Blanco leads MLS past West Ham

[redqueen]

http://web.mlsnet.com/mls/events/all_star/2008/article.jsp?ymd=20080724&content_id=175476&vkey=allstar2008&fext=.jsp

Chicago Fire midfielder named MVP in All-Star triumph
By Mark Polishuk / MLSnet.com Staff

TORONTO -- A penalty kick goal from hometown hero Dwayne De Rosario in the 69th minute proved to be the difference in an exciting 3-2 victory for the MLS All-Stars against West Ham United in the 13th annual Pepsi Major League Soccer All-Star Game.

The victory was the MLS side's fourth in a row over international competition and improved their record to a perfect 5-0 overall since the MLS vs. the World format was first adopted in 2003. It also gives MLS a hat trick against London-based teams, as the All-Stars defeated Fulham and Chelsea in 2005 and 2006.

After Dean Ashton gave the English Premier League side a 26th-minute lead, Christian Gomez equalized not a minute later, set up by a terrific backheel from Cuauhtemoc Blanco. Blanco then put the MLS All-Stars ahead with a great goal of his own just before halftime, but Ashton brought West Ham on even terms again in the 67th minute, three minutes before De Rosario's spot kick provided the victory.

Blanco, the Chicago Fire's playmaker, was named the Volkswagen All-Star Game MVP, with a goal and an assist on the night.

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I forgot this was yesterday and missed it. x(

[freedom55]

1. cool

cool

[two gun sid]

2. Blanco's the best!

Even Becks played well for the All-Stars.

[nickgutierrez]

3. Blanco's goal was a beauty

A perfect, curled shot, right in the corner.

Dean Ashton was impressive, too - he hits some of the hardest shots I've seen.