STORIES: The 2021 MLS All-Star Game
It’s easy to be pessimistic about the MLS All-Star Game sometimes, and I get it. It’s an exhibition that takes place at a time when fans are focused on Leagues Cup and the final stretch of the regular season.
It’s also a total thrill ride in person! I had a blast at the 2011 ASG in DTLA, the first to feature MLS teams battling LIGA MX opposition. It was a match that basically turned into an adventure.
Walking towards Banc of California Stadium, an outpouring of colorful kits from Mexican clubs became visible, a trend that continued from the sidewalks to the corridors of the opulent venue. Lots of Chivas and Club América jerseys of course, but plenty of clubs were well-represented. Tigres, Monterrey, Pachuca, Club Tijuana, Pumas, Cruz Azul, León, Atlas…you name them, they were there.
The passion for fútbol south of the border runs deep here and LIGA MX fans showed up loud and in numbers. LAFC and Galaxy supporters led the MLS contingent featuring teams across the country as the two groups created a vibrant atmosphere from the get-go. This was no laid back crowd.
Nor was it a laid back presentation! We stocked up on adult beverages and quickly headed to our seats to soak in the pre-game activities. As I sipped a cold michelada, flames shot into the sky while a band performed on a movable stage. A flyover happened at some point. The production values were through the roof.
As halftime neared, my stomach was growling. (And if you haven’t figured it out yet, I hate waiting in lines) So we hit up Beer Belly a few minutes early and came back with their famous grilled cheese, an ooey-gooey mashup of cheddar asiago, gruyere & goat cheese with applewood bacon and maple syrup for dipping. No photo for the gram, all I could do was scarf down the lip smacking deliciousness as quickly as possible.
It was a good thing we left early so we didn’t miss the halftime activities. Newly signed LAFC forward Chicho Arango happened to be walking around. Can confirm he’s a chill dude.
The game itself was surprisingly entertaining! You’re never going to get the All-Stars playing like prime Barcelona from a few training sessions, but the novelty of watching MLS stars like Diego Rossi, Lucas Zelerayán and Nani combine on the pitch is well worth the price of admission. I came to see if the Ricardo Pepi hype train was legit and the FC Dallas striker delivered, slotting home the winning penalty kick in the 3-2 shootout victory over Liga MX.
Just so you guys understand from my perspective, covering both LA teams is fun and a privilege. But there are rules. You’re not allowed to celebrate goals in the press box, you basically have to sit there with a frowny face, etc. To sit in the stands and enjoy a game for once without having to think? Best feeling ever. I should do it more often.
I was having so much fun, I got roped into doing the Jump for LA Football Club chant without much resistance. What’s the worst thing that could happen?
Obviously something happened.
I tried to convince myself no one actually saw that, which lasted for about 10 seconds before my buddy sent me a text. Nope, totally busted.
As we strolled around the team store afterwards I couldn’t help but stand there, impressed by the gleaming space stacked with merch seemingly as far as the eye can see. For all its faults, this league has come a long way. Back in my day, a dedicated team store for a MLS team was a pipe dream…
Anyway, while I was busy daydreaming my companion wrapped a scarf around my neck that I forgot about until after we left the store. 🙈
Thankfully (!) there were no more shenanigans when we got asada fries to end a wild night. They just hit the spot.