North Carolina State University Athletics
Mastroeni Goes Entire 90 Minutes in MLS All-Star Game
7/25/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Raleigh, N.C. - Former NC State midfielder Pablo Mastroeni played all 90 minutes in the 2008 MLS All-Star game held last night in Toronto. The captain of the Colorado Rapids, played as a central defender and helped the MLS Alll-Stars to a 3-2 win over West Ham United of the English Premier League in the 13th annual Pepsi Major League Soccer All-Star Game.
A penalty kick goal from Dwayne De Rosario in the 69th minute proved to be the difference in the exciting 3-2 victory for the MLS All-Stars. 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.
