It was a good showing for the stars of the league’s expansion teams Wednesday night in Commerce City, CO., as Orlando City’s Kaka and NYCFC’s David Villa put in a goal apiece as the MLS All-Stars defeated Tottenham Hotspurs, 2-1.
Kaka’s goal came as the result of a penalty in the 20th minute. A corner kick struck the outstretched arm of Spurs’ Nacer Chadli. Kaka put the ball to the far left edge of the net past a diving Michael Vorm to put the hosts up 1-0.
The MLS best eleven struck again in the 23rd minute. Strong buildup play led to Kaka sending in a cross on the ground, which was redirected by Villa to the left side of the net to increase the advantage.
Harry Kane, the Premier League’s No.2 scorer last season, displayed his own skill in the 36th minute, as he blasted a long-range attempt into the net to pull the English side back within a goal.
The second half was less eventful. A big save from MLS’ David Ousted of Vancouver in the 72nd provided the majority of the excitement.
The Sounders were represented at the match by Clint Dempsey and Chad Marshall. Dempsey played the first half, and Marshall was subbed on at halftime. Former Seattle standout DeAndre Yedlin also appeared for Spurs, entering the match in the 63rd minute.
Also selected to the MLS Fan XI but unable to attend was Obafemi Martins, still recovering from a groin injury he sustained in June.
The Sounders will be grateful for Dempsey’s return. The Sounders have lost six of their last seven matches, scoring two goals in a period where Dempsey scored seven for USMNT in the now-concluded CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Seattle plays host to the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday, before traveling to B.C. Place Stadium Aug. 5 to face Vancouver again in the CONCACAF Champions League.