MLS likes its All-Star format

  • By Don Ruiz The News Tribune
  • Tuesday, August 5, 2014 9:24pm
  • SportsSports

PORTLAND — Despite a suggestion for change by the Seattle Sounders’ Clint Dempsey, Major League Soccer seems to like its All-Star Game.

Especially this one.

On the eve of the game, MLS players and executives praised the host city of Portland and the match that sends the MLS All-Stars against German power Bayern Munich.

“I think over the past two or three years, Bayern’s made a very, very strong case as the best team in the world,” said Matt Besler, an All-Star defender from Sporting Kansas City. “It’s not every day you get that opportunity to play against one of the best teams in the world.”

On Monday, Dempsey had suggested that MLS return to the traditional format of Eastern Conference stars playing stars from the West. Dempsey noted that stocking two teams would allow MLS to spotlight more of its best players and coaches.

It also would remove a couple of inevitable inequities in the current format. On one hand, the MLS players are in midseason form, while European teams are in their preseason. On the other, Bayern Munich actually is a team, while the All-Stars were quickly thrown together just days before the only match they’ll ever play together.

Somehow those respective advantages and disadvantages have canceled out pretty evenly over the years. Since the league went to this format in 2005, MLS has won five games, while the international visitors have won four times (once on penalty kicks). Those previous international opponents were Fulham, Chelsea, Celtic, West Ham United, Manchester United (twice), Chelsea and Roma.

MLS president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott indicated Tuesday that the league likes this format and the world attention that follows their latest opponent.

“Serendipitous is the word I would use for this year,” he said. “When we did an agreement with Bayern we didn’t know Germany was going to win the World Cup … and I think that brings a really unique dimension to this game. So … there’s no specific plan to even change the format right now, other than to say we’re always looking for ways to improve our crown-jewel events.”

Even Dempsey’s Seattle Sounders teammate DeAndre Yedlin expressed his preference for the status quo.

“I like the German competition,” Yedlin said. “I think it brings great exposure to the United States. (Even) if people aren’t soccer fans, they’ve definitely heard of Bayern Munich.”

With warm temperatures, sunny skies and Mount Hood glowing in the distance, host city Portland also has been an attraction this week. Although that may be less so for the four Sounders in attendance: Dempsey, Yedlin, Obafemi Martins and Osvaldo Alonso. Yedlin was booed Monday when he took part of the coin-toss ceremony before the MLS Homegrown Game, and Martins was booed Tuesday when he scored a goal in an All-Star practice session open to the public.

Otherwise, Abbott and several players have raved about Portland, and especially as a place where the sport is appreciated.

“To be completely honest, this is as excited as I’ve been at one of these games in a long time,” said veteran Landon Donovan of Los Angeles. “I think everyone’s excited to come to Portland. We all love this city, we love playing at Providence Park. For once, we get to play with the fans behind us, which will be nice.”

Added time

Back in Tukwila on Tuesday, the Sounders returned to training for their MLS match Sunday, when the Houston Dynamo visits CenturyLink Field. … There was no update on the health of central defender Chad Marshall, who was scratched from the All-Star Game due to a back injury. … A coin toss has determined that if the Sounders advance in their U.S. Open Cup semifinal match against Chicago next week, they will go on the road for the cup final at either Dallas or Philadelphia. … Darren Sawatzky has been named coach of the new Tacoma Stars, who will begin play this fall in the Western Indoor Soccer League. Sawatzky also is coach of the Sounders U-23 PDL team, and formerly served as youth development director for the Seattle Sounders.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.