2018 MLS All-Star Game Special Edition

MLS All-Star Game

Contents MLS All-Star Press Conference All-Star Community Day Juventus Open Training MLS All-Stars Open Training MLS Homegrown Game MLS All-Star Game

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Letter From the Editor To football (soccer) fans around the world and here in Atlanta, what a time to be alive! Just a year after Atlanta United kicked off their inaugural season, Mercedes-Benz Stadium played host to the MLS All-Star Game.

Major League Soccer brought their best players to Atlanta to take on Serie A giants Juventus FC from Italy. MLS setup their headquarters in downtown Atlanta and hosted events in various parts of the city.

Aug. 1, 2018, - MLS All-Star Sebastian Giovinco tries his best to find a long ball against Juventus FC during the 2018 MLS All-Star Game. (Hakim Wright/TPR)

Sincerely,

Jon Jones

Editor-in-Chief

As a longtime fan of the game, I felt tremendous pride and joy walking through the streets and seeing kits (jerseys) everywhere I went. English Premier League kits are fairly common due to their popularity, but this time around, I saw kits from Belgium, Italy, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and plenty from France.

This year’s All-Star Week was a beautiful testament to the growth of the sport here in Atlanta and the United States.

Along with my photographer Hakim Wright, we documented the week’s happenings here in a special All-Star edition of The Peach Review®. I sincerely hope you enjoy our story and the beautiful images to go with it.

MLS All-Star Press Conference

In preparation for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, Major League Soccer hosted the official press conference, featuring stars and head coaches from both Juventus and the MLS All-Stars in Atlanta on Monday, July 30 at the MLS All-Star Digital HQ located at the Southern Exchange (200 Peachtree).

Representing Juventus we had manager Massimiliano Allegri, midfielder Miralem Pjanić, and defender and club captain Giorgio Chiellini. From the MLS All-Stars, we had head coach Tata Martino (Atlanta United), goalkeeper Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), midfielder Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC), and forward and MLS All-Star captain Carlos Vela (Los Angeles FC).

Juventus came first, then the MLS All-Stars. One of the first questions out the gate for manager Massimiliano Allegri was the absence of Ronaldo and a few other big names.

“Dybala, Ronaldo, and others (like Juan Cuadrado) had to stay behind because they played in the World Cup,” he stated. “They need rest.” While MLS is about to wrap up their regular season, the Italian club is still in preseason.

When asked about his thoughts on the MLS Coach (Tata Martino) he said, “Tata Martino is a coach that is a very important person because he coached Barcelona and the Argentina National Team.”

We moved on to the captain Giorgio Chiellini, who was all smiles through the duration of the conference. “My first time being a captain… There’s no difference,” was his comment when asked about he or Gigi Buffon being captain. “I’m fortunate to have played with Gigi and I honestly feel no difference.”

While we were busy with note-taking and translations, the teams transitioned with Juventus leaving and MLS coming. After a quick photo-op, the MLS contingent was seated the floor was opened for questioning.

LAFC striker Carlos Vela took the first question which was about his captaincy. “I’m happy to be here as captain,” he said with a smile. “As Tata said we are happy to be here and to enjoy but, we want to win the game.” He was questioned twice about his thoughts on Juan Carlos Osorio’s decision to part ways with the Mexican National Team (La Selección) but he wouldn’t answer and put it simply, “This isn’t the time or the place.”

Tata Martino had mixed feelings about the All-Star scheduling. While excited to take part in such a match, he had concerns about fatigue and the timing.

“In reality, I recognize it’s a bit of a challenge to have these players participating,” he said. “I understand it’s a beautiful spectacle for the league and the country but in the future maybe look to have it before or after (the season). Some teams are fighting to make the playoffs and some are fighting to stay afloat.”

We closed the press conference and official welcoming of the squads with Toronto FC star and former Juve striker Sebastian Giovinco. The press core as a whole was interested in his view on Juventus’ growth since he was a former player.

“They’ve changed a lot. The team has struggled a bit over the years but they’re back to winning,” said the Canadian striker.

“And with getting Cristiano it’s good for the entire Italian football movement. I hope they do well.”

The official press conference took place at the MLS All-Star Digital HQ. The well-known 200 Peachtree was transformed into a footballer’s paradise, fully equipped with an MLS All-Star store, work areas, locker room style benches, and an eMLS gaming area fully equipped with PS4’s galore (with the only game conceivable, FIFA 18′).

Community Day

As part of the 2018 MLS All-Star Week, MLS WORKS, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Target, Monday afternoon played host to an All-Star Community Day at Anderson Park.

The event was to celebrate the opening of 10 new community soccer play spaces at eight sites across the City of Atlanta, part of the retailer’s $6 million commitment to build 100 soccer play spaces for kids and families across the country by 2020.

