Chelsea invited for MLS All-Star Game

RSL_Fan · 03-25-2006, 03:53 PM

Anyone going to the All-Star game this year???

Chelsea invited for MLS All-Star Game

AreliusIV · 03-27-2006, 03:46 PM

I am thrilled to have Chelsea come to the U.S. but I would prefer that they play one specific team. Last year the MLS allstars travelled to Spain to play Real Madrid and it turned into an utter debacle and did nothing to raise the stature of MLS in the eyes of foreign soccer aficionados. You can't expect 11 allstars to gel after only a couple of days together. MLS would be better served to play Chelsea against one specific team (reigning champion?).

Aerick · 03-27-2006, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AreliusIV

I am thrilled to have Chelsea come to the U.S. but I would prefer that they play one specific team. Last year the MLS allstars travelled to Spain to play Real Madrid and it turned into an utter debacle and did nothing to raise the stature of MLS in the eyes of foreign soccer aficionados. You can't expect 11 allstars to gel after only a couple of days together. MLS would be better served to play Chelsea against one specific team (reigning champion?).

While I agree somewhat, I was still very entertained by that match last year. And if I recall, the MLS All-Star team won against Fulham FC here in Columbus last year.

prk166 · 03-27-2006, 11:41 PM

I wasn't planning on making that game. Chicago is fun to visit though.

SoccerPrime · 03-30-2006, 01:25 PM

Update:
Chelsea probably isn't coming

AreliusIV · 03-30-2006, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoccerPrime

Update:
Chelsea probably isn't coming

A press release issued by MLS cited ''scheduling conflicts'' as the reason for the cancellation of the Monday press conference regarding the All-Star Game; in fact, another type of conflict may have prevented the Chelsea players from participating on that date.

According to a league source, MLS has received notice that the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), which represents players in the English and Scottish leagues, has stipulated players must have a 30-day rest period following their participation in the World Cup.

Unless all of countries comprising Chelsea's vast list of international players went out in the first round, they would not be permitted to play July 29 unless the PFA grants an exemption. Only by moving the date of the All-Star Game could MLS accommodate the PFA's decree.