2016 MLS All-Star Game
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The 2016 Major League Soccer All-Star Game, the 21st annual Major League Soccer All-Star Game, took place on July 28, 2016 (7:30 p.m. EDT, 4:30 p.m. local time) at Avaya Stadium, the home of the San Jose Earthquakes. The game was televised live on ESPN and Univision in the United States, and on TSN and RDS in Canada. The game featured the MLS All-Star team playing English side Arsenal, with the match being a preseason friendly for Arsenal as part of their tour of California.
Chuba Akpom was named MVP.
Background
The Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game played by a selection of players from the league's teams. It began in 1996 with the Eastern Conference and Western Conference fielding their own teams, similar to other major North American sports. After numerous format changes, the 2003 edition saw the format change again to matchup Mexican club Guadalajara against the "MLS All-Stars", a team with the best players competing in MLS. After reverting to the original format in 2004, the "MLS All-Stars" had since played various club teams from across the world, including Premier League clubs Manchester United and Chelsea.
MLS announced in May 2015 that Avaya Stadium, the home stadium of the San Jose Earthquakes, would host the 21st edition of the MLS All-Star Game. In February 2016, it was announced that Premier League side Arsenal were set to play the MLS All-Stars on July 28. Telecommunications company AT&T sponsored the game and the match was broadcast live in the United States through ESPN and Univision; it was also available internationally in over 100 countries.
Squads
MLS All-Stars
The MLS All Star Fan XI was announced on July 9, 2016, however members of this XI were not guaranteed a slot in the 22 man game day squad.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Notes:
a Injured or otherwise unable to play.
Arsenal
On July 22 Arsenal announced a 25-man traveling squad for the MLS All-Star game:
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Notes:
a Injured or otherwise unable to play.
Match
| MLS All-Stars United States Canada | 1–2 | England Arsenal |
|---|---|---|
| Drogba 45+2' | Campbell 11' (pen.) Akpom 87' |
| MLS All-Stars | Arsenal |
| Most valuable player: England Chuba Akpom (Arsenal)Assistant referees: Frank Anderson Matthew Nelson Fourth official: Juan Guzman Fifth official: Chris Strickland | Match rules 90 minutes. Unlimited substitutions. No extra time. Penalty shoot-out if scores still level. |