CHARLOTTE — Son Heung-Min scored back-to-back goals in the first half as the MLS All-Stars defeated the Liga MX All-Stars 4-3 on Wednesday.
Son, a Los Angeles FC forward in his first All-Star Game, posted his goals in the 20th and 23rd minutes.
Philip Zinckernagel and Evander also scored for the MLS team, which was coached by Charlotte FC’s Dean Smith. Carles Gil notched two assists.
Luis Gabriel Rey, Salomon Rondon and Jose Paradela scored for the Liga MX All-Stars, who represented Mexico’s top professional league. Paradela’s goal came in second-half stoppage time, leaving some suspense.
Maxime Crepeau made six saves for the MLS All-Stars — the highest total recorded by any of the match’s five goalkeepers.
The MLS side has won four of five All-Star matchups against Liga MX since 2021.
While the showcase involved standouts from both leagues, the match was devoid of some star power as several players backed out in the aftermath of the World Cup that ended earlier this month.
Gabriel scored in the ninth minute off Juan Brunetta’s assist.
Zinckernagel of the Chicago Fire tallied in the 42nd minute. Gil of the New England Revolution was the playmaker.
Rondon closed the gap to 3-2 in the 55th minute, but Evander’s tally in the 58th restored the two-game advantage.
The event was held at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC and the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
–Bob Sutton, Field Level Media
