For MLS, "Philadelphia/Chester appeared the perfect place" for this year's All-Star Game so the league could "show the tremendous amount of fandom that soccer continues to grow across the country and now into Canada," according to Kerith Gabriel of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS. While the ASG "would come close to filling the expansive Lincoln Financial Field (if not sell it out), PPL Park's 20,000-seat capacity will be showcased worldwide." MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "Our agreement to bring the game here was even part of the entire package that we put together with (then Pennsylvania governor) Ed Rendell at that time, folks from the county, officials from the city of Chester that, 'If you support us, we will bring you a big event.'" MLS Exec VP/Competition & Game Operations Nelson Rodriguez said, "It is such a great sports town and they just support all of their professional and collegiate teams. The Sons of Ben and the wider fan base that have adopted the Union has been amazing. Bringing out special event to Philadelphia is in part a reward to that fan base and that ownership group which in a very short time has established that organization as a fixture in the community." Gabriel wrote, "From wrapped buses strolling up and down the Parkway, to a giant soccer ball hitting the Phillies game, Major League Soccer is out to show its appreciation to a city that has shown soccer some love" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/23).
SPREADING THE LOVE: Garber said, "Generally, we wait a little longer to bring something like this, but the city has been so supportive. This is a 'thank you' to the fans. They've been great and they deserve this." In Philadelphia, Chad Graff noted The Sons of Ben, an independent supporters group, were "instrumental to bringing an MLS team to Philadelphia." Garber "recognized that" during remarks on Friday (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 7/21). Union F Antoine Hoppenot said of hosting the ASG at PPL Park, "We think it's the best stadium in MLS, so we like that it will be thrust into the national spotlight like this. It's fantastic for the stadium, it's fantastic for the team and it's fantastic for the city of Philadelphia." Union D Amobi Okugo said, "It's going to be a chance for Philly to show our atmosphere on the world stage and we're not going to disappoint. The Sons of Ben do a great job and I'm sure they'll do a great job for the All-Star Game" (MLSSOCCER.com, 7/24).
VYING FOR ATTENTION: Garber said of marketing MLS in Philadelphia, "It's a huge city, one of the biggest in the country, but it has a small feel to it, and it seems to really embrace local businesses and local sports teams." He added, "I don't think we've had a different strategy in Philadelphia than we've had in Portland or Seattle. We've got a great management team with Nick (Sakiewicz) and his team that has had a lot of experience. He brought in people that have experience in pro sports. And they've done a lot of things right." In response to those that argue an ASG is a waste of time, Garber said, "I'm a guy who has been in the pro sports business in this country for 30 years, and I believe in All-Star Games. ... As long as I'm commissioner, we're going to have an All-Star Game." He added, "Our pride's on the line, a national platform for the sport is on the line" (PHILLY.com, 7/20).
GOING GLOBAL: USA TODAY's Michael Florek notes every MLS ASG "has sold out in the current format," which began in '05 and pits MLS All-Stars against a major European club. MLS Exec VP/Communications Dan Courtemanche said that TV ratings for the ASG "have improved under the format." Courtemanche said, "It's really become a destination event for the North American soccer community." Earthquakes F Chris Wondolowski said of the game, "I think everyone is going as hard as they can. It's not going to necessarily be like an NBA All-Star Game where there's no defense" (USA TODAY, 7/25). The PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS' Gabriel wrote for the players, the ASG is "a litmus test, a chance for MLS' chosen few to see where they rate in comparison to some of the world's top footballers." Real Salt Lake MF Kyle Beckerman said, "I think the fans want to see a big club; that kind of goes without saying. Players, it's a little bit of both; we enjoy playing a big club like Chelsea or Manchester United, but I think also doing it this way, makes the event a little bit more serious, as opposed to the East vs. West format." DC United coach Ben Olsen, who will helm the MLS All-Star squad, said, "I don't know if there is any advantage (to playing international teams), but it certainly makes it more of a competitive match. ... There is a sense of league vs. the world and that brings these guys together, and I think it's a good format." Beckerman added, "We know the score line is going to go around the world. ... We're all competitors, no one wants to lose" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/24).
NEED FOR PROTECTIONISM? In Philadelphia, John Smallwood writes, "Thinking long-term about the success of MLS, you should raise an eye brow that only five All-Stars are American players who are 25 or younger." That is "not a strong representation for a league whose marketing strategy urges fans to see America's future stars develop here." Looking at an ASG roster "dominated by foreign players and Americans in their late 20s or older, it seems MLS is seeing less and less return on the young talent in which it has invested so much." It is "not as bad as the one-and-done of NCAA basketball, but the exodus of young American talent after just a few seasons is a troubling pattern." Union D Chris Albright said, "As a league, MLS still has to try to make a profit, and those young, talented kids are going to go to leagues where they can make more money." Smallwood: "MLS is a business foremost, and how does it sell the concept of seeing tomorrow's American stars when those players are constantly going overseas just as the fan base is getting to know them?" (PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, 7/25).
