MLS All-Stars Triumph in 2025 Skills Challenge

News Summary

In a thrilling contest at Q2 Stadium, the MLS All-Stars secured a 4-2 victory against LIGA MX in the 2025 Skills Challenge. Standout performances came from Evander of FC Cincinnati, who broke the Shooting Challenge record with 72 points, and Club América’s duo Alex Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez, who excelled in the Touch Challenge. The event showcased remarkable skills from both leagues, building excitement for the upcoming All-Star Game, where MLS leads the series 2-1 against LIGA MX.

Austin, Texas – The 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge concluded on Tuesday night at Q2 Stadium, with the MLS All-Stars defeating LIGA MX by a score of 4-2. This victory marks the first Skills Challenge title for MLS since 2022, setting an optimistic tone ahead of the All-Star Game taking place on Wednesday evening.

One of the standout performances of the night came from Evander of FC Cincinnati, who broke the Shooting Challenge record with an impressive score of 72 points. This achievement surpassed the previous record of 65 points, which was held by Héctor Herrera since 2022. Evander’s domination in this event solidified his status as a key player for the All-Stars.

In a thrilling display of teamwork, Club América’s Alex Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez set a new record in the Touch Challenge, combining for a total of 120 points. This achievement shattered the old record of 71 points, showcasing their skills and coordination.

The competition initially saw LIGA MX take an early lead thanks to Gilberto Mora from Club Tijuana, who impressed spectators with his remarkable volleys. However, Austin FC’s goalkeeper Brad Stuver made crucial saves to keep the MLS All-Stars in the game. Denis Bouanga from LAFC later scored a goal that tied the event, giving both teams a point.

Another highlight of the evening was the duel between MLS legend Clint Dempsey and Mexican footballer Oribe Peralta, where Dempsey emerged as the victor. Evander continued his exceptional performance by also defeating Rodrigo Dourado from Atlético San Luis.

As the Skills Challenge drew to a close, Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka hit the crossbar with a decisive shot, which ultimately sealed the win for the MLS All-Stars. The event demonstrated high-level competition and skill from both leagues, leading to an exciting build-up for the next day’s All-Star Game.

The 2025 MLS All-Star Game is set to kick off at 8 PM CT on Wednesday at Q2 Stadium. Both MLS and LIGA MX will showcase 12-player rosters, complemented by special guest appearances. Leading the MLS All-Stars will be Nico Estévez, head coach of Austin FC, while Andre Jardine will serve as the head coach for the LIGA MX All-Stars for the second consecutive year after receiving the 2025 LIGA MX Coach of the Year award.

This event marks the fourth meeting between the MLS and LIGA MX All-Stars, with MLS leading the series 2-1. The last head-to-head match was a victory for the LIGA MX All-Stars, so this Skills Challenge win adds to the anticipation for the upcoming All-Star Game.

The upcoming Leagues Cup 2025 is scheduled to begin on July 29, featuring 36 teams from both MLS and LIGA MX. MLS has won the first two editions of the Leagues Cup, with Inter Miami taking home the trophy in 2023 and Columbus Crew winning in 2024.

Austin FC has consistently drawn large crowds since its inception in 2021, with the club hosting 81 consecutive sellouts, the longest active streak in the league. Anticipation is high for notable players expected to participate in festivities, including global superstars like Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba, and Nicolás Rodríguez.

Among the emerging talents expected to shine is 16-year-old Gilberto Mora, who is regarded as one of football’s rising stars. Furthermore, the All-Star week will honor four local heroes for their community contributions, reinforcing the league’s commitment to positively impacting the community.

In summary, the 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge showcased thrilling performances and set the stage for an eagerly awaited All-Star Game, promising an exciting continuation of the rivalry between MLS and LIGA MX.

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Additional Resources

• MLS Soccer: Everything to Know About 2025 MLS All-Star Game
• KXAN: How Major League Soccer is Helping Keep Austin Clean
• CBS Austin: MLS All-Star Game to Honor Local Heroes
• Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
• Google News: MLS All-Star Game 2025