The MLS All-Star Game is meant to be a bit of fun for the fans, but the game’s format leads to a lot of people taking it very seriously. For the 12th straight year, the best players in the United States and Canada will be taking on a top European club team in defense of the honor of North American soccer. The MLS All-Stars have won the last two years, and they’ll try to make it three in a row on Thursday against Arsenal.
Arsenal vs. MLS All-Stars 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the MLS All-Star Game online
It’s time once again to defend North America’s honor against the Europeans.
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Match coverage starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN and UniMás, and you can also watch the game online at Watch ESPN and Univision Deportes en vivo.
Last year’s win for MLS over Arsenal’s rivals Tottenham Hotspur featured goals from Kaká and David Villa, who are back on this year’s squad. However, their only fellow starter who has made the All-Star team for a second year in a row is Clint Dempsey, while only one of last year’s bench players -- Laurent Ciman -- has made this squad. There’s been some massive turnover among the players considered to be the best in MLS.
Who’s here for MLS?
Unlike some previous years, the fan-selected XI won’t necessarily be the starting XI. Kaká was voted captain, though, and will definitely start if he doesn’t pick up a phantom injury. Here’s the entire roster.
Goalkeepers: David Bingham (San Jose Earthquakes), Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
Defenders: Steve Birnbaum (D.C. United), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution), Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia Union), Brandon Vincent (Chicago Fire), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas), Giovani dos Santos (LA Galaxy), Jermaine Jones (Colorado Rapids), Kaká (Orlando City), Sacha Kljestan (New York Red Bulls), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC)
Forwards: Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Didier Drogba (Montreal Impact), Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), Cyle Larin (Orlando City), Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact), David Villa (New York City FC), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)
Unlike previous seasons, there are actual left and right backs, as well as multiple defensive midfielders. However, there’s a noticeable lack of true wide players, so the MLS All-Stars are going to have to play some forwards or attacking midfielders out of position.
Who’s missing?
Center backs Matt Besler and Liam Ridgewell were selected to the team, but are out injured. Fabian Castillo is one of the best players in MLS, but is probably about to get sold to Trabzonspor in Turkey. The biggest snub was Portland Timbers star Diego Valeri, who's very much in the running for league MVP. You also might be surprised to see that neither Steven Gerrard or Gyasi Zardes made the team.
Arsenal is without Alexis Sánchez, Mesut Özil, Aaron Ramsey, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud, who are enjoying some time off after playing in summer tournaments. Per Mertesacker is also unavailable for the Gunners due to a knee injury. The likes of Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, new signing Granit Xhaka and American Gedion Zelalem will play for Arsenal.
Can it end in a tie? Do rules I’m used to apply?
In the event of a tie, the game will not end, but go directly to penalty kicks without any extra time. Conventional substitution rules are unlikely to apply; in 2009, when substitute goalkeeper Zach Thornton was injured, starter Kasey Keller was allowed to re-enter the game. Unless there's a red card, you're unlikely to see either team play with 10 men.
Match date/time: Thursday, 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. local
Venue: Avaya Stadium, San Jose, Calif.
TV: ESPN (U.S. -- English), UniMás (U.S. -- Spanish), Sky Sports 2 (U.K.)
Online: Watch ESPN (U.S. -- English), Univision Deportes en vivo (U.S. -- Spanish), Sky Go (U.K.)
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