Since 2005, the MLS has abandoned the traditional All-Star Game format for something that would appeal more to die-hard soccer fans. Rather than separate teams into some combination of conference versus conference, or choosing captains to pick teams, they have decided to have the best in the league team up to take on a major club from another country. It has been very successful, and this season the MLS All-Stars will take on Juventus.
The MLS All-Star Game is a rare chance to see the top players in MLS join forces to take on a famous club from another country. The match will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia at 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 1, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
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History
This is the first MLS All-Star Game appearance for Juventus, and it is only the second one made by an Italian club. Since adopting this format, the majority of clubs that have participated in this game are Premier League teams. Heavyweights like Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Arsenal, and more have made the journey for this match, often in conjunction with another event such as the International Champions Cup. In all, nine of the 13 previous clubs to play in this game were English clubs, so Juventus is breaking the mold. Additionally, Italy is now the second nation to have had two teams participate in this event.
Perhaps surprisingly, the MLS All-Stars are 7-6 this game. The MLS All-Stars won the first four tilts in this affair before finally losing, but they have been on the back foot for a bit at this point. That’s somewhat surprising considering the MLS continues to grow and expand its talent pool. However, they do lack the cohesion and chemistry of the European clubs, so even a side that is largely playing reserves might have a bit of an edge.
Breaking News
On early Monday morning, it was announced that Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be taking part in the MLS All-Star Game. That was the biggest storyline heading into this game, as Ibra was set to take on his former club. Since coming to the MLS, he has been dominant. He has 15 goals and 6 assists in 17 matches, and he has been the league’s biggest success in quite some time.
Per MLS policy, Ibrahimovic will have to miss the Galaxy’s match against the Colorado Rapids this weekend.
MLS All-Stars Player to Watch
Although the MLS won’t have Ibra available to field, this side is not without a slew of talented players, both homegrown and international. Perhaps the most important one to watch is Miguel Almiron though. This will likely be the last time we see Almiron as multiple Premier League teams are throwing serious money at Atlanta United in order to acquire him. He is a wizard in the midfield, and he will largely be pulling the strings in this match with his club manager Tata Martino calling the shots for the team. Almiron has eight goals and 11 assists in 23 matches this year, and he is an integral part of this team.
Juventus Player to Watch
Luca Clemenza has to be the one to highlight for Juventus. With Juventus down 1-0 to Benfica, the youngster was able to grab a ball in the opponents’ end, dribble it between two defenders, and then hammer it past an outstretch goalkeeper. It was a sublime goal that was one of the best of the International Champions Cup so far. He is likely to see action once more, as Juventus determines what to do with him.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is the year that the MLS turns it around. Juventus did not bring a lot of their stars to America, while the MLS has a strong crop of players available. That will give the MLS the victory.
International Soccer Odds: MLS All-Stars 2, Juventus 1
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