While many fans at Q2 Stadium were expecting to see Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba at the MLS All-Star game on Wednesday, the crowd was treated to a tactical battle that the Major League Soccer All-Stars won 3-1 over Liga MX.
The tactical decisions from the teams were evident from the opening whistle. Former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, representing Monterrey of Liga MX, led his team out and attempted to pass the ball around the MLS All-Stars, crafting high-chance opportunities in front of goal.
MLS All-Star and Austin FC head coach Nico Estévez countered Liga MX’s playing style by setting up the team in a rigid shape, not only winning the ball back and countering, but also letting his players showcase their individual talents.
“Today is more talking about the players and how good they are,” Estévez said. “What I told them is we have quality when we have the ball … when we had the ball, it was less instruction, and more like being as a unit, being compact.”
The difference in playing styles, however, led to a nerve-wrecking opening 25 minutes. While Liga MX got eight shot attempts off, it was never able to capitalize.
However, Estévez’s defense remained true to its shape, and the team crafted its three goals all off counter-attacking scenarios. MLS first broke the deadlock in the 28th minute after LA Galaxy forward Denis Bouanga executed the plan to create the first goal.
Remaining patient in defense, Bouanga pounced on a misplaced pass in midfield, intercepting the ball and driving towards goal. Though his first shot was initally saved by Liga MX goalkeeper Luis Malagón, Bouanga hustled to get the ball back and whipped a cross into the 18-yard-box for Sam Surridge of Nashville SC to head into the lower-right side of the goal.
Philadelphia Union’s Tai Baribo scored the winning goal in the 51st minute by slotting the ball past goalkeeper Kevin Mier, after a through ball from Diego Rossi split the Liga MX defense.
While Liga MX’s continued shots on goal eventually led to a 2-1 score, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Brian White sealed the game in the 80th minute. Bouanga, Baribo and White are all in the top 11 of MLS goal scorers, and Baribo was named All-Star game MVP.
“(The goalscorers) have good connection with everybody. We respect each other. We know the competition. It’s good to succeed,” Baribo said. “We are competitive at the end, so all of us want to score today, and we want to win. To win the MVP, it’s amazing for me.”
Austin FC’s Brad Stuver played the opening 34 minutes of the game, making two saves and denying Liga MX a goal during his time on the field.
Stuver’s teammate, Guilherme Biro, was a last-minute addition to the team after Alba dropped out Wednesday morning. The Brazilian defender was substituted into the game during the 76th minute.
Q2 Stadium will return to hosting Austin FC games on August 9, while the league returns to regular season play on Friday.
“(The All-Star game) is different because the context is more (to) enjoy the night and enjoy the time here,” Estévez said. “But as always, you always learn, even though it was a week to enjoy, you saw the mentality (of) the professionals, every player that came here, and I think it’s a good learning experience for everyone.”
