by jeff
Everton Defeats MLS Allstars In Penalty Kicks
11:33 am in English Premier League, MLS by jeff
Everton took down the 2009 MLS All-Star’s with a 4-3 victory in penalty kicks after the match was tied 1-1 in regulation. This was the first time that the MLS has lost this event since the format was changed. Usually this game is full of action, but this all-star game lacked the flash and creativity of past events.
Everton opened the scoring in the 12th minute. Stuart Holden played a ball across the middle of the field to Louis Saha who found himself one v one with MLS keeper Kasey Keller. It was an awful ball by Holden who has had a great summer with the U.S. national team. Saha made the most of this opportunity finding the back of the net giving Everton the early 1-0 lead.
The MLS would tie the match in the 26th minute when Brad Davis struck one into the back of the net. It was great combination play by the MLS with Connor Casey slotting the ball into Holden, who then tipped it to a wide open Davis on the back post. Throughout the remainder of the half both teams were playing toe-to-toe with neither team able to break the deadlock.
In the second half both teams made major changes to their lineups. The MLS sure seemed to get stronger with the addition of Landon Donovan on the field. Donovan has been in great form the past few months, and hopefully this continues with the U.S. approaching a difficult stretch of World Cup qualifiers.
Both squads missed golden opportunities to score throughout the second half. The only reason the MLS did not go up a goal is because of the superb play from Everton goal keeper Tim Howard. He made numerous key saves to keep the game tied as regulation came to an end.
Howard again was huge in the penalty kicks. He made 3 saves in the shootout to give Everton a 4-3 win. Bob Bradley had to be licking his chops seeing Howard perform this well. Howard, who has had his ups and downs in the past, is now being considered amongst the worlds elite goalkeepers.
Overall, I was very disappointed in this game. Neither squad really got into any kind of rhythm, which made the game drag along. Yes, Everton is a top EPL team, but the MLS needs to put on a better performance if it wants to be considered a top league. Right now the MLS is considered a lower tier league in the internatinal club scene, and if the All-Star team can not beat an EPL club team that will not change any time soon!
