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- East beats West 4-3 in MLS NEXT ASG
- Five goals scored in second half
- Late penalty kick seals win
The East defeated the West 4-3 in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game Monday night, with MLS All-Star week kicking off in outstanding fashion.
Though it was a 1-1 stalemate at halftime, both teams unlocked their attack over the final 45 minutes. Philadelphia Union prospect Jamir Johnson scored an 87th-minute winner to secure victory for the East.
It was the first match of All-Star week in MLS, with festivities continuing Tuesday and Wednesday.
The West went up early in the first half, with St. Louis CITY SC attacker Lorenzo Cornelius setting up a dime of a pass to see a teammate slot home in a tight space.
The East then responded in first-half stoppage time through New England Revolution academy player Cristiano Oliveira to draw level. Then, to kick off the second half, Orlando City academy midfielder Gustavo Carballo came out of the break to give the East a 2-1 lead, bagging from distance with a blistering effort.
The West then responded through FC Dallas‘s Steel Cook to draw level at 2-2. That’s where things really started to heat up.
Columbus Crew attacker Prince Forfor followed up to restore the East’s lead to make it 3-2, before the West responded nearly immediately, with Vancouver Whitecaps academy forward Tyler Brown drawing level. Brown rounded the goalkeeper with ease on the counter and dribbled it into the net.
However, the East were once again on the attacking foot, and were awarded a penalty kick just five minutes later.
Up stepped Johnson, who finished clinically, to give the East a thrilling victory.
For the fourth-straight year, the team that conceded the opening goal won the MLS NEXT ASG.
All-Star week continues Tuesday with the Skills Challenge as well as Goalie Wars, featuring shot-stoppers from the MLS NEXT Pro level.
The All-Star Game will be played Wednesday night, MLS vs Liga MX.
