder here saying that we do deserve to have him here!!!!!! He happens to be my favorite player on the team, regarding his salary I think we (Fans) all agree he deserves more but that’s not a Houston issue it’s a AEG/Galaxy issue. Get it right Play Boy.
Why, why, why did Joseph get capped by Grenada?!
I know – he had no idea that he would ever be in a position to get capped by the US – but still…
If he holds out for the US cap, he’s an unquestioned starter in the midfield for the US right now, and exactly the kind of player they need.
Plus – if he was a regular Nat – I think the MLS lets him go overseas. Otherwise, it’s of no use to them to let him go.
Kpugs is absolutely right. West Ham plays, what, 38+ games together a season and the MLS All-Stars are together for 2, maybe 3, days tops. MLS should have killed West Ham.
What new rule will MLS make up to weasel DeRosario to Toronto?
Yeah, the “Houston doesn’t deserve DeRo” nonsense is ridiculous. The only MLS game I’ve had the chance to go to this year was the Houston vs. NY game in Houston a while back and they handed out posters of DeRo and Ching to the crowd on the way in. They love him there – the number of DeRo jerseys in the stands proved it as well.
And Ives, your contention that “DeRosario has done far more for MLS than McBride ever has” is, at best, an exaggeration. If we’re talking about their play on the field, they both were/have been excellent. So for DeRo to have done far more for MLS than McBride, something off the field has to be in play, right?
McBride went to Fulham and kicked ass – he showed the type of player that MLS can produce – remember, if we’re talking about doing “far more” for the league, we must also be talking about perception of the league itself. That’s far more of a contribution than DeRo can ever do, unless he similarly leaves the league himself and have that sort of success. I’m not saying he can’t do that, but it certainly hasn’t been done yet. I’m willing to bet that a lot of soccer fans all over the world know that McBride came from MLS. Do they even know who DeRo is? So how has he done “far more” than McBride for the league?
I’ve often believed that MLS’s first step to true legitimacy is when they can put together an All-Star side that could meaningfully compete in a top European league. The opponent doesn’t really matter in that equation, but last night MLS side hit that mark. No, the All-Stars aren’t Chelsea. But that collection of talent was flat better than West Ham, and not just in the context of a friendly (and that doesn’t include McBride). With Becks and Blanco in the league, it was also the first time I could see why an European side might actually look forward to being on the pitch with a MLS side. You don’t think all those young West Ham players didn’t have Beckham posters on their walls when they were kids? Or that some probably still do?
It is true that MLS probably needs at least five more Becks-Blanco level talents (particularly on defense) to have the kind of depth that good European side’s have, and MLS really should ratchet up the pressure on teams to use their DP slots before they consider more expansion. But MLS arrived in a way last night.
Bill,
They don’t call him “Stoner” for nothing.
Paul and Adam, agree with you both. Donovan basically disappeared. If he can’t dazzle with Becks delivering against a preseason EPL team, I’m not sure that England is the place for him. Also, this game reminded us of the size and speed in the EPL. These guys are huge. Donovan was lost.
I think Perki made the correct decision with placing Bornstein as a left mid. Yes, he looked very good going forward last night and put some very dangerous balls into the box which should have led to a couple of assists if someone could have put a head or a foot on it. His defense still needs a lot of work. Faubert (#20 I think), the right mid, had his way with John on the other end of the field. For the most part, I don’t rate Bornstein that highly but as a left mid, he could do pretty well given his attacking abilities (but he will be behind Rogers in the national team picture for many a year since he is only 21).
J – re: ESPN coverage. I made my girlfriend watch the game and we both were dying when Rob Stone had “Bitchy” the hawk on his hand. That was great comedy. I don’t want to get in a bitchfest about the commentating but…the play by play guy is really aweful. He’s been on the gig for awhile now and still doesn’t seem to be progressing in his knowledge of the game.
My reaction to the All-Star Game: what was Rob Stone smoking last night? On live television aired all over the world, he spit corn out on the BMO floor, said the words “God-dangit” and “Bitchy” (multiple times), celebrated hitting a fan in the head with a streamer much like a 10-year-old would, and then, when given an opportunity to interview Blanco, asked him about Beckham. Priceless.
paul-
i agree with u on donovan. looked tentative, and unsure of himself. his first touch seemed off, and he seemed to be in a “past first, dribble second” mode. i know its just an all-star game, but he seems to disappear in some big games.
i know ppl with disagree with me on this, but its just my opinion.
Wow, “Houston doesn’t deserve DeRo?” The fans freaking love DeRo down here. He and Ching are the faces of the team and adored by the fans. You might be able to make the case the DeRo should be paid more, but that’s out of our hands.
Back off that Houston doesn’t deserve DeRo crap! What does that even mean?
I DeRo out of contract with the Dynamo? Would Houston have to trade him? Houston has Holden waiting in the wings and if the Dynamo could get a RB (Wynne?) and some other things back from TFC that wouldn’t be too bad.
