Match Recap | MLS All-Stars 0-3 Atlético Madrid 7/31/19

The 2019 MLS All-Star Game was won by La Liga side Atlético Madrid, who defeated the MLS All-Stars 3-0 in front of a sell-out crowd of 25,527.

Marcos Llorente scored the game's opening goal in the 42nd minute, and despite an improved effort by the home side in the second half, Los Rojiblancos were able to seal the victory with goals in the 85th minute from Joao Felix and a Diego Costa stoppage-time tally.

The game was delayed by inclement weather for 34 minutes, and a steady rain fell throughout the match. But once the teams took the field, an Atletico side comprised entirely of reserves was first to settle. Vitolo set up a clear chance for Angel Correa in the eighth minute, only for him to drag his shot wide. MLS keeper Brad Guzan was forced to parry away Carlos Isaac's drive seven minutes later, with Walker Zimmerman on hand to clean up the rebound.

But the home side gradually found their footing in the game, and Wayne Rooney nearly scored a wonder goal, as his shot from outside the box flew just narrowly over the bar in the 26th minute.

But Atleti broke through just three minutes before halftime. New signing Hector Herrera found Rodrigo Riquelme in space, and his backheel put Llorente in the clear to finish past substitute keeper Andre Blake.

After taking off Guzan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic after 30 minutes, MLS All-Star manager James O'Connor substituted the remaining nine starters at halftime, and the new charges made an impact. Just two minutes into the second half, Seattle midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro picked out LAFC's Diego Rossi with a cross to the far post, but the Uruguayan's volley went just wide. Lodeiro then nearly equalized in the 55th minute, but his effort was saved from close range by Atleti keeper Antonio Adan.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone subbed out all 11 players a minute later, bringing on stars Koke and Costa. Soon after Felix nearly doubled the visitors' advantage, only for Blake to come up with a sharp save low to his left.

The All-Stars threatened with a few late chances from Atlanta United duo Pity Martinez and Ezequiel Barco and the Chicago Fire's Bastian Schweinsteiger, but Atletico added a pair of goals in the closing minutes to secure the victory. Felix netted the first with a swerving blast that beat Nick Rimando, before Costa's collected a long ball over the top and slotted it home to put the contest beyond doubt.

LAFC Forward Carlos Vela Voted 2019 MLS All-Star Game Captain

Carlos Vela Captain All-Star Game 2019 190725 IMG

LAFC announced today that forward Carlos Vela has been voted captain of the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target for the second consecutive season.


In his sophomore campaign, Vela has also been named MLS Player of the Month twice, MLS Player of the Week three times, and selected to the MLS Team of the Week in ten occasions.


Last year’s MLS All-Star Game captain and 2018 MLS Best XI selection leads the league in goals (21), shots (103), and shots on goal (44), and is second in assists (12). Vela also became the fastest player to 20 goals in MLS history after reaching the mark in the 21st game of the season.


Vela will be joined in Orlando by LAFC teammates and first-time All-Stars Walker Zimmerman, Mark-Anthony Kaye and Diego Rossi.


The 2019 MLS All-Star team will take on Atletico Madrid in the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target later this month. The Spanish giants will face the best of MLS at Exploria Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday, July 31 (5:00 pm PT; FS1, UniMás, TSN, TVA Sports).


After 21 matches, LAFC is in first place in the Supporters’ Shield standings with a 14-3-4 record (46 points). The Black & Gold return to Banc of California Stadium tomorrow night as the Club gets set to host reigning MLS Cup champions Atlanta United FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on ESPN, ESPN 710 AM, KFWB 980.

Diego Rossi And Mark-Anthony Kaye Make Final 2019 MLS All-Star Game Roster

Rossi And Kaye Celebrate Goal 190624 IMG

LAFC forward Diego Rossi and midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye were selected to the 26-man 2019 MLS All-Star Game roster by head coach James O’Connor. Rossi and Kaye will join Fan XI starters Carlos Vela and Walker Zimmerman for a Club-high four selections in this year’s All-Star contest.


The MLS All-Stars will take on 10-time Spanish champions Atlético Madrid at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando on Wednesday, July 31 in the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. The summer showcase will air on FS1, UniMás, TSN and TVA Sports domestically as well as across more than 170 countries globally.


In his second season with LAFC, Rossi has helped LAFC to first place in the Western Conference behind eight goals, tied for fourth in the league. Last season, Rossi helped LAFC finish with the most points ever for an expansion club after registering 12 goals and nine assists. The 21-year-old has represented Uruguay at multiple levels, helping the U-20 team win the South American championship.


After his breakthrough season with LAFC last year was cut short due to injury, Kaye has bounced back with three goals and five assists in 15 appearances for the Black & Gold in 2019, and has been named to the MLS Team of the Week three times. Kaye has represented Canada at two Concacaf Gold Cups (2017, 2019), including starts in two of the first three matches at this year’s tournament.


Last week, Vela and Zimmerman were voted by MLS fans to the 2019 MLS All-Star Fan XI presented by Target. Zimmerman, Rossi and Kaye will appear in their first-ever All-Star Game, while Vela will participate in his second in as many years.


This impressive collection of MLS stars will face Atlético de Madrid, whose ten La Liga championships rank among the top three in Spain. The iconic club has won 30 trophies across all competitions, including Europa League in 2018, and finished second in La Liga in 2019.

Carlos Vela & Walker Zimmerman Selected To 2019 MLS All-Star Fan XI

Walker Zimmerman Shoots Against RSL 190323 IMG

LAFC forward Carlos Vela and defender Walker Zimmerman were voted by Major League Soccer fans to the 2019 MLS All-Star Fan XI presented by Target. The MLS All-Stars are set to take on 10-time Spanish champions Atlético Madrid at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando on July 31 in the 2019 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. The summer showcase will air on FS1, UniMás, TSN and TVA Sports domestically as well as across more than 170 countries globally.


Vela, the 2018 MLS All-Star Game captain, leads the league in goals (16), shots (87), shots on goal (35) and assists (10). Vela was named MLS Player of the Month for the first two months of the season, as well as MLS Player of the Week twice, and to the MLS Team of the Week eight times.


His first ever MLS All-Star selection, Zimmerman currently leads an LAFC backline that ranks second in goals against average (0.81) and second in fewest goals conceded (13). In his seventh season in the league, Zimmerman reached 100 MLS starts on March 17 and 10,000 minutes on May 19.


The 2019 MLS All-Star gameday roster, consisting of 24 players, will be announced at a later date and will include the 2019 MLS All-Star Fan XI presented by Target, two Commissioner’s Picks, and 11 players selected by the All-Star Head Coach. The coach will select the starting 11 from the 24-man MLS All-Star roster.


The July 31st All-Star Game will mark the 16th time that an elite international club has played the MLS All-Stars. Atlético de Madrid become only the second team from La Liga to appear in the event, after Real Madrid played in the 2017 All-Star Game in Chicago. The MLS All-Stars have also faced top clubs from the English Premier League, Italy’s Serie A, Germany's Bundesliga, Mexico's Liga MX and the Scottish Premiership, owning an 8-4-3 record against some of the world’s most decorated clubs.


Established in 1903, Atlético de Madrid is one of most revered and popular clubs in the world. Atlético de Madrid’s 10 La Liga championships rank among the top three in Spain. With 30 trophies won across all competitions, the reigning Europa League champions currently sit second in the La Liga standings.