No matter what the final score would end up being, Wednesday night’s 2022 MLS All-Star Game was a triumph for the Twin Cities and for their home team. Even before kick-off, Allianz Field was energized by the pregame pyrotechnics, but even more so for the chance to see the best talent Major League Soccer and Liga MX have to offer. What made it even more special for the Loons faithful in attendance was the chance to see two of the most dynamic playmakers on the home squad, they being midfielder Emanuel Reynoso and goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.

Reynoso was part of the starting IX, which few could miss with his newly-dyed platinum blonde hair. The fans didn’t even get a chance for the electricity in the stadium to subside when one of the biggest names in MLS, and Mexican soccer star to boot, Carlos Vela got the header on a beautiful cross to put away the match’s first score just three minutes into the match.

Reynoso got his chances and showed why he made the roster in the first place. His shiftiness and elite ball handles were on full display throughout the first half. With the season he’s put together to this point, it was good to see the Argentinian get some time in the national spotlight. Hopefully, this won’t be the only time this season he gets his name called in recognition of his superior play.

Reynoso played the duration of the first half. At the thirty-minute mark, Coach Adrian Heath sent his Minnesota United counterpart to join Reynoso on the pitch. Entering the game to the loud pop of the home crowd, Dayne St Clair took over goalkeeping duties for the MLS squad for the remainder of the first half and the first ten minutes of the second half, making several of those diving saves MNUFC fans have become so familiar with over the course of this season. And, in the end, it was that save that was a likely contributor in the first-time All-Star being voted as the 2022 MLS All-Star Game MVP. The home crowd was there to give him a loud and resounding show of appreciation for the finest Canadian export since poutine.  

The 73rd minute saw a Liga MX penalty committed in the box, setting up Seattle’s Raul Randiaz to hammer home what would end up being the deciding score of the match. But, beyond our very own Loons, there’s no denying the high level of talent that was on display for Liga MX. However, with another matchup between these two rivals came another opportunity to see just how much better the level of talent has come for Major League Soccer. With this 26th installment of the MLS All-Star Game, it’s clear to see that the level of play in MLS has evolved to the point that this exhibition game is no longer the mismatch that many would have said in the past.

For MLS fans, in attendance and at home, there has to be a feeling of pride and optimism in seeing just how far this league has come. If the 2022 MLS All-Star Game is any indication, the future of American soccer looks to have an incredibly bright future with so many young, talented stars leading the way. Sorry, I had to get at least one star-related pun in there.