MLS All-Stars Clinch Victory Over Favorite Bayern-Munich: Donovan MVP, Bayern Coach Refuses to Shake Hands
The MLS all-stars were out in full swing during their match against the world dominating Bayern-Munch squad. Although it was only a preseason match, and a television stint meant to spread the popularity of soccer, the MLS all-stars looked as if they had something to prove against the German favorites. Towards the end of the match there were numerous slide tackles and hard fouls that left Bayern coach Pep Guardiola screaming at the American bench. When all was said and done, Guardiola refused to shake hands with MLS all-star coach Caleb Porter.
An ESPN analyst called the refusal to shake hands a "disgraceful" move, though according to the Associated Press, Guardiola reportedly did not see Porter and that's why there was no handshake.
If Bayern had played the whole game at full strength, there very well might have been a different box score. Nevertheless the MLS was able to pull out a 2-1 victory over the powerhouse club which contains a slew of players from the German World Cup team.
Robert Lewandowski of Bayern opened up the shooting match with a top-shelf blast that curved wildly past the Real Salt Lake goalkeeper, Nick Rimando. The kick was highlighted on ESPN's 'Top Ten,' coming in at the second best play of the night.
Landon Donovan made his 14th all-star game appearance in the second half. Donovan was able to break through two Bayern defenders as he fired at shot straight through the net and got the last laugh at the expense of his former team. Donovan had a short stint with Bayern in 2009, but the club cut him after his play allegedly went south.
Guardiola brought in his World Cup players in the closing moments of the match to try and score an equalizer. Muller had a great opportunity but set a line drive shot straight to the chest of the MLS 'keeper. The last attempts proved futile and the MLS all-stars walked away with a growing sense of pride.
"I think anytime you can beat Bayern Munich that's a good feat whether they are in preseason or not. But, we give them a lot of credit, they came out and played hard and we put on a good show that was the most important thing," said Donovan, who was named the game's MVP.