The MLS All-Stars defeated European champion Chelsea, 3-2, in the 2012 MLS All-Star Game on July 25 at PPL Park. Two Los Angeles Galaxy stars, David Beckham and Landon Donovan, factored in the first two goals scored by the All-Stars and gave Galaxy fans plenty to cheer for.
Donovan was part of the build up on Chris Wondolowski's 21st minute goal. The Galaxy captain collected a loose ball in the middle of the pitch and sent it to the wing to New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry who crossed to Wondolowski. Chelsea defender John Terry fell backwards during the cross which allowed Wondolowski to slot the ball past goalkeeper Henrique Hilario.
Beckham sent a long pass over the top of the Chelsea defense that dropped in front of Dwayne De Rosario's run. De Rosario calmly waited with the ball in the penalty area for his D.C. United teammate Chris Pontius. De Rosario then rolled the ball to back to the charging Pontius who was unmarked and he put his shot past Chelsea keeper Ross Turnbull. Pontius' goal tied the match at 2-2 in the 73rd minute.
John Terry and Frank Lampard scored Chelsea's goals. Terry had a header on Lampard's corner kick and Lampard side-footed a Ramires cross into the empty net after Chivas USA keeper Dan Kennedy missed the cross in the air. When the match looked to be headed toward a draw, second half substitute Eddie Johnson of the Seattle Sounders scored the game-winner in stoppage time. Kyle Beckerman from Real Salt Lake and Pontius played a give-and-go pass that sprung Johnson free in the middle of the field. Johnson took a shot from just outside the area that deflected off Chelsea defender David Luiz over the Chelsea keeper and into the net.
While the All-Star Game was an entertaining match to watch, that's all I think we should take away from the match. After playing 74 minutes in the All-Star Game, Beckham is headed back to London to participate in the the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Donovan played the first half and is suspended against FC Dallas in our side's next match.
More from Patrick Johnston:
David Beckham has part in opening ceremony of London Olympics
Galaxy draw with Tottenham, 1-1
David Beckham, Landon Donovan to miss Galaxy-Tottenham match, play MLS All-Star Game
