MLS-Liga MX showdown could be the start of something special

LOS ANGELES — A lot of the MLS All-Star Game is for show. Pre-match, a drumline took the pitch with pyrotechnics, setting the scene in the shadow of Downtown LA.

And if you want to poke holes in the spectacle that the match provided, in terms of a lack of goals or the absences of major LA-based Mexican stars Chicharito and Carlos Vela, that’s your right.

But what we saw on Wednesday felt like a real soccer match. It certainly sounded like one, thanks to a pro-Liga MX crowd that was eventually drowned out by the beats of Los Angeles FC’s 3252 supporters' end.

From the opening whistle, it felt like there was something riding on this one. And even if it was only pride, that’s more than had been at stake since MLS turned its late-summer showcase into a European preseason stop.

The format that featured the likes of Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich served its purpose. It brought needed attention and eyeballs to a league starved for exposure. It always felt temporary.

Love it or leave it, the league versus league format has staying power.

For one, MLS and Liga MX are tied at the hip. The formation of Leagues Cup, Campeones Cup and the All-Star Game beginning in 2019 signaled the mutual interest both leagues have in working together. Constant reports of a full merger are unfounded, commissioner Don Garber told media in LA earlier this week.

The fans, too, are consuming each other’s product more than ever, even if it’s not in the ways MLS or Liga MX would prefer. MLS watchers tend to use Liga MX as a measuring stick, as well as a breeding ground for the next designated player or Young Money signing. Mexican supporters will check in on MLS to see Chicharito, Vela and to catch up on Matías Almeyda.

And in the case of newer clubs like LAFC and Austin FC, there is strong Mexican influence in the stands. 

And yet, the question swirling among media and fans who descended upon LA for MLS’s yearly gathering was whether the players would care enough to give the match the spice it deserved.

Within the first eight minutes, we got the answer. Jorge Sanchez could have let Diego Rossi have his moment at home, but instead the Club América defender put his body on the line for an overhead clearance, and César Montes put his foot through Gustavo Bou’s follow-up shot in a way that had New England Revolution coach Bruce Arena groaning from his recliner.

Later in the first half, Rodolfo Pizarro left a foot in on Pedro Aquino. Jonathan Rodriguez clashed heads with an MLS defender. Julian Araujo and Luis Romo received yellow cards.

The fans lapped it up. Their MX lean was revealed as Rodriguez, the Cruz Azul star, fired home the opening goal in the 20th minute. Behind the same goal where he scored, LAFC supporters did their best to bring some home flavor, playing some of their usual setlist and reaching full throttle after their beloved Eduard Atuesta and Jesús Murillo combined on the MLS equalizer in the 53rd.

There were some ugly moments, too. The match had to be paused once in the first half due to an audible homophobic ‘grito’ following an MLS goal kick, and referee Armando Villarreal could have taken things further when it picked up again a few minutes before the final whistle.

Thankfully, a disruptive few didn’t destroy the party atmosphere. The crowd erupted when it was announced that the match would be decided by penalty kicks, and it felt like most everybody stayed to ride out the fireworks finish.

Much like he did earlier this month in the Gold Cup final, Matt Turner dashed Mexican hopes with a pair of penalty saves and secured the match MVP award.

And of course, it was Ricardo Pepi, the 18-year-old El Pasoan stuck in a tug-of-war between the U.S. and Mexico national teams, who struck the winning penalty on the same day when it was reported that he plans to accept an invite to join the USMNT for World Cup qualifying in September.

He was mobbed at the penalty spot after striking the final blow off the crossbar.

Yes, it was mostly for show. But if the requirements are drama, atmosphere and competition, this MLS vs. Liga MX experiment hit all the right notes.

Now, when are y’all coming to Texas?