CARSON, Calif. – The MLS All-Stars defeated CD Guadalajara, 3-1, in front of 27,000 fans at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
A scoreless first half saw the MLS All-Stars on their heels, as Guadalajara pressed relentlessly. Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman needed to make several key saves to keep the Mexican side off of the scoreboard.
Despite the pressure, it was MLS who struck first.
Chicago’s Ante Razov buried a pass from Landon Donovan in the 57th minute to give MLS the 1-0 lead.
Guadalajara answered with a goal of their own in the 66th minute when Jair Garcia broke away from the MLS defense and beat Kevin Hartman for the equalizer.
However, only two minutes later, Carlos Ruiz scored the eventual game-winner for the MLS All-Stars, and DaMarcus Beasley added a final tally in the 83rd minute to secure the win.
Ruiz, the Guatemalan international, earned MVP honors for his performance in what was the first All-Star game against foreign competition.
Scoring summary
MLS—Razov (Donovan, Cienfuegos) 57
CDG—Jair Garcia (Sol) 66
MLS—Ruiz (Bocanegra) 68
MLS—Beasley (unassisted) 83
MLS: Kevin Hartman, Danny Califf, Eddie Pope (Hong Myung-Bo 46), Carlos Bocanegra, Frankie Hejduk, Amado Guevara (Landon Donovan 46), Ryan Nelsen (Chris Armas 46), Preki (Mauricio Cienfuegos 56), DaMarcus Beasley, Clint Mathis (Ante Razov 46 (Kyle Martino 89)), Taylor Twellman (Carlos Ruiz 46)
CDG: Oswaldo Sanchez, Omar Rodriguez (Hector Reynoso 51), Joel Sanchez, Heriberto Morales (Francisco Rodriguez 81), Juan Pablo Alfaro, Johnny Garcia, Manuel Sol (Omar Bravo 75), Carlos Salcido, Rafael Medina, Jair Garcia (Miguel Sabah 67), Ramon Ramirez (Luis Alonso Sandoval 28 (Ramon Morales 75))
Misconduct summary
MLS—Nelsen (caution; Tackle from Behind) 14
CDG—J. Sanchez (caution; Reckless foul) 36
CDG—Morales (caution; Reckless foul) 51
CDG—Reynoso (caution; Reckless foul) 69
CDG—Sabah (caution; Reckless foul) 74
Referees: Kevin Terry; Chris Strickland, Steven Davidson; Alex Prus
