Orlando, Florida (July 31, 2019) — It’s never a match in the south unless there’s a rain delay. The same can be said for a match on the East Coast, too. The MLS All-Stars played at Exploria Stadium, the home of Orlando City SC.
Nani, the lone Orlando City player on the roster, is used to the rain. Some other players are, maybe Nicolas Lodeiro of the Seattle Sounders FC. However, rain or shine, the match went on. After a lightning and weather delay, the MLS All-Stars took the field with Atlético Madrid, of Spain.
However, the rain didn’t bother the Spanish club players.
It took 43 minutes for someone to find a goal. There were chances for the MLS All-Star players and the Atlético Madrid players. However, in the 43rd minute, Marcos Llorente found the back of Andre Blake’s net. The MLS All-Star Game featured three goalkeepers. First, Brad Guzan went for 30 minutes, Blake for the next 30 and then Nick Rimando for the last 30.
However, the All-Star Game might be a bittersweet one for Rimando. The Real Salt Lake goalkeeper is retiring after this MLS season. He was in goal when Atlético Madrid scored their final two goals.
João Félix produced a screamer of a goal outside of the penalty area in the 85th minute. Meanwhile, in the winding minutes of stoppage time, Diego Costa added his name to the scoresheet. He beat out legendary German international, and Chicago Fire midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Now, the players will return to their respective clubs this weekend after the MLS All-Star Game. Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid will travel down to Mexico for an Aug. 3 friendly against Atlético San Luis.
The Goals from the All Stars
GOAL, @Atleti!
Marcos Llorente buries the first goal of the night for the visiting team from Spain! What a back-heel assist, too! #MLSAllStar | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/7bRvCKfbVd
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) August 1, 2019
GOAL, @Atleti!
Nick Rimando got a hand on it, but João Félix had an absolute screamer of a goal to give the visitors a higher lead! #MLSAllStar | 0-2 pic.twitter.com/J6dtVOqfEh
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) August 1, 2019
GOAL, @Atleti!
Diego Costa looks to put the final nail in the coffin of the MLS All-Star players. Nick Rimando in goal for that one. #MLSAllStar | 0-3 pic.twitter.com/ZvmYxxFpbo
— Last Word on Soccer (@LastWordSC) August 1, 2019
