On Wednesday night, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will feature some of the best soccer players in the world, as the MLS All-Stars take on Italian giants Juventus on ESPN.
The New York Red Bulls will be well represented in this year's showcase game, with Bradley Wright-Phillips, Michael Amir Murillo, Aaron Long and recently added Tyler Adams all on the MLS All-Star roster.
Wright-Phillips, who’s last selection came in 2014, knows how important a game like this can be for all players in Major League Soccer.
“For those young guys on the pitch I think this gives them a chance to test themselves against top players,” Wright-Phillips said. “The older guys too. It’ll be nice to see what level I’m at when you play against these teams and same for the young guys.”
Not only is this important for the players participating in this game, but according to BWP, will also speak on the growth of Major League Soccer.
“We’re trying to get attention all over the world,” Wright-Phillips said. “The league is doing a good job in a lot of different ways, but I think on the pitch is where you do the talking. If we can put on a good performance against a great team like Juventus, then it shows that we’re doing something right over here.”
For Tyler Adams, this game serves as a great opportunity to showcase his skills, while also enjoying the experience.
“It’s going to be really cool,” Adams said. “A team that is an Italian Serie A giant. They’ve come off of seven Serie A titles. It’s going to be really exciting to step on the field with some of these great players around the world. For me it’s just about continuing to develop and get this experience.”
Aaron Long also realizes how unique of an opportunity it is to play Juventus, and although it’s an exhibition, winning is still the objective.
“It’s such a historic club,” Long said. “It’s going to be truly special. We met some of them yesterday at an appearance and they were all so nice, such great guys. But at the end of the day, we want to win. It’s going to be a good game for sure.”
Kickoff for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with coverage on ESPN, UniMas, TSN and TVA Sports.
