2015 All-Star game presents an opportunity to showcase the MLS evolution

2015 All-Star game presents an opportunity to showcase the MLS evolution [VIDEO]

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Tonight is a big night for Major League Soccer. It is a chance to put their best team forward when they lineup against Tottenham Hotspur in this year’s highly anticipated All-Star game.

But the lead up to this match has not been without its drama. Outside90’s Daniel Cunningham looks at the key talking points heading into the blockbuster match.

#minutesdon’tmatter

This became the trend of the moment in reaction to the announcement that Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard – who, at the time of the announcement were yet to play a minute in Major League Soccer – were named to the All-Star team as Commissioner Don Garber’s two ’special’ picks.

Players and fans were bemused by the selection. Yes, Lampard and Gerrard have been extraordinary players who have contributed for both club and country, but they are completely unproven in the MLS.

It sets the wrong tone. But things got worse.

Lampard was set to debut for his new club, New York City FC, but pulled out with a calf injury which has subsequently forced his withdrawal from the All-Star game.

Gerrard chose to silence the critics with a dominant debut display, leading L.A. Galaxy to a 5-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. Yet, he followed suit and pulled out of the All-Star team on Monday – two days prior to the game.

Shuffling things around

Gerrard’s withdrawal was also joined by some other big losses – teammate Robbie Keane, Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley and New England defender Chris Tierney will all miss out. While they have been replaced, it does not make the team inordinately weaker.

The lineup still includes serious talent in Kaka, David Villa, Clint Dempsey, Obafembi Martins, MLS MVP front-runner Sebastian Giovinco, and the emerging U.S. national team attacker Gyasi Zardes,

Tottenham will need to come prepared. They are a club aiming for a top four finish in the Premier League this year and with only two weeks to go before the start of their campaign, preseason or not, there is no room for complacency as far as they are concerned. They need to bring their ‘A’ game.

Away from the All-Star game…

Away from the hand-wringing around the All-Star game, there have been note-worthy new additions to the Major League Soccer fold who easily could have competed for a coveted red, white and blue strip.

Andrea Pirlo arrived with honours – one World Cup, six league titles, two Champions League trophys and two domestic cups – and in style, making a formidable debut for NYCFC at the weekend. He had 32,000 fans chanting “we want Pirlo”, as the 36-year-old Italian maestro made a second-half appearance and immediate impact helping them record a 5-2 victory.

This week also sees another big name upping the ante Stateside, with Didier Drogba joining The Montreal Impact – and further validation of this league’s growing recognition.

In quite an odd turn of events, the Chicago Fire initially obtained Drogba’s rights, but then traded these to the Impact,on discovering the prospect of playing in the French-speaking city proved more attractive to the iconic striker.

Either way, another great player joins the league.

Austin Aztex 4-3-1-2 football formation

Possible MLS All-Star starting XI

Cementing the MLS evolution

All-Star games are a quintessential American sports phenomenon – so they will always be a spectacle on-and-off the pitch, and the MLS is no exception.

That aside, this game is one to be anticipated. Great line-ups, lots of competition and plenty at stake for a friendly game. Everybody is out to prove their worth.

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But if there is any learning here, it is to set expectations accordingly and not allow the drama around the game to be perceived as a marketing or viewership play, and instead focus on winning itself.

This year, a victory will speak volumes. Next year, the competition for places will be even stronger.

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