The MLS All-Stars kicked off in San Jose, California from Avaya Stadium, home of the San Jose Earthquakes, against English Premier League side Arsenal FC for the 2016 MLS All-Star game. 

The Gunners almost opened up the scoring in the third minute when a giveaway by the MLS defense set up Arsenal for a shot on goal, but the shot was just wide of the net. 

Arsenal was granted a free kick in the fifth minute. Striker Theo Walcott stood over the kick which he sent underneath the wall, but Philadelphia Union's goalkeeper Andre Blake was there to make the save. 

In the eighth minute, Giovani Dos Santos of the Los Angeles Galaxy came close to putting the All Stars ahead, but goalkeeper Petr Cech was there for the save. 

Arsenal gets early lead

Arsenal would take the lead in the 11th minute as Montreal Impact defender Laurent Ciman took down Joel Campbell in the box and conceded a penalty kick. Campbell would convert the kick, putting the ball past an outstretched Blake. 

The All Stars could have pulled back a goal, but the free kick shot deflected off of the five-man Arsenal wall, and out for a corner kick.

Didier Drogba scores on former teammate 

At the dying seconds of the first half, a wonderful through ball from Kljestan found Dos Santos. Dos Santos would find Impact striker Didier Drogba who took three tries to get the ball in the back of the net past former teammate Cech. 

Didier Drogba celebrates his goal against former teammate Petr Cech | (Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez - Associated Press)
Didier Drogba celebrates his goal against former teammate Petr Cech | Marcio Jose Sanchez - Associated Press

The halftime whistle blew, and the game was tied at 1-1.

Toronto FC striker Sebastian Giovinco almost put the MLS All-Stars in the lead with a strike from just inside the box, but Cech was there to make the save and parried the ball out for a corner kick. 

MLS All-Stars started the second half with substitutes in every position. 

The All Stars also seemed to have a hold of the second half, with multiple attacks. Chances were created, but they could not find the back of the net. 

Arsenal would also substitute their whole team almost, bringing on the younger talent. Amongst those, United States international Gedion Zalalem. 

Arsenal had a chance to take the lead in the 71st minute when they were awarded a free kick about 24 yards out. Swiss international Granit Xhaka took the free kick and sent it right into the hands of Earthquakes keeper David Bingham. 

Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey replaced Kljestan, and hometown favorite Chris Wondolowski replaced Piatti in the 74th minute of play. 

The Gunners would test the defense of the All Stars with countless shots and attacks, but MLS would stand strong, and clear the ball every time. 

Orlando City forward Cyle Larin would be on the end of a wonderful through ball. Larin entered the box, laid off the ball for Wondolowski, but the ensuing shot from "Wondo" was just high of the net. 

Arsenal, in the 85th minute, could've had the lead but the header from the corner kick was just high of Bingham and over the net.

Gunners break deadlock

Arsenal would finally break the deadlock in with a through ball placed centrally and was tucked away in the open net by Chuba Akpom. With only three minutes left of play, the Gunners were in full control of the second half and had a clear cut chance to win the match.

The MLS All-Stars would eventually be defeated by Arsenal, by a score of 2-1. 

MLS returns to action this weekend, with each member returning to their respective clubs to participate in the upcoming matches. For Arsenal, the English Premier League season starts on August 13. The Gunners take on Liverpool FC at the Emirates Stadium in London, England. 

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About the author
Tyler Fisher
Contributor to Last Word On Sports. Main editor for USMNT and MLS content on VAVEL USA.