MLS All Stars vs AS Roma: Keys to Victory for Each Team

The MLS All-Stars take on Italian club AS Roma in the 2013 MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday at Sporting Park in Kansas City, hoping to notch their second consecutive victory over international competition. The MLS All-Stars defeated English club Chelsea last year, 3-2, with United States forward Eddie Johnson being the hero. That was after the All-Stars lost back-to-back contests against Manchester United. There will be plenty of talent on the pitch on Wednesday, from Landon Donovan to Francesco Totti. Here's a look at the keys to victory for each team.   MLS All-Stars Be Safe All-Star head coach Peter Vermes said before the clash on Wednesday, via Franco Panizo of Soccer by Ives: The game plan is for us to go and try to be smart, don’t give the ball away in easy areas of the field so that we’re not running all over the place. Then the other [thing] is just stay compact and not give too many things away. You can’t go into this game and have this unbelievable game plan because this is our first training together as a team. The All-Stars have the talent to defeat Roma on Wednesday, but they can't get ahead of themselves on the pitch. All it takes is a ...

MLS All-Stars vs. AS Roma: Players to Watch in International Showdown

The 2013 AT&T MLS All-Star Game kicks off on Wednesday, July 31, 9:00 p.m. ET at Sporting Park in Kansas City, as the MLS All-Stars take on Serie A club AS Roma. Roma finished sixth in Serie A last season, 25 points behind champion Juventus. This is the 10th time the MLS All-Stars have faced an international foe, going 7-2-1 against international competition. Last year, the MLS All-Stars defeated Chelsea 3-2, with forward Eddie Johnson notching the game-winner. Let's take a look at the players to watch in the annual clash.   Landon Donovan, Midfielder Landon Donovan just guided the United States to a Gold Cup title, posting five goals and seven assists in six games in the tournament. The 31-year-old midfielder has posted three goals and six assists in 13 MLS matches (12 starts) this season. He racked up 11 goals and 16 assists for the Los Angeles Galaxy in 31 games (30 starts) last season. Donovan is the embodiment of American soccer, and you can bet he'll be ready to go in the All-Star Game. The all-time leader in goals (56) and assists (57) for the United States should be fun to watch on Wednesday.    Thierry Henry, Forward Former France and Arsenal forward Thierry Henry is undoubtedly one ...

Breaking Down New York Red Bulls’ New 2013 Kits

The New York Red Bulls unveiled their 2013 home jersey on Monday in a special VIP Season Ticket Holder event at New York City’s Pier 59, per NewYorkRedBulls.com.The bright red from 2012 appears to be replaced with a maroon color. There is also a distinct maroon cut on the collar, as well as on the sleeves and under the arms.The new jersey can be purchased at the Red Bull Arena's Bullshop between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.The Red Bulls finished third in the Eastern Conference last season with 57 points, going 16-9-9. They reached the quarterfinals in the playoffs, as well as the Round of 16 in the Open Cup.The Red Bulls begin the 2013 campaign on the road, visiting the Portland Timbers on March 3 and the San Jose Earthquakes on March 10. Their first home game will be on March 16 against D.C. United. There are always those who will say, "You have to look good to play good," but changing jerseys has historically been more of a money-grabber for teams, instead of something that single-handedly boosts a club's play.Of course, given the Red Bulls haven't advanced past the quarterfinals in the MLS playoffs since 2008, every ...