In what’s sure to be a sensational contest, the MLS 2021 All-Star Game is coming later this month and fans can’t wait for it. This summer, we’ll see the best MLS players take on the top Liga MX players head-to-head in what figures to be a close contest. In this article, we have our MLS 2021 All-Star Game futures picks, as this could be a high-scoring affair. Which team will come out on top?
it goes without saying, but both MLS and Liga MX players will be ready to put on a show from start to finish in this one. This is a game we’ve never seen before, as the stars from each respective league will face off. This was originally supposed to happen last season, but the game was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, though, things are all ready to be played in California on Aug. 25.
The rosters have already been submitted too, and folks are definitely going to be fired up about things. That’s because for the MLS, players like Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, Carlos Vela, Miles Robinson, Matt Turner, Luis Nani, Raul Ruidiaz and others have already confirmed that they’re going to play. Imagine that much talent out on the pitch trying to score goals together.
All-Star Game odds | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
MLS to win | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Liga MX to win | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Ruidiaz to score | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Vela to score | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
As for the Liga MX side, the Mexican clubs will be sending so much talent up north for this exciting showcase. On the list? We’ve got Guillermo Ochoa, Alexis Canelo, Rubens Sambueza, Luis Montes, Angel Mena and more. Ochoa is one of the best Mexican goalies ever. As for Mena, he is a goal-scorer for the Ecuador national team too, finding the back of the net against Brazil in the Copa America.
While the MLS odds for this matchup are yet to be released, we do think it could end up being a contest that finishes with 5-6 goals. There’s simply going to be too much star power out on the field for it to be low scoring. In terms of making a selection for who will win, we like the MLS All-Stars to come out on top. They’ll look to strike first and keep the pressure on. Indeed, the MLS is our pick.
For the MLS, Raul Ruidiaz scoring in the All-Star Game is written in the stars for this one. A standout for the Seattle Sounders, Ruidiaz is in the middle of a brilliant campaign for the Seattle Sounders. Thanks to his great play, Ruidiaz has Seattle among the best teams in the MLS and they’re considered one of the favorites to win the championship this season.
Should that happen, you already know that Ruidiaz will play a big role in making that happen. Ruidiaz has scored 13 goals for the Sounders so far this season, which is No. 1 in the MLS. With his great control and terrific shooting abilities, the Peruvian has been the class for Seattle’s attack for a while now. He reminded everyone of that against the Timbers last weekend too.
In a highly-anticipated showdown between Seattle and Portland, Ruidiaz scored two goals in the impressive 6-2 road win. This was highlighted by an unreal free kick from just outside of the box, which the stud blasted into the top right corner. The away fans for Seattle went nuts in the stands and rightfully so. Ruidiaz will look to continue his scoring ways later this month in the All-Star Game.
Again, the odds from the MLS All-Star Game are yet to be released by the Las Vegas sportsbooks, but we highly recommend placing a bet on Ruidiaz scoring against the Liga MX side. Ruidiaz shines brightest on the big stage, which will continue against the Liga MX defenders. Our pick is definitely for him to score at least one goal. Do you agree with us? Check out our MLS betting sites, like Bovada, and get a wager in.
In addition to the main event on Aug. 25, there’s also the All-Star Game skills challenge coming up the night before. This will really be fun, as the top guys from each side will be participating in a series of different events where they can show everyone just how good they are at multiple different levels. It’s something that will be fun to watch. With that said, who will end up winning the Skills Challenge?
The lineups have already been revealed for that challenge and it’s loaded. For the MLS, they’ll be sending out the following players: Carlos Vela, Raul Ruidiaz, Lucas Zelarayán, Javier Hernandez, Luis Nani, Ricardo Pepi, Matt Turner and Pedro Gallese. Meanwhile for the Liga MX, they’ll be going with: Andre-Pierre Gignac, Rodrigo Funes Mori, Jonathan Rodríguez, Rubens Sambueza, Diego Valdés, Orbelín Pineda, Alfredo Talavera and Nahuel Guzmán.
As you can see, this will be quite the battle. These guys will be putting their skills to the test in a shooting challenge, passing challenge and a crossbar challenge. We really can’t wait to see things go down here. While this should be a back-and-forth Skills Challenge, we’re going to give the upper hand here to the Liga MX team. They’re our pick to win the Skills Challenge, but we’re still going with the MLS to win the All-Star Game.
Summary
Chris Wassel AA, AAS CURRENTLY Sports Writer and Journalist RESIDES IN Rahway, NJ EDUCATION Union County College, Montclair State University EXPERTISE Business, Writing, Sports, Food, Grilling, Olympics, Injuries, Politics, and more Summary Member of FSWA, FSGA, and a variety of Sports Betting Groups. Works on injuries for a variety of sites. Edits articles from NASCAR to football and beyond. Occasionally runs sites like mynhltraderumor.com and Full Press Hockey/Bets. Does a podcast for Full Press Hockey and a few other sports too. Experience Chris Wassel has 20+ years of sports journalistic experience in various disciplines. His ability to play sports is well documented. Most people in the business just write. However, Chris will race cars and even a super Moto bike from time to time. There is that fitness and hiking/cycling aspect too. Chris has climbed mountains from Mount Washington to Mount San Jacinto in Palm Springs, California. For those that do not know. Chris also dabbles in food eating contests and challenges. Having a unique background with friends including Joey Chestnut and Casey Webb, Chris has the ability to eat a whole 16-pound turkey or a 32 inch meat lover's pizza. Since 2013, Chris does focus on things like fitness, fishing, and sports. One would be surprised that Chris runs, hikes, and rock climbs. There are even those occasional mini-triathlons. One truly can pack a lot in a small package. Chris can lift things over his body weight with ease. Also, if there is a NASCAR rain prop, Chris can tell you if there will be a Monday race. Throughout his career, Chris has worked at a wide range of places from Amazon to USA Today to a variety of rumors and fantasy sports sites. Finally, Chris has been nominated for quite a few awards from the Fantasy Sports Writers Association for Hockey Writer Of The Year. Also, there have been a number of high-stakes fantasy trophies and rings that Chris sports in his house. Education Chris received an Associates from Union Country College for business and accounting. Chris did sports journalism work at Montclair State University covering the hockey, baseball, and football teams. Quote from Chris Wassel "Shut up and play.”
Education
1999 Graduate of Union County College
1993 Graduate of Rahway High School
Professional Achievements
Media credentialed member of the New Jersey Devils since 2010
Covered several NHL Drafts including the one day event in Newark in 2013
Been on countless podcasts, TV shows, and more including Sportsnet and even NHL Network