MLS All-Star Game Quick Thoughts

Tonight the MLS All-Stars took on Manchester United at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas. For the MLS, Manchester United represented their toughest opposition at an all-star event since when they battled Chelsea about four years ago.

The game was played in front of 70K fans and is considered to be the four largest North American audience to watch an all-star game live. Congrats, big accomplishments there kids. By the way the MLS lost 5-2. Here are some quick thoughts on the match:

1. Don't Tell Me It Is An Exhibition

At the end of the day, this match was shown throughout the world considering the popularity of Manchester United and should have been a platform for the MLS to showcase its talent and level of play. However, the MLS laid an egg against a youth team from Manchester. Granted some first-team players played for Manchester United but all of the goals scored where from reserve players and youth team players. In my opinion, the MLS should of taken the time to choose their players based on form and quality rather than star power, and built a team that would have been able to compete against a top tier squad. Granted it is one match, but one match in the US especially after the World Cup would have led to more exposure to the sport in North America. If, for example, the MLS was able to tie the Red Devils or perhaps win the game, it would have been the lead story on ESPN's SportsCenter and front page news through the continent.

2. Attendance Figures Don't Matter

I love how Don Garber, commissioner of the MLS, took the mike and declared that this was a success because it was the fourth-largest attendance for an all-star game. Does he know that most all-star games take place at NHL/NBA arenas and MLB stadiums? The only exception to the rule was the NBA All-Star Game in Dallas and that outdrew this event. Congratulations on the achievement, but really we all could manipulate stats to say that we are the fourth best at something. Did you know that I am the fourth best Greek Canadian at left handed pool north of Bloor Street in Toronto? Amazing!

3. MLS Scheduling Is Garbage

If you are professional sports team in North America, usually you are given a couple days off before and after the all-star game. Some leagues call this the all-star break, while in the NFL the Pro Bowl is held at the end of the season. Did you know that the Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC both played the night before in critical Concacaf Champions League matches? Furthermore, the Seattle Sounders are playing their CCL match at the same time the all-star game is taking place. This is an absolute joke, because no professional team in North America should ever schedule a game before, after and during their mid-season showcase event.

I apologize for the rant, but please enjoy the highlights below; the Manchester United goals are spectacular. Oh by the way, these highlights are better quality than the actual coverage GOLTV Canada had for the match.