In addition to Target’s canine mascot, Bullseye, MLS All-Stars Brad Guzan, Josef Martinez, Michael Parkhurst, Graham Zusi, and a legend from Juventus (David Trezeguet) made an appearance for a clinic with the kids (legend Edgar Davids was also among the Juventus contingent).

Children from the YMCA and surrounding neighborhood groups participated in All-Star themed soccer activities, including games & skills demonstrations, free food trucks, giveaways, music and more. It was one of the best free community events I’ve seen in quite a while.

Remarks and comments were made from the following: Don Garber, Commissioner, Major League Soccer; Darren Eales, President, Atlanta United FC; William White, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Target; Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Amy Phuong, Commissioner, Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation.

The official “first kick” was taken by the MLS stars along with a soccer team from the community. It was an extremely fun day with a DJ, free popsicles, free food trucks, and a free t-shirt station where you could custom make an All-Star keepsake with designs from Atlanta muralist Greg Mike.

Juventus Open Training

MLS Open Training

MLS Homegrown Game

The MLS Homegrown game saw the rising stars of Major League Soccer host the U-20 lot from Mexican side Tigres UANL.

Even during the torrential downpour, we still saw an exciting match that showcased the next generation of footballers.

Tigres goalkeeper Marcos Barbosa had a monster first half, with his biggest save coming in the 19’ minute.

Homegrown Liam Fraser (Toronto FC, pictured right) finally broke the deadlock in stoppage time in the first half. Andrew Carleton (Atlanta United) who had been putting in major work, launched a ball into the box. After bouncing twice it fell to Liam Fraser who calmly volleyed the ball into goal.

Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union) denied Tigres their first goal when the keeper was out and he headed the ball out of play.

Tigres had another solid chance in the 61’ minute when a long ball found Bryan Reyes.

While the ball was in flight, he penetrated MLS’ back line and won the ball. But because of his pace he couldn’t get an accurate touch on the ball, which resulted in a header that was far from clean.

A goal was scored right before the 70’ but played should’ve stopped before it was created.

MLS Keeper Sean Melvin (Vancouver Whitecaps) picked up the ball and looked like he was going to punt, but let it drop and picked the ball up again. The Tigres players went mad as the referee missed the call and while contesting, the Homegrowns scored a goal. But after review, it turns out the goal was taken back due to a keeper infraction.

After the 4 minute drama, Tigres setup a free kick just inside the box. The low shot ricocheted a few times but was ultimately tapped in by Adrian Garza to make the match 1-1 MLS.

Homegrown Coach Tony Annan said after the match, “They did a good job, it’s difficult when the rain is heavy but they still did an amazing job. Game plan doesn’t change because of the weather.”

After a lengthy weather delay and heavy showers throughout the match, it still turned out to be an entertaining showcase. Each side had multiple opportunities to score and we saw top-notch defending from both sides.

“I think we had enough time to play as a team and we all came in together really well,” said MLS Homegrown Lagos Kunga after the match. I was happy to see him play even though he just came off a previous match where he played 90 minutes and recently recovered from a few injuries. “I feel great now. I feel great playing everyday. Training and playing so often helps a lot. As the season goes on I think I’ll get back into form and start producing.”

The day was finally here and the hour had finally come. The MLS All-Stars were set to take on Juventus in a sold-out All-Star Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The night boasted a record-breaking 72,317 in attendance.

Juventus broke the deadlock first in the 21’ minute with a goal from Andrea Favilli, but Joseph Martinez snagged the lone-goal for the All-Stars. Juve would eventually

win in penalty kicks.

The crowd was electric and the atmosphere was exciting. The format pitted the finest from our domestic league against a UEFA Champions League club who have boasted the likes of Gigi Buffon, Andre Pirlo, Gonzalo Higuaín, and now Cristiano Ronaldo.

The various MLS players brought in fans from all over America while Juve brought its supporters from across the globe. The global game is a beautiful one!

We hope you enjoyed our special MLS All-Star Game edition as much as we did. Football fever has overtaken Atlanta and it’s only going to grow!

As it stands, Atlanta United is playoff bound and is still the hottest ticket in town. Currently first place in the Eastern Conference, MLS darlings Atlanta United look unstoppable and boast some of the best players in Major League Soccer.

You can read more about what’s happening ‘round ATL and Atlanta United’s regular season journey next week in the newest edition of The Peach Review®.

Be sure to follow us on all our socials: @thepeachreview

You can find our all-new podcast for reviews on Spotify, Apple, Android, and other major platforms HERE

We have big news to share in our next issue -Jon Jones

Editor-in-Chief Hakim Wright

Head Photographer