Football General Manager
- Tai Baribo named MVP for winner MLS
- Bouanga proves to be catalyst in 3-1 win
- Ramos listless in start for Liga MX
AUSTIN, Texas – Major League Soccer roared back to the win column in its summer classic as its All-Stars pulled off a 3-1 victory over top players from Liga MX on Wednesday night at Q2 Stadium. It was an emphatic response by MLS, which endured back-to-back blowout losses in 2023 and 2024 to Arsenal and Liga MX, respectively.
The Liga MX All-Stars dominated possession early and had an immediate chance to go ahead as Monterrey‘s Sergio Canales got into the box and launched a rocket towards MLS’s goal. Fortunately, for the home side, local All-Star Brad Stuver leapt and stretched across the goal to block his shot.
LAFC’s All-Star starter Denis Bouanga would serve as the catalyst for the home side, as he charged up the pitch off of a counter to create the league’s first chance. The winger powered ahead on the left-hand side and attempted a shot on Club América’s Luis Malagón.
The Mexico international goalkeeper blocked the shot, but Bounaga quickly raced for the rebound on the left flank. With Nashville SC striker Sam Surridge charging toward goal, Bouanga launched a curling cross that found the Englishman’s head for MLS’s opener. Bouanga almost scored just moments later, but it again was saved by Malagon. Surridge was near to pounce on the rebound, but couldn’t finish.
In the second half, with multiple substitutes introduced, the game opened up. Philadelphia Union star Tai Baribo scored thanks to a beautiful through ball from the Columbus Crew‘s Diego Rossi, but Liga MX responded just 13 minutes later.
Tijuana and El Tri phenom Gilberto Mora scored unassisted after a defensive breakdown. MLS would put the game to bed after U.S. international and Vancouver Whitecaps striker Brian White scored off hockey assists from the Chicago Fire’s Philip Zinckernagel and Cristian Espinoza from San Jose.
Despite concerns about attendance due to Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi’s decision to skip the game, MLS still managed a sellout in one of its most passionate markets. The league announced it sold 20,738 tickets for Wednesday’s event.
MLS had plenty of strong performances, including that of official game MVP Tai Baribo, but Bouanga’s relentlessness set the tone from the onset. The Liga MX All-Stars had no answer for his pace or size and he was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet.
If his assist doesn’t land with Surridge, the game could have had a very different outcome. Bouanga hinted this might be his final All-Star appearance as a member of MLS, with Liga MX powerhouse Club America continuing to be linked with the forward. In either case, he certainly made a strong impression.
Hard to single out anyone on an All-Star roster, as these teams don’t have time to really build cohesiveness or chemistry. But go with Sergio Ramos. The defender reportedly just arrived in Austin Wednesday, and it showed as he wasn’t able to contain either Bouanga or Surridge on counterattacks.
However, credit is due to the 39-year-old for showing up, which is more than what can be said for other stars on both sides of the match.
Both MLS and Liga MX resume league play on Friday.
