News Summary
The MLS All-Stars secured a convincing 4-2 victory over LIGA MX in the 2025 Skills Challenge at Q2 Stadium. Evander set a new Shooting Challenge record with 72 points, while Alex Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez excelled in the Touch Challenge. Timely contributions from goalkeepers and key players highlighted the competitive spirit of the event. The upcoming MLS All-Star Game promises more excitement as top talents from both leagues are set to compete, continuing the fierce rivalry between MLS and LIGA MX.
Austin, TX – The 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge took place on Tuesday night at Q2 Stadium, where the MLS All-Stars achieved a decisive 4-2 victory over their LIGA MX rivals. This win not only showcased the talent of the MLS players but also set the stage for the upcoming All-Star Game scheduled for Wednesday at 8 PM CT.
Highlighting the event, Evander from FC Cincinnati delivered a record-breaking performance in the Shooting Challenge, amassing 72 points and surpassing the previous all-time high of 65 points set by Héctor Herrera in 2022. The Shooting Challenge was one of the key components of the Skills Challenge, demonstrating the striking ability of participants.
In a remarkable display of teamwork, Alex Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez from Club América achieved a new benchmark in the Touch Challenge, securing a combined score of 120 points and eclipsing the former record of 71 points.
The Skills Challenge began with an intense effort from Gilberto Mora of Club Tijuana, who provided LIGA MX with an early edge due to his impressive volley shots. However, goalkeeper Brad Stuver from Austin FC played a crucial role, making essential saves that kept the MLS team in the competition.
Denis Bouanga from LAFC stepped up at a critical juncture, scoring a late goal that tied the event and secured a point for each team, demonstrating the competitive spirit of the challenge.
In a notable matchup, former USMNT star Clint Dempsey triumphed over Mexican football legend Oribe Peralta, further solidifying MLS’s prowess in these duals. Evander continued to shine by defeating Rodrigo Dourado from Atlético San Luis, contributing to the All-Stars’ success.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka sealed the challenge victory for the MLS by successfully hitting the crossbar with a shot, marking a celebratory end to the Skills Challenge. This win signifies that the MLS All-Stars have reclaimed the Skills Challenge title for the first time since 2022.
The upcoming 2025 MLS All-Star Game promises to be a riveting event, featuring a blend of renowned local and international talent, as both MLS and LIGA MX will field rosters of 12 players along with special guests. The MLS All-Stars will be coached by Nico Estévez of Austin FC, while Andre Jardine leads the LIGA MX All-Stars for the second year in a row, following his recognition as the 2025 LIGA MX Coach of the Year.
This year’s All-Star competition marks the fourth encounter between MLS and LIGA MX All-Stars, with MLS leading the series 2-1. The LIGA MX side won the most recent All-Star match, intensifying the rivalry ahead of this event.
In addition to the excitement around the All-Star Game, soccer fans are eagerly anticipating the Leagues Cup 2025, which is set to kick off on July 29 and will include 36 teams from both leagues. The MLS has enjoyed recent success in this tournament, having won the first two editions with teams like Inter Miami in 2023 and Columbus Crew in 2024.
Austin FC, which has been competing since 2021, boasts an impressive streak of 81 consecutive sellouts, the longest active run in the league. Notable players such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, and Jordi Alba are expected to participate, along with rising stars like 16-year-old Gilberto Mora.
Additionally, during the All-Star week at Q2 Stadium, four local heroes will be honored for their significant contributions to their communities, reinforcing the event’s impact beyond just soccer.
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Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: Everything to Know About 2025 MLS All-Star Game
- KXAN: How Major League Soccer is Helping Keep Austin Clean
- CBS Austin: MLS All-Star Game to Honor Local Heroes
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- Google News: MLS All-Star Game 2025
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