SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 28, 2016) – The MLS All-Stars fell to Arsenal FC of the English Premier League, 2-1, on Thursday night at Avaya Stadium in San Jose. Didier Drogba scored for the All-Stars, but Arsenal found a late winner.
New York Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan entered the game in the 32nd minute, replacing Andrea Pirlo. In first half stoppage time, Kljestan intercepted a pass, looked up and picked out Giovani Dos Santos with a pass to the left side of the penalty area. Dos Santos would play in Drogba, who put his own rebound in to tie the game at one.
“That was a little bit of the Red Bulls high press that won us the ball back,” said Kljestan after the match. “We tried to put them under pressure a little bit at the end of the half, the ball popped to me, and I saw Gio out of the corner of my eye. He took a really good first touch, I thought he was going to bang it in but then he laid a nice one off to Didier, who had a couple of rebounds but I’m glad he finally poked it into the back of the net.“
It was the second All-Star nod for Kljestan. He was also named to the team in 2008, but missed the match while representing the United States at the Olympics.
“I had a pretty good time,” continued Kljestan. “I was pretty fortunate to be able to play with most of the players. To be able to come in in the first half, and then also play with the guys in the second half was pretty special, so I feel fortunate. I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t get the result, but when I was on the field I felt pretty good and I thought that I represented the club well.”
Joel Campbell scored to give Arsenal a lead in the 11th minute on a penalty. Chuba Akpom also found the back of the net in the 87th minute to give the Gunners the win.
Kljestan will rejoin the Red Bulls ahead of Sunday’s match at the Chicago Fire. Kickoff at Toyota Park is scheduled for 7 p.m., with coverage on MSG, MSG GO, and Red Bulls Radio on TuneIn.
