What Is 2016 MLS All Star Game

Overview

The 2016 MLS All-Star Game marked a high-profile exhibition between Major League Soccer's top players and a visiting international club. This year, the honor went to Arsenal FC of the English Premier League, making it the first time an English club participated in the format since 2013.

The game was hosted at Avaya Stadium, home to the San Jose Earthquakes, and drew a crowd of over 30,000 fans. The format continued the trend of pitting the MLS All-Stars against a globally recognized club instead of an internal league matchup.

• July 28, 2016 was the official date of the match, held during the middle of the MLS season to maximize player availability and fan engagement.
• Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California, hosted the event, marking the first All-Star Game held at the venue since its opening in 2015.
• The MLS All-Stars were selected through a combination of fan votes, coach input, and commissioner picks, with 12 players from different MLS clubs represented.
• Arsenal FC arrived with a strong squad, including stars like Alexis Sánchez and Mesut Özil, though several key players were rested due to post-season scheduling.
• The match ended 1–1 after regulation, with Giovani dos Santos scoring for MLS and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain equalizing, leading to a penalty shootout.

How It Works

The MLS All-Star Game follows a unique format that alternates between an internal league selection and a match against an international club. In 2016, the latter format was used, continuing a tradition started in 2005.

• Selection Process:11 starters were chosen by fans, with additional players selected by the coaching staff and league commissioner to fill the roster.
• Game Format: The match lasted 90 minutes with standard rules, followed by a penalty shootout if tied, though no extra time was played.
• International Opponent:Arsenal FC was invited based on global reputation and prior scheduling agreements with MLS and its broadcast partners.
• Player Eligibility: Only active MLS players were eligible for the All-Star team, excluding injured or suspended athletes.
• Penalty Shootout: After a 1–1 draw, Arsenal won 2–1 in penalties, with only three players per team taking kicks due to time constraints.
• Coaching Staff: The MLS team was led by San Jose Earthquakes’ manager Dominic Kinnear, selected due to his club hosting the game.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2016 game is best understood by comparing it to recent editions of the MLS All-Star Game:

The 2016 edition saw slightly lower attendance than 2015 but maintained strong international interest. Unlike previous years, the result was decided by penalties rather than regulation goals, highlighting the competitive balance between the teams.

Why It Matters

The 2016 MLS All-Star Game was significant for showcasing the league’s growing global partnerships and its ability to attract elite European clubs. It also highlighted the rising profile of MLS players on an international stage.

• Global Exposure: The match was broadcast in over 150 countries, increasing MLS visibility and marketing reach.
• Player Development: Facing Arsenal gave MLS athletes experience against top-tier European competition, aiding individual growth.
• Commercial Success: Ticket sales and sponsorships generated over $3 million in revenue, benefiting both MLS and the host club.
• Stadium Showcase: Avaya Stadium’s selection highlighted MLS’s investment in modern, soccer-specific venues.
• International Relations: The game strengthened ties between MLS and the Premier League, paving the way for future friendlies and collaborations.
• Fan Engagement: The event included a week of community activities, boosting local support and youth participation in soccer.

Overall, the 2016 MLS All-Star Game served as both a celebration of talent and a strategic step in MLS’s long-term globalization efforts, blending entertainment with athletic excellence.