West Ham United, the historic east London club of the English Premier League, will face the MLS All-Stars in the 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game at BMO Field, the home of Toronto FC, on Thursday, July 24 (live on ESPN2 and Telefutura at 7 p.m. ET). This midseason showcase will continue the theme of "MLS Takes on the World." The MLS All-Star team is 4-0 in previous All-Star Games against international opponents.
"Toronto's support of Major League Soccer has been nothing short of extraordinary, and we're thrilled to bring our All-Star Game to a sold-out BMO Field," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "The TFC supporters and other fans from around the league will provide a vibrant and enthusiastic setting for the game. We are excited to partner with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to host this memorable display of the world's game."
Founded in 1895, West Ham United boasts a roster full of international talent, highlighted by the captains of Sweden, Australia and Wales - Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Neill and Craig Bellamy. The club also has several England national team players including Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer plus American defender Jonathan Spector and Portugal forward Luis Boa Morte. The latter played for Fulham in the 2005 match that saw the MLS All-Stars deliver a 4-1 victory over the EPL club.
West Ham United features one of soccer's most recognizable jerseys, with the claret body and sky blue sleeves. The team is affectionately known as the "Hammers," a reference to its origin as the company team for Thames Ironworks. West Ham United currently sits in 10th place in the English Premier League with 44 points for the 2007-2008 season.
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "It is an honor to be taking part in the MLS All-Star Game this July. The club has a strong global fan base and we are working hard to increase our international exposure as well as help the game develop at grassroots level across North America. Our players are all looking forward to the challenge. It will be a great experience both for the established names in our squad and our talented youngsters. We are sure it will be a competitive and memorable occasion."
The site for the first MLS All-Star Game hosted in Canada will be BMO Field [pronounced BEE-mo], home of Toronto FC. Entering their second season in MLS, Toronto FC has one of the League's largest fan bases, having sold out a record 15 consecutive MLS matches. TFC's sellout streak will continue in 2008, as every match or the upcoming season is already sold out.
"The 2008 Pepsi MLS All-Star Game is a terrific showcase for Major League Soccer and its talented players," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "Adding a historic football club like West Ham as this year's All-Star opponent gives more reasons for soccer fans to look forward to this exciting event."
Anselmi added that the All-Star Game will support boosting economic activity and profiling Toronto to more 100 countries worldwide.
By hosting international opponents, MLS ensures the most competitive All-Star spectacle in U.S. professional sports. The MLS All-Stars have won all four previous meetings, outscoring their opponents 10-2. Last year, the MLS All-Stars defeated Scottish League powerhouse Celtic 2-0 on goals from Red Bull New York striker Juan Pablo Angel and FC Dallas midfielder Juan Carlos Toja. In 2006, the MLS All-Stars defeated two-time defending Premier League Champions Chelsea FC 1-0 on a goal by Houston Dynamo midfielder Dwayne De Rosario. The 2005 event saw the MLS All-Stars defeat English Premier League club Fulham FC 4-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium and in 2003, the MLS All-Stars downed storied Mexican club CD Guadalajara 3-1 at The Home Depot Center with Carlos Ruiz capturing MVP honors.
Pepsi and Sierra Mist continue to support soccer in the United States by being the title sponsor of the MLS All-Star Game for the sixth consecutive year. Pepsi has been a corporate partner with MLS since the league's inaugural season in 1996.
The 12 MLS All-Star games have offered fans a variety of formats. On six occasions All-Stars squads from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference have squared off. In 1998 the best players in the League faced each other in a USA vs. World format, while in 2002 the MLS All-Stars defeated the U.S. National Team 3-2 at RFK Stadium in a celebration of the team's historic World Cup Quarterfinal finish.
