On a sparkling evening in the Rose City with a soccer buzz making the air electric, FC Bayern Munich arrived in Providence Park for a high octane match against the 2014 AT&T MLS All-Stars.
After shining salvos of fireworks, Bayern star signing Robert Lewandowski launched one of his own in the 8th minute:
RSL's Nick Rimando kept his team in it throughout the first half and NYRB's Thierry Henry, wearing the captain's armband to begin the game, put on a stunning bit of skill that went just high of the cross bar.
With an entirely new MLS All-Star XI in the second half that included Portland Timbers Will Johnson, Diego Valeri and Liam Ridgewell, the fireworks continued. In the 51st minute, Red Bulls' forward and MLS-leading scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips unleashed a screamer that found the back of the net and made it 1-1.
A thrilling run of play in the 70th minute. Valeri lofted a gorgeous ball forward to LA's Landon Donovan. Donovan gathered, beat his man and then slotted it home for a 2-1 MLS All-Stars lead.
Donovan then received a standing ovation as he is subbed out moments later for KC's Dom Dwyer. Donovan, who was given the captain's armband when he went in for Henry shortly after the second half began, then respectfully handed it to the hometown captain Johnson.
