Wednesday night, the 2012 MLS All-Stars defeated Chelsea FC 3-2 with the game-winning goal scored in the 91st minute by former Kansas City player Eddie Johnson. The three Sporting Kansas City gameday All-Stars, Jimmy Nielsen, Aurélien Collin and Graham Zusi, each got a chance to step on the field and play their very first minutes as MLS All-Stars.
Although it was Collin’s first All-Star game, he earned himself a starting position in the line-up. About 27 minutes into the half, however, Collin collided with Chelsea FC midfielder Michael Essien. Sustaining two facial fractures from the collision, Collin was replaced by Philadelphia Union defender Carlos Valdés in the 35th minute. Collin is expected to miss one to two weeks while recovering from the injury.
Nielsen, an All-Star for the second time after being on the inactive list in 2010, also found himself in the first half lineup as the starting goalkeeper. Nielsen finished out the half with a solid performance leaving the scoreboard tied at 1-1.
Zusi made his first All-Star appearance during the 57th minute replacing New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry in the midfield. Zusi finished out the game and aided the team to the final 3-2 victory. MLS goals were also scored by San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski and D.C. United forward Chris Pontius. Check out some action shots from the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game on the Sporting Kansas City Facebook page, as well as Chelsea FC’s reaction to the improved MLS team on the MLS website. Watch below to view highlights from the game:
