A year ago, the MLS All-Stars surprised some folks, defeating Chelsea 3-2 in extra time. Sure, it was just an exhibition and, sure, it wasn't a Chelsea team with all of its stars or one in midseason form.No matter that triumph was a pretty big deal against the champions of Europe. This season, the MLS All-Stars will take on a less prestigious but a nonetheless talented side in Roma. The Serie A side has plenty of talent, with players like Maicon, Michael Bradley, Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman, Erik Lamela and Francesco Totti littering the roster.
Every appearance counts for Chris Wondolowski these days. With a shot to make next year's World Cup squad, Wondo has to take advantage of his chances in the spotlight. This will be one of those chances. He hasn't had a great MLS season despite leading the fan vote for this game with just five goals and two assists. He was quite good at the Gold Cup, however, scoring five goals and adding an assist in his five appearances for the team. Still, it was Eddie Johnson who started the semifinal and final in the Gold Cup, an indication that Wondo hasn't firmly established his place on the USMNT roster just yet. He's the most clinical finisher this MLS roster possesses, even if he hasn't shown in for the Earthquakes this year, so he'll be a primary focus of the Roma defenders in this contest.
Every appearance counts for Chris Wondolowski these days. With a shot to make next year's World Cup squad, Wondo has to take advantage of his chances in the spotlight. This will be one of those chances. He hasn't had a great MLS season despite leading the fan vote for this game with just five goals and two assists. He was quite good at the Gold Cup, however, scoring five goals and adding an assist in his five appearances for the team. Still, it was Eddie Johnson who started the semifinal and final in the Gold Cup, an indication that Wondo hasn't firmly established his place on the USMNT roster just yet. He's the most clinical finisher this MLS roster possesses, even if he hasn't shown in for the Earthquakes this year, so he'll be a primary focus of the Roma defenders in this contest.