MLS All-Stars hold off Liga MX

Vela scores early and Ruidiaz converts a penalty kick to turn back Mexican stars.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Carlos Vela scored in the third minute and Raul Ruidiaz converted a penalty kick in the 73rd minute in the Major League Soccer All-Star team’s 2-1 victory over Mexico’s Liga MX on Wednesday night.

Vela, the versatile LAFC forward who led MLS with 34 goals in 2019, headed in the early goal off a crossing pass by LAFC teammate Diego Palacios. Ruidiaz padded the lead after Carles Gil drew a penalty, sending his free shot to the lower right corner to elicit a roar from the sellout crowd of 19,797 at Allianz Field.

Kevin Alvarez scored for Liga MX with a rocket from outside the box in the 83rd minute that sailed past diving goalie Sean Johnson. That brought the thousands of Mexicans in attendance to life, and they were just as loud as the Americans.

Minnesota United, nicknamed the Loons by the ardent supporters, had backup goalie Dayne St. Clair and starting midfielder Emanuel Reynoso represented on the team. Reynoso took the first corner kick.

St. Clair entered in the 33rd minute to sub for Andre Blake.

He made four saves, including a diving stop to block a header in the 44th minute, to win the game’s MVP award.