Editorial: Looking Back On the 2003 MLS All-Star Game (VIDEO)
This is the MLS Multiplex on the FanSided Network, and today, we continue our look back at the 19 MLS All-Star Games that have taken place throughout Major League Soccer’s long, yet short, history. Today, we reflect on the 2003 MLS All-Star Game, which took place on my 19th birthday, Aug. 2, 2003, at the StubHub Center (then known as the Home Depot Center), in Carson, Calif. Kevin Terry was the man in the middle for this match, which drew a sellout crowd of 27,000 strong.
More from MLS News
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- The Chicago Fire does not deserve your support anymore
- Heading to America: Alexis Sanchez Aims for New Horizons in American or Mexican Soccer
- Ethan Horvath: The Bridge Between Two Worlds in Soccer
Perhaps this was the inspiration for the doomed project known to all of us as Chivas USA, but Club Deportivo Guadalajara was the first-ever international club opponent to take on the best in MLS. Or, THE MLS, as some consider it to be. I use it often myself, channeling my faux hipster mentality, because we all know that simply calling MLS “MLS” is, mainstream. If you know what I mean.
Live Feed
FanSided
Anyway, the MLS All-Stars were led by a competent lineup of faces, including Kevin Hartman, Eddie Pope, Carlos Bocanegra, Frankie Hejduk, Landon Donovan, Chris Armas, Preki, Mauricio Cienfuegos, DaMarcus Beasley, Ante Razov, Carlos Ruiz, and a couple of talking heads in Kyle Martino and Taylor Twellman. (Sorry Kyle and Taylor, I had to snark that in, both of you; cop that.) This is a lineup you would normally see at a big-name club in Europe, minus the chemistry.
More from MLS Multiplex
- Javier Milei Elected in Argentina: Potential Impacts on MLS and Signings of Argentine Players
- Orlando City and New York City FC in the Battle for Matías Arezo; Grêmio Enters Negotiations! Who Will Come Out on Top?
- USA, Honduras, Panama, and Canada Close in on a Spot in the 2024 Copa America
- De Gea Turns Down Al-Nassr’s Lucrative Offer: Speculation Points to Possible Reunion with Messi at Inter Miami
- Messi’s Magnetic Impact in the United States
Chivas (yes, the REAL Chivas, not that imposter side that is out of sight, out of mind as of right this very moment) were no slouches either. They had some aces in Oswaldo Sanchez, Omar Bravo, Carlos Salcido (not to be confused with the future Chivas youngster via future club Real Salt Lake in Carlos Salcedo of one decade plus later), Jair Garcia, Ramon Ramirez and Miguel Sabah.
The MLS All-Star pounced on the physical Guadalajara outfit early with a goal from Razov in the 57th minute after a defensive standoff in the first half. Garcia equalized in the 66th minute to make it 1-1. But goals from Ruiz (68′) and Beasley (74′) slammed the door shut on Chivas to give the MLS All-Stars a deserved 3-1 victory. Ruiz was named Man of the Match for his heroics.
Tomorrow, your MLS Multiplex rolls on with its ongoing series of reflections on the MLS All-Star Game with a look back at the 2004 edition. Keep it right here on the Plex, part of FanSided, for coverage of the 2015 Major League Soccer season.