MLS All-Stars Edge LIGA MX in Thrilling Skills Challenge

The MLS All-Stars emerged victorious in a record-setting 2025 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, defeating the LIGA MX All-Stars in a dramatic showdown at Q2 Stadium on Tuesday night. The decisive moment came with the final kick, as Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka made history, becoming the first netminder to strike the crossbar for the “Victory Shot,” sealing the win for MLS. The competition also saw $25,000 donations made to 4ATX Foundation and MAS Cultura, representing the spirit of sportsmanship and community.

Earlier in the evening, Houston Dynamo 2’s Pedro Cruz claimed the MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars title, overcoming Orlando City B’s Carlos Mercado 4-3 in a hard-fought final. Cruz, a 21-year-old Brazilian, became the first international player to lift the coveted belt.

The main event kicked off with the MLS All-Star Shooting Challenge, where FC Cincinnati’s Evander delivered a historic performance, shattering the scoring record with an astounding 72 points to give MLS the initial lead. LIGA MX responded fiercely in the MLS All-Star Touch Challenge, with former MLS players Alejandro Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez leading their side to a dominant 199-58 victory, leveling the overall score.

The MLS All-Star Cross & Volley Challenge saw another first, ending in a 75-75 tie, highlighting the intense competition between the two leagues. In the penultimate MLS All-Star Passing Challenge presented by Bounty, Evander once again proved his prowess, securing a swift win that gave MLS a crucial 3-2 advantage heading into the final event.

With everything on the line in the MLS All-Star Crossbar Challenge presented by Gillette, both teams quickly reached the “Victory Shot.” But it was Takaoka’s unprecedented heroics, sending the ball perfectly off the crossbar, that secured the dramatic victory for the MLS All-Stars, evening the all-time Skills Challenge series against LIGA MX at 2-2.