Houston doesn’t deserve DeRo? Huh? Houston is a very well supported team, a support base which continues to grow. TFC isn’t the only team with a good fanbase, and they certainly didn’t write the book on the subject.
I get as irritated as anyone at Blanco’s antics on the field (the flopping, the complaining, the chippiness), especially when he’s playing against RSL, but I’ve got to give him props. He did not come to the league as a retirement gig. He puts in 100% everytime he plays and he has passion. From what I’ve read, he has been a good teammate for his Chicago teammates. He has been great for Chicago and and for the MLS in general.
It was an all-star game. It’s not going to do much to hurt or help the image of the league at all. When the all stars beat Chelsea a couple years ago, did people all of a sudden say, “hey, MLS is a legitimate league”? Not at all. We’re still looked at as and called “Micky Mouse” — sometimes fairly, sometimes by people who have double standards and no idea what they’re talking about — by a very large portion of the national and international population. No all-star game is ever going to change that — nor should it.
Houston doesn’t deserve DeRo. They don’t really appreciate him. Besides that, all his comments in the last year about Toronto imply he wants to move back there.
Did Donovan look tentative?
There were a few times that he just did not have the touch in tight space, or his timing was off.
I am still not sure he could make it in the EPL. He looked a little nervous like he was at a tryout.
Is anyone too good for MLS? Players are just good players, unless you get bored of easily beating the $hit out of everyone I don’t see how that can be correct, specially for a player like Joseph. Keep in mind Ives there are players for each league and category; some great MLS players have failed the test overseas (And vice versa I know). Is Messi too good for La Liga? No, he’s a wonderful player IN La Liga…say no more.
It hurts to say it but if there’s one player that has shown consitantly that’s above everyone else and refuses to challenge himself by going to Europe is Landon Donovan.
I thought Shalrie was a little tentative to initiate contact last night, as opposed to his usual self in a regular season game. Totally understandable since no one should be getting hurt in an all-star game. It’s amazing to watch him control play and possession in the middle. I know, I play holding mid myself. He absolutely dominated Pachuca a week or so ago. He makes it look so nonchalant when he takes the ball and moves it back the other way.
I think DeRo would go home to Toronto at some point, but I wonder if he would leave while Houston is still a good contender. Especially right now since TFC already has a guy who plays the same position – Guevara.
I can’t see how this game could have possibly helped improve the view of our league abroad.
Sure the all-starts probably played better than West Ham overall, and were rewarded with the win.
Having said that, this is a group of our best players in the entire league. West Ham spend money like they’re one of the “big four,” and never have anything to show for it in terms of winning. If you ask me MLS should have destroyed them, not scraped by 3-2.
I think over here in England, people watching it were extremely impressed by Shalrie Joseph.
I feel for him, as 2 decisions he’s made off the pitch have probably stopped him reaching the heights his ability should have taken him to.
The first was to play for Grenada rather than the USNT, and the second was to sign that new long-term deal at New England a few years ago.
Really, Ives? Feeding the TFC trolls?
Don’t get me wrong – DeRo will play at TFC at some point, but next year?
I don’t think TFC has enough of value to trade for DeRo and the league is WAY past the days of proclaiming a player transfer without the team’s consent.
Hope you are right about DeRo coming to Toronto. Although Blanco did well in the 1st half DeRosario made a real impact when he came in & would have been a worthy MVP.
Angel looked excellent (that goal that was called off was a beaut) – here’s hoping Rojas he gets excellent service from the Bulls for the 2nd half…
I think you are overstating Joseph’s effectiveness. He was burned for pace by Parker multiple times. At one point in the second half he was beaten so badly that he arrived late and reached out to grab Parker’s shoulder. It looked very poor. I agree that Shalrie is a monster on the ball, but does he have the pace to play in the Premiership? I just don’t see it. And at 30, what club in Europe is going to sign him? I find the notion that people like Joseph or Mastroeni have a shot in Europe to be a joke. Certainly not top flight teams would take them on…what would be the point?
On a different note, the ESPN coverage was a riot. But i don’t know if that was good or bad. The whole Rob Stone being a dork routine is really weak, but I did find myself laughing throughout the broadcast…more like laughing at them than with them.
But the worst howler of the coverage was during a halftime rejoin when they showed “highlights” of the three goals. Instead of actually showing the goals, they showed closeups of the celebrations! Just what every fan wants to see! Instead of replaying Blanco’s backheel or great little touch and shot they were showing sweaty men hugging each other. awesome!
DeRo and S. Joseph have been the two best players in MLS over the last five years. After not getting the contracts they both deserved until this season, I was very pleased to see them both get some love last night on Telefutura and ESPN instead of it being a total Blanco (TF) or Beckham (ESPN) hypefest.
ives … you made my morning with your dero to toronto prediction. i’ve said it since tfc announced their mls team. “dero needs to come home”
I think Angel also looks healthy and proved that if he has service he can be dangerous.
I also think the all stars could have scored another goal or two, but the players looked scared they would be accused of being selfish if they didn’t make ill advised passes to lay off for someone else to shoot.