Ricardo Pepi made the decisive kick as Main League Soccer defeated Liga MX in a penalty shootout to win the ancient first combined All-Megastar game between the 2 leagues in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening.
After LAFC’s Eduard Atuesta and Orlando City’s Nani missed their penalty kick probabilities, Pepi – the 18-year-aged homegrown forward for FC Dallas – stepped up for the winner.
“I was assured,” Pepi stated. “I felt admire everything was space up for me to win the sport.”
Fresh England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner – who made two saves in the penalty shootout – was named the sport’s MVP. Turner will certainly be named to the U.S. national team roster for 2022 World Cup qualifying that starts on Sept. 2 in El Salvador, but what remains to be viewed is if most contemporary performances in MLS, the Concacaf Gold Cup and now the MLS-Liga MX All-Megastar game procure him consideration to originate in purpose for Gregg Berhalter’s squad.
Jonathan Rodríguez (who performs for Cruz Azul) gave the Liga MX All-Stars an early lead alongside with his purpose in the 20th minute.
The MLS All-Stars answered early in the second half of, when in the 53rd minute LAFC teammates Atuesta and Jesús David Murillo combined to tied the sport up at 1-1. Murillo headed home Atuesta’s nook kick for the equalizer correct in entrance of the successfully-known 3252 supporters’ share at Banc of California Stadium.
The game was marred by a cease in play after correct 10 minutes as a consequence of followers using a homophobic chant, with gamers gathered at midfield as the stadium public address announcer gave a warning to followers in attendance.
The combined All-Megastar game (and Tuesday evening’s abilities mission) is basically the most contemporary step in the growing bromance between MLS and Liga MX. The All-Megastar game represents the third tentpole match for the 2 leagues, joining the Leagues Cup – which opened play last week – and the Campeones Cup – which will also be contested between the 2020 MLS Cup-winning Columbus Crew and Cruz Azul, winners of the 2021 Campeón de Campeones, on Sept. 29 at Lower.com Field.
