It took MLS a while to get the formula right for these All-Star games, but in the opinion of FXI, it has been pretty much perfect the last three years -- and four of the last five -- when the league decided to pit its best against an established team from outside the U.S. Gone are the old Rock and Jock style games that took on a comical flavor. Gone are the days of Tony Meola at forward and Rob Stone on the field with a microphone. Thank goodness. Anyway, here's a First XI of what makes the current All-Star games fantastic. And why I'll be locked in Thursday night.
11. Saves. In one of the wildest All-Star Games ever, in 2001 in San Jose, my most vivid memory is of Timmy Howard -- then just a 22-year old kid -- standing on his head. As the Western Conference pelted his net with leather in the second half, Howard made one ridiculous save after another. For the 45 minutes, he recorded 14 saves. However, this was back in the days of the defense-free All-Star Games and, 14 saves proved to be not enough as Landon Donovan's injury time goal earned the West a 6-6 draw.
10. Fans. Year in and year out, the fans of MLS put their best foot forward for this celebration of soccer. From the inaugural game at Giants Stadium in 1996, when the MLS stars -- and the FIFA World Stars vs. Brazil -- set a stadium record for attendance, to sell-outs in Columbus and Chicago, the game is always a showcase for the fans. This year, obviously, will be no different as the fans of Toronto, in just a year and a half, have shown themselves to be as passionate as any the league has seen. The color and noise on Thursday night could well surpass anything we've seen in MLS All-Star history.
9. Sportsmanship. As the All-Star Game has evolved, it's been impressive how the players have figured out how to balance show and sport. They've proved there's a way to play a competitive soccer match without cynical fouls and rough play. I wasn't a big fan of the old all-star games, when matador defense was acceptable, but I know it's too much to ask these stars to show up for an exhibition and play it like a cup final. Over time, especially in the last five years, we've seen the players strike the right balance. Credit the MLS vs. The World format, which puts players' pride on the line.
8. Camaraderie. This year, we'll see players representing six countries and 11 MLS teams suiting up for MLS, and I guarantee you'll see them bond. It's always very cool to see guys who fight like the most bitter enemies during the year -- in the league as well as internationally -- working together. In particular, I look forward this year to seeing Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Landon Donovan partnering on some magic.
NEWS • De Rosario shines in spotlight
• Fun secondary for MLS All-Stars
• West Ham visits land of opportunity
• Healthy Angel primed for All-Star Game
• MLS announces All-Star First XI
• MLS All-Stars to face West Ham
ANALYSIS • A look at West Ham United roster
PRESS RELEASES
• MLS finalizes '08 All-Star roster
• West Ham to face MLS All-Stars
• Toronto to host 2008 All-Star Game
SIGHTS & SOUNDS
MLS-West Ham Preview: 350K
2008 All-Star First XI: Photos
7. Improvisation. They say the language of the game is universal and it's never more apparent than during these All-Star affairs when you see a team that's never played before learning how to combine and make magical plays happen. A coach I know well always explains it in the simplest terms. "Good players know how to play." I guess there's no other explanation as to how a team an enter a game having never played together as a unit, and with very little time to formulate a game plan, and make it look like they've been working together for years. Sure, it'll take some time for the MLS guys to figure it out, but there's a better chance than not that they'll get it rolling at some point.
6. Surprises. Back in the day, who didn't root for Jorge Campos to come out of the net and play striker for a while? Yeah, I know there's nothing like that in the works for this group of MLS All-Stars, but I still love surprises, even if it's a guy like Jimmy Conrad sneaking forward to score a goal or a player like Frankie Hejduk showing he can still motor all the way out of the right back position to ignite the MLS attack.
5. Perspective. I always cringe when I hear one of the TV announcers say these games are a chance for MLS to prove something to the world. However, I also know the vast majority of fans in our country are now smart enough and sophisticated enough to know that a friendly match -- in West Ham's case, a training match -- is not the proving ground for anything other than a showcase for skill and athleticism. I'm glad we all keep this in perspective now. It makes for a more enjoyable evening for all soccer fans.
4. Moments. We all hope for a few free kicks in the 35-yard range for David Beckham, right? If not a few free kicks, at least a few good setups for Becks to deliver one of his laser-like crosses. These games are all about moments. Donovan with a head of steam and the West Ham defense retreating. Blanco with options on the ball. Sacha Kljestan running into the box, bobbing and weaving over the ball as he goes. This is what we all want to see Thursday night, moments that will endure in our memory.
3. Momentum swings. I don't want 6-6, but who wouldn't want to see a few lead changes, a few shifts in the game? Maybe it's a lot to ask. I mean, in the old days, we'd see four-goal leads dissolve and it was too much. I think the 2002 All-Star Game between MLS and the U.S. national team was a good indication of what I'd love to see. An early lead for the U.S. through Donovan, a couple of MLS goals (Jason Kreis and Marco Etcheverry) to make it 2-1. An equalizer by Cobi Jones for the U.S. and a game-winner for MLS from Steve Ralston. That's what I'm talking about.
2. Balance. I guess what I'm saying is the best games are those in which the correct balance between attacking and defending is established. The right balance between players having some time on the ball while still maintaining the need for them to keep things quick. No one likes the games that turn into walks. I love the fact that we're going to be playing this game at night in a northern town, which should keep the legs fresh.
1. Competitiveness. Finally, here's a wish and a prediction. West Ham is going to come to play, and MLS is going to have to respond. West Ham will strike first and maybe second, but MLS is going to start firing on all cylinders about the 30-minute mark. The second half will be one for the DVR and SportsCenter's Top 10 will feature at least three moments from the contest. Enjoy everyone!
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