The MLS All-Star game has always been something that has been rather intriguing for MLS. The game was first held in 1996 at Giant’s Stadium (Now Metlife), with the Eastern and Western conference all-stars playing each other in a friendly. Over the course of time, it changed formats frequently up until 2005, where it now consists of the MLS All-Stars taking on a top European team. The MLS has 6 wins and four losses against European teams since 2006. It was East vs. West in ’96-’97, then went to American players vs. International players, then to East vs. West from ’99-’01. Then it switched to MLS vs. A guest side, which was against the USMNT and Guadalajara in Liga MX. The last East vs. West game was in 2004 and more than likely will be for a long period of time.
MLS goes up against bigger European teams like Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Manchester United for one reason mainly, money. Big name teams come to play at their regional MLS stadium, fans of the European side will mainly flock to these games. Even though the game really doesn’t matter, it still generates revenue for the league. MLS does have a winning record, which includes victories against Chelsea and Bayern Munich. However, this seems more like a league trying to compare themselves to European soccer. MLS needs to realize that the league should not compare themselves to European teams because that’s not the way to get the league popularity and growth. The league has two conferences, all filled with incredibly talented players. This match should showcase the best players in each conference. The MLS fan votes do give the better known players a chance to play in the game, however, Bradley Wright-Phillips, who is an MVP candidate and scored the opening goal against Bayern Munch, was nearly left off the roster due to a lack of votes.
All-Star games are designed to showcase the best talents of the league playing against each other not against a European giant. In most American sports, the all-star games or pro-bowl games are designed to showcase the best in one conference against the other. The MLB has the American League against the National League, the NFL has the AFC taking on the NFC, East vs. West in the NBA. MLS is different from European leagues. MLS should not be comparing themselves to European giants. They should be going with the American tradition of playing both conference’s best players against one another. They don’t have the same schedule, they don’t have the same transfer rules, they also have wage limits. They are different. To make the league grow here in the USA we need to promote home growth rather than trying to beat European giants. The game could be for home-field advantage in the MLS cup final just like the MLB does with the World Series, Eastern team wins, Eastern team gets the home stadium. However, in order for a business to run, it needs money. Since the game generates a good amount of ticket sales, it doesn’t appear that it will change anytime soon.
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