MLS Defeats Liga MX (2-1) in MLS All-Star Game
The second rendition of the new format for the MLS All-Star Game took center stage Wednesday night in Minnesota. The MLS (United States) and Liga MX (Mexico) squared off for the second time after the MLS won last year’s event in penalties. Make it two straight for the MLS stars…
The 2022 MLS All-Star Game: The MLS squad got off to a great start with a header from LAFC’s Carlos Vela just three minutes in. Seattle’s Raul Ruidiaz made it two-nil in the 73rd minute with a penalty-kick strike. Liga MX knocked on the door all night long with 20 shots, but MLS goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair walked away with the All-Star MVP award. He nearly held the Mexican side scoreless until the late Liga MX goal from Kevin Alvarez (84’). Liga MX outshot the MLS 20-7, including 7-2 on target, but the early finish from Vela and a penalty made the difference.
Watch: MLS def. Liga MX (2-1)
The MLS Fall Stretch
The all-star break’s conclusion means the home stretch of the MLS season is about to begin. Teams have played 24/25 out of 34 matches, and the playoff picture is beginning to shape up. The top seven teams in each conference make the postseason in a seeded, single-elimination format. Every team is still alive, but LAFC is holds the advantage through 2/3 of the season. Let’s take a look at where the teams stand.
Eastern Conference
1. Philadelphia Union (45 points)
2. New York City FC (42 points)
3. CF Montreal (40 points)
4. New York Red Bulls (37 points)
5. Columbus Crew (33 points)
6. FC Cincinnati (32 points)
7. Chicago Fire FC (30 points)
8. Orlando City SC (30 points)
9. Inter Miami CF (30 points)
10. New England Revolution (30 points)
11. Charlotte FC (29 points)
12. Atlanta United (28 points)
13. Toronto FC (26 points)
14. D.C. United (22 points)
Western Conference
1. LAFC (51 points)
2. Austin FC (45 points)
3. FC Dallas (36 points)
4. Minnesota United FC (35 points)
5. Real Salt Lake (34 points)
6. Nashville SC (33 points)
7. Portland Timbers (33 points)
8. Seattle Sounders FC (32 points)
9. L.A. Galaxy (30 points)
10. Colorado Rapids (30 points)
11. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (30 points)
12. Houston Dynamo (25 points)
13. San Jose Earthquakes (24 points)
14. Sporting Kansas City (23 points)
Additional Storylines
MLS: Top MVP Candidates Address Their Chances for 2022 Award
ESPN: MLS Power Rankings: LAFC Stay Top Ahead of All-Star Break as Orlando, Galaxy Tumble
