MLS All-Stars Discuss All-Star Game Format
“Yeah, I think the East v West would be really cool."
The 2025 MLS All-Star Game will be a battle between the best of Major League Soccer and LIGA MX but should that be the case? MLS All-Stars gave their thoughts on the format on Monday.
The first-ever All-Star Game was played in the league’s debut season of 1996 with an East versus West format. 2002 was the first year where the league opted to utilize a league All-Star team which saw the MLS All-Stars play the United States Men’s National Team.
Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Liga MX) was the first international club the MLS All-Stars played and beginning in 2021, the league’s best faced off against Liga MX’s All-Stars.
“I like going up against Liga MX,” Columbus Crew left back Max Arfsten said. “I feel like it's more of country verse country. I feel like U.S.-Mexico rivalry has been going on for so long, it's a strong rivalry. It brings all of MLS together instead of dividing into two. It's good for us to have this.”
The rivalry between the two nations is a common sticking point for players. That is especially the case for players with ties to the USMNT, such as Orlando City right back Alex Freeman.
“I like going up against LIGA MX. I feel like it's more of country versus country,” he said. “U.S.-Mexico rivalry has been going on for so long. It's a strong rivalry. I feel like it brings all of MLS together instead of dividing into two.”
The All-Star game is also a unique experience for players who represent MLS’ international player pool. Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka noted that in Japan there isn’t an All-Star Game so he was excited to participate in the festivities.
Yeah, it's a great idea,” he said. “When I was in Japan, we didn't have this kind of match. It's a new experience. Also, I was excited to play against the Mexican team. I love the style, technical and calm with the ball.”
But fellow goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair wishes that MLS would go back to playing East-West.
“Yeah, I think the East-West would be really cool. I think obviously we have a lot more teams now. There's a lot of quality players even that weren't able to be selected for the team. So I think East-West would be a cool idea to go back to but at the same time, looking forward to this game. Obviously there's a rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico, and looking to obviously compete but also to celebrate everyone that's here as well.”