Matt Turner makes key saves in MLS All-Stars win over Liga MX

MLS All-Star # 30 Matt Turner (G) made some amazing saves to help his team secure their victory. Photo by Jerry Kelly/T.G.Sportstv1.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The MLS All-Stars defeated the LIGA MX All-Stars 3-2 after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation in the 2021 MLS All-Star Game at Banc of California Stadium Wednesday night.

It would be the fourth time the MLS All-Star Game decided in a penalty kick shootout and the first victory for the MLS team.

New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner made two saves in the shootout and was named the MLS All-Star Game Most Valuable Player.

"I was just enjoying myself out there," Turner said. "I always say relax and enjoy the penalty kick shootouts. Luckily I was able to guess the right way on a couple of them, make the saves, and we came out on top."

Things got exciting in the eighth minute when Liga MX defender Jorge Sanchez made a sensational clearance off the goal line from a shot by LAFC's Diego Rossi.

In the 20th minute, Sanchez hit a cross to Jonathan Rodriguez, who had scored to give the Liga MX a 1-0 lead.

Jesús Murillo from the LAFC tied the game 1-1 after scoring a goal in the 53rd minute, heading home a corner kick from LAFC teammate Eduard Atuesta. Murillo is the fourth MLS All-Star to score in the MLS All-Star Game before his home crowd versus an international opponent.

FC Dallas's 18-year-old star Ricardo Pepi scored the winning goal in the fifth round. His shot hit underneath the crossbar before it went in.

"He's a talented young goal scorer," LAFC coach Bob Bradley said about Pepi. "He's got great instincts. When we talked about penalties, he was ready."

Turner blocked several goals attempted by Rogelio Funes Mori from Monterey in the second round of the shootout and Salvador Reyes in the fourth round. Erik Lira missed his penalty kick in the third round.