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Arsenal ‘chosen as 2023 opponent for MLS All-Star Game’ as part of its pre-season schedule in July… with DC United boss and England legend Wayne Rooney to take charge of American league team
MLS’ opponents for this summer’s All-Star game will be Arsenal, according to a new report.
The league has brought over elite European competition since ditching an ‘East vs. West’ format in 2005, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid all facing the league’s stars over the years.
Now, the Gunners are set to battle with MLS’ best in Washington D.C. on July 19 at D.C. United’s Audi Field, according to anonymous sources cited by The Athletic.
Arsenal also participated in the game in 2016, with the likes of Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott starting, and will be the first English team to face MLS since that time.
The game’s DC setting also means MLS will have some Premier League experience in their own dugout.
MLS All-Stars celebrate a goal vs. the Liga MX All-Stars last season at Allianz Field
Arsenal will reportedly take on MLS All-Stars this summer in Washington D.C.
Wayne Rooney has played in the game before, and now looks set to coach in it
Wayne Rooney has managed DC United since last summer, and the coach of the host city’s team typically mans the All-Star squad.
The Manchester United great also revealed Arsenal’s participation in the match to fans at a recent event, according to The Athletic, while joking that ‘the city deserved to welcome a big club, unlike this year’s All-Star game opponents: Arsenal.’
Rooney’s DC side sits 11th in the Eastern Conference with four points after a 3-2 loss to New York City FC on Saturday.
Man United’s all-time leading scorer is not unfamiliar with MLS’ All-Star Game.
He took part as a player in a 4-0 United win in 2011, while suiting up for the other side as a DC player in 2019 vs. Atletico Madrid.
Arsenal’s place in the game represents a departure from the league’s recent trends of facing a Liga MX All-Star team, which happened the last two seasons.
The newly-formed Campeones Cup and Leagues Cup have given fans a chance to see MLS teams against Mexican sides on a more consistent basis.
