Seattle Sounders FC goalkeeper Mohammed Shour earns MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP honors
ANNAPOLIS, MD. (Wednesday, July 19, 2023) – In the second-annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate, the West squad erased a two-goal second-half deficit, including a game-tying score in the 89th minute, and converted all five of their kicks from the penalty spot to defeat the East, 2-2 (5-4), at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.
The first Homegrown signing in Nashville SC history, forward Adem Sipić opened the scoring for the East in the 25th minute, as he gathered a rebound off the right post and slotted home the game’s first goal (Watch Here). Sipić’s goal punctuated a tremendous run from Atlanta United’s Rocket Ritarita, who navigated through the West’s defense before firing a strike off the post prior to Sipić’s score.
The Nashville product added his second goal of the match in first half stoppage time following a sliding interception by Olger Escobar of the New England Revolution and a beautifully-played long ball by Stiven Jimenez of FC Cincinnati, which found Sipić on the attack (Watch Here).
An early West attack in the second half was stymied by East goalkeeper Nathaniel Abraham of Toronto FC, as a breakaway opportunity for the LA Galaxy’s Paulo Rudisill was stopped just outside of the six-yard box to preserve the early shutout. However, Rudisill and the West broke through in the 70th, as the 17-year-old midfielder struck a low-driving shot from outside the 18-yard box for his side’s first score of the match. With time waning in the second half, LAFC’s Adrian Wibowo corralled a long pass, shifted to his left, and fired past the East ‘keeper to knot the score at 2-2 in the 89th minute and force the game into kicks from the penalty spot.
After each club scored in the first round, Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Mohammed Shour emerged as the hero, saving the penalty-kick attempt by Jonathan Shore. Both teams converted their remaining kicks, including Jude Wellings’ (Real Salt Lake) game-sealing kick. Shour’s efforts earned him MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP honors.
2023 MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate – GAME NOTES
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West wins 5-4 in penalty kicks
Scoring Summary
EAST – Adem Sipić (Nashville SC), 25’
EAST – Adem Sipić (Nashville SC), 45’+2’
WEST – Paulo Rudisill (LA Galaxy), 70’
WEST – Adrian Wibowo (LAFC), 89’
Player of the Game
West All-Star Mohammed Shour (Seattle Sounders FC)
PHOTOGRAPHY
**CLICK HERE** for select photos from Wednesday’s MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate.
You can find the full selection of editorial, rights-free imagery from the MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate here: MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate
Please credit “USA Today Sports – Reggie Hildred”
Media interested in access to Imagn photos should contact MLS@imagn.com.
VIDEO & SOUNDBYTES
Rights-free video assets and soundbytes from the post-match mixed zone will be available HERE.
About MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT is a new paradigm for player development, launched in 2020 to transform youth soccer in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition, training and personal development opportunities that will prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Membership for the 2022-23 season includes 137 clubs, 628 teams and over 13,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas, Allstate, and DoorDash. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
About Allstate
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) protects people from life’s uncertainties with a wide array of protection for autos, homes, electronic devices and identity theft. Products are available through a broad distribution network including Allstate agents, independent agents, major retailers, online and at the workplace. Allstate is widely known for the slogan “You’re in Good Hands with Allstate.” For more information, visit www.allstate.com.
