all-stars provide tough test for hoops

David Friel
DAVID BECKHAM watched from the stand as Celtic came off second best against a strong MLS All-Stars side.

The new LA Galaxy star jetted in to Denver to take in the showpiece event of the MLS season and would have been impressed with the quality of player on show from his new league.

After Artur Boruc had saved Eddie Johnson’s penalty, Juan Pablo Angel fired the All-Stars in front and fellow Colombian Juan Toja added a second before the break. Despite both sides having chances, there were no further goals as the Americans won 2-0.

Celtic manager Strachan opted to field a strong and experienced side for the occasion, with Stephen McManus, captaining the team, and Steven Pressley combining in defence.

There was also a first pre-season start for Paul Hartley, while Scott McDonald and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink teamed up in attack.

Strachan’s counterpart, former Scotland internationalist and now New England Revolution coach Steve Nicol, had his team chosen for him through a variety of voting methods, but wouldn’t have grumbled at the All-Star selection.

Former Aston Villa striker Angel was the most recognisable name on show, but the Colombian was joined by real quality in the shape of Canadian internationalist Dwayne De Rosario and Grenadian midfielder Shalrie Joseph.

Irishman and lifelong Celtic fan Ronnie O’Brien, once of Juventus and Dundee United, also played for the select team on the left flank.

You just had to take a glance at the sell-out crowd inside the stadium to realise the importance of this match in a country not famed for its love of football, or soccer, to use local terminology.

In terms of facilities, Celtic couldn’t have asked for more in the shape of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Gone are the days of the late 1970s when Pele played for the New York Cosmos on a dirt pitch covered in spray paint to make it look green.

Instead, the Hoops played on a massive pitch that resembled a finely-manicured bowling green and would have benefited from the pre-match downpour.

The stunning stadium, only built in the last few months, was a fitting venue for such a glamorous occasion, which began with two parachutists, clad in the colours of both teams, dropping out of the sky and on to the pitch.

All-Star coach Nicol, a self-confessed Rangers fan, clearly had his side fired up for the match, as the Americans chased a third successive victory in this annual showpiece event – having beaten Fulham and Chelsea in previous years.

Ricardo Clark had the first chance of the evening, jinking his way into the box and then testing Artur Boruc with a shot that the Polish keeper dealt with comfortably.

Celtic were feeling their way into the game, but Boruc had to produce a phenomenal, world-class stop to thwart Toja from close range.

Minutes later, the Pole again came to the rescue with a magnificent penalty save to deny Johnson, who had won the award after falling under Scott Brown’s challenge.

The MLS All-Stars weren’t to be denied for long, however, as De Rosario sidestepped a challenge and sent Angel through on goal. The striker kept his composure to round Boruc and roll the ball home.

McDonald smacked the post from 20 yards as Celtic tried to hit back, but it was the All-Stars who grabbed a second – Toja poking home after getting a break of the ball in the box.

Following a half-time appearance from Beckham, Celtic made the early running in the second period, with Brown testing substitute goalkeeper Kevin Hartman from 35 yards. The former Hibs player was then booked for a challenge on De Rosario.

After McDonald had a ‘goal’ ruled out for offside, Aiden McGeady and Kenny Miller entered the fray – with Jarosik and Vennegoor of Hesselink making way.

The Australian striker threatened again, sliding a shot narrowly past the post, before being replaced by Maciej Zurawski. Thomas Gravesen then came on for Massimo Donati and Bobo Balde replaced Pressley before the end.

MLS All-Star Game 2007
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Denver

MLS ALL-STARS…2
(Angel 36, Toja 44)
CELTIC…0

MLS ALL-STARS (3-5-2) Reis (Hartman 46); Parkhurst, Bornstein, Conrad; Toja, De Rosario (Gomez 65), Clark (Mastreoni 60), Joseph, O’Brien (Jones 80); Angel (Ching 65), Johnson (Donovan 65)
Subs not used: Pope

CELTIC (4-4-2) Boruc; Wilson, Pressley (Balde 73), McManus, Naylor; Hartley, S.Brown, Donati (Gravesen 68), Jarosik (McGeady 53); McDonald (Zurawski 66), Vennegoor of Hesselink (Miller 53)
Subs not used: M.Brown, Riordan