West Team earns stunning comeback victory in MLS NEXT All-Star Game

ANNAPOLIS, MD – In the second-annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game, the West squad erased a two-goal second-half deficit, including a game-tying score in the 89th minute, and converted all five of their kicks from the penalty spot to defeat the East, 2-2 (5-4), at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

The first Homegrown signing in Nashville SC history, forward Adem Sipić opened the scoring for the East in the 25th minute, as he gathered a rebound off the right post and slotted home the game’s first goal (Watch Here). Sipić’s goal punctuated a tremendous run from Atlanta United’s Rocket Ritarita, who navigated through the West’s defense before firing a strike off the post prior to Sipić’s score.

The Nashville product added his second goal of the match in first half stoppage time following a sliding interception by Olger Escobar of the New England Revolution and a beautifully-played long ball by Stiven Jimenez of FC Cincinnati, which found Sipić on the attack (Watch Here).

An early West attack in the second half was stymied by East goalkeeper Nathaniel Abraham of Toronto FC, as a breakaway opportunity for the LA Galaxy’s Paulo Rudisill was stopped just outside of the six-yard box to preserve the early shutout. However, Rudisill and the West broke through in the 70th, as the 17-year-old midfielder struck a low-driving shot from outside the 18-yard box for his side’s first score of the match. With time waning in the second half, LAFC’s Adrian Wibowo corralled a long pass, shifted to his left, and fired past the East ‘keeper to knot the score at 2-2 in the 89th minute and force the game into kicks from the penalty spot.

After each club scored in the first round, Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Mohammed Shour emerged as the hero, saving the penalty-kick attempt by Jonathan Shore. Both teams converted their remaining kicks, including Jude Wellings’ (Real Salt Lake) game-sealing kick. Shour’s efforts earned him MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP honors.

2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game

1 2 T
East 2 2 2
West 0 2 2
West wins 5-4 in penalty kicks

Scoring Summary
EAST – Adem Sipić (Nashville SC), 25’
EAST – Adem Sipić (Nashville SC), 45’+2’
WEST – Paulo Rudisill (LA Galaxy), 70’
WEST – Adrian Wibowo (LAFC), 89’

Player of the Game
West All-Star Mohammed Shour (Seattle Sounders FC)

Full PK shootout from the @MLSNEXT All-Star Game, with the West Team coming out on top thanks to @SoundersAcademy goalkeeper Mohammed Shour, who earned Player of the Game honors! pic.twitter.com/ChXtZ0rKTN

— SoccerWire (@TheSoccerWire) July 19, 2023