Welcome back to the MLS Multiplex, part of your essential FanSided Network of sports awesomeness, 24/7/365, for another part of our series of reflections on the 19 MLS All-Star Games that have taken place. Today, we look back at the 2002 MLS All-Star Game, which took place on August 3, 2002, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Brian Hall was the man in charge of this contest, which drew 31,096 in the pouring rain of the nation’s capital.
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This was the only time, ever, in which an MLS All-Star Team was picked to face the United States Men’s National Team. The USA were coming off a strong performance at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, and were looking to showcase their form from a Top 16 finish. However, Major League Soccer’s teams were also improving in their form and quality, and were hoping to even the playing field a bit.
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Notable players on the 2002 USA Men’s National Team included Tony Meola, Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos, Cobi Jones, Pablo Mastroeni, DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan and Brian McBride. As for the MLS All-Stars, they had players that didn’t get a chance to play for the USA, as well as international talent. The MLS All-Stars for this match included Tim Howard, Mike Petke, Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Ralston, Chris Klein, Carlos Valderrama, Taylor Twellman, Marco Etcheverry, Jason Kreis and Carlos Ruiz.
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Donovan opened up the scoring in the 57th minute after a defensive first half saw both sides go empty handed at the break. Kreis evened up the score in the 59th minute of play, and then in the 72nd minute, it was Etcheverry who put the MLS All-Stars in front, 2-1. Four minute later, Jones equalized to make it 2-2, but Steve Ralston was the hero for the MLS All-Stars with the match-winner in the 81st minute of play for a 3-2 victory.
The MLS Multiplex continues its look back at the MLS All-Star Games that have taken place tomorrow with its reflections on the 2003 MLS All-Star Game. You don’t want to miss this.