Chuba Akpom scores late winner as MLS All-Stars fall to Arsenal in ASG

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:58 am

Chuba Akpom scored a late winner as Arsenal defeated the MLS 2-1 in the 2016 MLS All-Star Game in San Jose, California on Thursday.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger began the match with big summer signing Granit Xhaka on the bench, while handing fellow new recruit Rob Holding the start at centre-back. And it was the Premier League runners-up who took the lead from the penalty spot in the 11th minute.

MLS goalkeeper Andre Blake and Laurent Ciman failed to deal with a long ball into the box, where an onrushing Joel Campbell took a touch over the keeper before being hacked down by the trailing Ciman.

The Costa Rica international then stepped up and calmly slotted his left-footed shot past Blake, giving the Gunners the early advantage.

There was a scare for the MLS in the 22nd minute, when Dallas star Kellyn Acosta collided with Francis Coquelin. A trainer came out as Acosta grabbed at his right ankle but he got to his feet and stayed in the game.

Joel Campbell and Arsenal triumphed at the MLS All-Star Game on Thursday.
Joel Campbell and Arsenal triumphed at the MLS All-Star Game on Thursday.
Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

It would take more than a half-hour, but the MLS All-Stars would find their equaliser just moments before the break through former Chelsea star Didier Drogba -- the Montreal Impact striker having two close-range efforts in front of former Blues teammate Petr Cech's goal before finding the net with his third attempt.

Both sides made wholesale changes at half-time, with the MLS All-Stars introducing 2015 league MVP Sebastian Giovinco and Arsenal bringing on Xhaka.

San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski received a roaring ovation when he entered to play on his home field in Avaya Stadium in the 73rd minute, when Seattle Sounders star Clint Dempsey also came into the match.

And it was Wondolowski who missed a golden chance to be the MLS hero 10 minutes from time by flashing up and over the net after a fine run and layoff by Cyle Larin.

Arsenal took advantage of the missed chance, however, in the 87th minute -- Akpom tapping into an empty net after a fine overlapping run and pass from Nacho Monreal.

With the loss, MLS teams moved to 9-4-1 in the league's summer showcase event, including a 2-1 win against Tottenham last year in Colorado.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.