STORIES: The 2021 MLS All-Star Game
It’s easy to be pessimistic about the MLS All-Star Game, and I get it. It’s an exhibition at the tail end of the year at a time when fans are focused on the stretch run before the playoffs. Or Leagues Cup, whatever.
It’s also a total thrill ride in person. I had an absolute blast at the 2021 ASG in DTLA, the first to feature MLS teams battling LIGA MX opposition. It was a match that basically turned into a grand adventure.
Dudes plating guitar on a moving stage
Walking towards Banc of California Stadium, an outpouring of colorful kits from Mexican clubs became visible, from the sidewalks to the corridors of the opulent venue. Lots of Chivas and Club América jerseys of course, but Tigres, Monterrey, Pachuca, Club Tijuana, Pumas, Cruz Azul, León, Atlas…you name them, they were there.
Liga MX fans showed up loud and in numbers. LAFC and Galaxy supporters led the MLS contingent along with fans across the country as the two groups created a vibrant back and forth atmosphere from the get-go. This was no laid-back crowd.
Nor was it a laid back presentation! As we sipped ice-cold micheladas on the concourse, flames were shooting into the sky while dudes performed guitar solos on a moving stage. Soon a flyover happened. The production values were big-time, for a big-time event.
(Pro Tip: If you stock up on multiple drinks before sitting down, you just saved yourself a trip my friend 🫡 )***
As halftime neared my stomach was growling. Waiting in line is for suckers, so we hit up Beer Belly a few minutes early and scored their famous grilled cheese sandwich, a gooey concoction of cheddar asiago, gruyere & goat cheese with applewood bacon and maple syrup for dipping. I actually forgot to take a photo, all I could do was scarf it down with the predatory instincts of a ravenous wolf.
When we got back to our seats, we saw Jesus Murillo and new signing Chicho Arango milling around. He seemed chill.*****
The game itself was quite entertaining! You’re never going to get the All-Stars playing like prime Barcelona from a few measly training sessions, but the novelty of watching MLS stars like Diego Rossi, Lucas Zelerayán and Nani combine on the pitch? Well worth the price of admission. I came to see if the Ricardo Pepi hype train was legit and the FC Dallas striker delivered, slotting home the game-winning penalty kick in the shootout.
You guys have to understand where I’m coming from. I cover both LA teams, which usually means I’m in a stuffy press box with plenty of rules. I basically have to sit there being Mr. Serious with a frowny face. Sitting in the stands and letting loose for once? Best feeling ever. I should do it more often.
In fact, I was having so much fun I got roped into doing the Jump For LA Football Club chant. You know, the one where you bounce around. What’s the worst thing that could happen?
As it turned out…literally the worst thing that could happen.
“MIKE TIE YOUR HAIR BACK!”
”Nobody saw us” I muttered under my breath. Well that was obviously bullsh*t. Good lord.
As we strolled around the team store afterwards, I couldn’t help but admire the gleaming space stacked with LAFC merch seemingly as far as the eye can see. For all its faults, this league has come a long way. Back in my day a dedicated team store was a pipe dream…
Anyway, while I was busy daydreaming my companion wrapped a scarf around my neck that I failed to detect until well after we left the store. Um…oops?
Outside the store, I caught the one and only GOAT himself Andrew Wiebe staring longingly at a bacon-wrapped hot dog cart, a local delicacy round these parts.
And with that, it was time to depart. We ended up grabbing burritos and asada fries, a safe choice to end a night of risky business. Buenas noches.
*** It wasn’t my idea 🤷🏻♂️
***** Dude got excommunicated from RSL for some weirdo mystery reason that’s kind of an open secret so I suppose he wasn’t ok after all.