What Is 2013 MLS All Star Game

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2013 MLS All-Star Game took place on August 7, 2013, at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas. The MLS All-Stars defeated AS Roma 3–2 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation.

Key Facts

The 2013 MLS All-Star Game was held on August 7, 2013.
Venue: Sporting Park, Kansas City, Kansas, with a capacity of ~18,467.
MLS All-Stars won 3–2 in penalties after a 1–1 draw against AS Roma.
Player of the Match: Marco Di Vaio (Montreal Impact).
Attendance: 20,487, exceeding the stadium's regular capacity.

Overview

The 2013 MLS All-Star Game marked the eighth edition of Major League Soccer's annual exhibition match featuring the league's top players against a prominent international club. That year, the MLS All-Stars faced Serie A side AS Roma in a highly anticipated midsummer clash.

Hosted at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas, the game showcased a blend of North American talent and European flair. Despite a tightly contested match, the event culminated in a dramatic penalty shootout victory for the MLS side.

Date and Location: The game occurred on August 7, 2013, at Sporting Park, home of Sporting Kansas City, marking the first time the venue hosted the All-Star Game.
Opponent:AS Roma, an Italian Serie A club, was selected as the international guest team, continuing MLS’s tradition of inviting elite global clubs.
Final Score: The match ended 1–1 in regulation, with goals from Thierry Henry (MLS) and Andrea Bertolacci (Roma), leading to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Outcome: The MLS All-Stars won 3–2 in penalties, with goalkeeper Bill Hamid saving two attempts to secure the victory.
Attendance: A crowd of 20,487 attended, surpassing the stadium’s regular capacity due to temporary seating, reflecting strong regional support.

How It Works

The MLS All-Star Game format blends fan engagement, league recognition, and international competition. Each year, a combination of fan voting, coach selections, and commissioner choices determines the roster, which then faces a global club.

All-Star Selection:24 players were chosen via fan votes, coach input, and commissioner picks, ensuring representation from all 19 teams at the time, including stars like Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane.
Game Format: The match followed a 90-minute regulation format with two 45-minute halves; no extra time was played before moving to penalties after a draw.
International Opponent:AS Roma was invited under MLS’s partnership with European clubs, part of a strategy to elevate the league’s global profile and test against top-tier talent.
Penalty Rules: A five-player shootout was used, with the MLS team prevailing 3–2 after Roma missed two kicks, highlighting goalkeeper Bill Hamid’s decisive role.
Player of the Match:Marco Di Vaio of Montreal Impact earned the honor for his assist and relentless attacking presence, despite not scoring.
Coaching Staff:Peter Vermes, head coach of Sporting Kansas City, led the MLS All-Stars due to his team hosting the event, a tradition in the league’s rotation system.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2013 MLS All-Star Game compared to recent editions in key metrics:

Year	Opponent	Venue	Attendance	Result
2013	AS Roma	Sporting Park, Kansas City	20,487	MLS won 3–2 on penalties (1–1)
2012	Chelsea FC	Red Bull Arena, NJ	25,420	Chelsea won 3–2
2011	Manchester United	Red Bull Arena, NJ	23,922	Man United won 4–0
2010	Real Madrid	Sanford Stadium, GA	70,310	Real Madrid won 5–4
2009	Everton FC	EverBank Field, FL	25,161	MLS won 4–3

The 2013 game stood out for its competitive balance and defensive resilience. Unlike previous blowouts, such as the 4–0 loss to Manchester United in 2011, the MLS team demonstrated improved tactical discipline and cohesion, signaling growth in the league’s quality.

Why It Matters

The 2013 MLS All-Star Game was more than an exhibition—it symbolized the league’s rising competitiveness and global outreach. By defeating a storied club like AS Roma on penalties, MLS proved it could challenge elite European sides.

League Confidence: The result boosted morale across MLS, showing that North American players could match the intensity and skill of top European squads.
Marketing Value: Hosting Roma in a smaller market like Kansas City highlighted MLS’s ability to draw international attention to diverse cities.
Player Recognition: Performances by Bill Hamid and Marco Di Vaio elevated their profiles, potentially opening doors for international opportunities.
Attendance Growth: Drawing over 20,000 fans in a soccer-specific stadium reinforced the viability of smaller, dedicated venues.
Global Partnerships: The game strengthened ties with European clubs, paving the way for future friendlies and player exchanges.
Development Benchmark: Coaches and analysts used the match as a metric to assess player development and tactical evolution within the league.

Ultimately, the 2013 All-Star Game served as a milestone in MLS’s journey toward greater legitimacy and global recognition, combining entertainment with meaningful progress on the field.