Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANDY -- Tim Howard made six saves in regulation and stopped three shots on penalty kicks to lead Everton over the Major League Soccer team in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday night.
Howard, the U.S. national team goalkeeper, was voted the most valuable player after stopping Seattle Sounders midfielder Freddie Ljunberg on the final penalty kick.
Related:
Impact of MLS All-Star Game felt by RSL and local economy
Real Salt Lake hosted its first Major League Soccer All-Star Game Wednesday. The event marks an important coming-of-age moment for both the team and the league, as well as a boost to the local economy.The Premier League club wrapped up its North American preseason tour by becoming the first international team to win in the MLS All-Star Game.
Jack Rodwell opened the sixth round of penalty kicks, after the teams were tied 3-3 through the regulation five rounds, with a goal. Ljunberg, needing to score to keep the game alive, tried to fake Howard with a soft chip shot to the middle. Howard lunged in time for the winning stop.
Louis Saha scored the only regulation goal for Everton in the 12th minute. Brad Davis of the Houston Dynamo scored for the MLS stars, who held a 21-11 shots advantage.
Meanwhile, other than not winning the game, everything went perfectly and for first-time all-stars from Real Salt Lake.
"It was amazing. The fans were unbelievable. Everything about it was great. They came out, supported everybody, even if they don't like them on a usual Saturday. But tonight they came out and supported us all," said RSL all-star Kyle Beckerman.
"You could tell, coming in; a lot of guys, as we drove in, were like, 'Look how many people were here already!' There was a buzz when we came in for warm-ups," said LA Galaxy all-star Landon Donovan. "I've always liked playing here with the national team. It's always been fun too."
RSL all-star Will Johnson said, "This place was electric, and it reminded me just like a Western Conference Finals last year. These fans are amazing, and to play an all-star game in front of these people was fantastic."
It was a great night for Utah soccer fans, but now Real Salt Lake has to come down to hit the road this weekend. They'll be at Chicago, and they've got to get road wins if they want to continue to play in the playoffs this year.
------
Story compiled with contributions from Rod Zundel and The Associated Press.
