Thomas Müller vs. FaZe Rug? MLS Skills Challenge showcases league’s star power
The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge embraces its unseriousness.
From the foolery of goalkeeper battles to influencers competing alongside league stars, Tuesday’s event at Truist Field aimed to engage casual soccer fans.
Read more This NC beach town is the best in the US for dolphin-watching, study says
While battling a mid-competition delay due to lightning and swirling rain, MLS trotted out several of its stars to face each other, Mexico’s Liga MX’s top talents and the celebrity group of Celine Dept, FaZe Rug, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Danny Ramirez.
“(The celebrities and influencers) are reaching out to us,” MLS Senior Vice President and Chief Events Officer Jen Maurillo told the Charlotte Observer before the event, “because there’s so much momentum in the soccer space.”
YouTuber FaZe Rug arrived in a tinted SUV and spent most of the evening signing autographs. The six-time NFL Pro-Bowler Ochocinco live-posted about the event on X before joining the crossbar challenge. And the actor Ramirez hyped up his passing challenge battle vs. Son Heung-min on social media prior to the night.
In the passing challenge’s first heat, Ramirez — best known for his role as The Falcon in “Captain America: Brave New World” — gave Son — a South Korean icon and LAFC player — a run for his money as the fans rooted the underdog on. The two were tied before Son hit the final target first, saving himself from a bit of playful shame.
Son lost to Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream in the next round and the United States international would end up winning the entire event, besting New England Revolution’s Carles Gil in the championship round.
Ream said the celebrities’ participation in the event was meaningful to build on the momentum of soccer in the U.S. following the World Cup. He said the influencers felt like part of the MLS team after they mingled with the players before the event.
“Obviously, there’s a lot of social media influence out there,” Ream said. “(The influencers participating) helps bring more recognition, more eyes, more fans (and) lots of different generations being and paying attention to the sport.”
Read more NC GOP lawmaker says she’ll propose law to restrict attire for trans teachers
The antics did not stop with the celebrities, however.
In the shooting challenge, Evander watched from a golden throne as Thomas Müller broke his record of 72 points with 79, then passed a crown to the German legend. But in WWE-like fashion, the FC Cincinnati midfielder emerged from the chair to reclaim his kingship by tying the Vancouver Whitecaps player’s mark in his contingent appearance.
Müller probably should have scored higher than 79, but with over five seconds left in his attempt, he seemingly thought the challenge was over and turned around before being rushed back to keep going. He missed his final shot.
FaZe Rug managed only 22 points while wearing a custom No. 8 “Rug” jersey.
In the crossbar challenge, the Belgian soccer influencer, Dept, and Ochocinco competed, but lost to Liga MX midfielder Javier Ruiz and Evander, respectively. Ruiz went on to win the competition.
In goalie wars, Orlando City and Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau won, and Ochocinco lifted the trophy with him.
“It’s good because (it provides) more visibility,” Crépeau said of the influencers, “and obviously … (social media) takes a big role, and to have a new clientele, I can say new people coming into the MLS environment, especially after the World Cup that we just hosted, it’s great timing.”
Finally, the Liga MX All-Stars won a relay against MLS’ top talents.
While the participants approached the Skills Challenge half-heartedly, the league worked swiftly to distribute highlights to its social media platforms, often noting the influencer’s appearances.
Read more NCDOT pushes $300 million in community benefits if I-77 tolls project restored
It’s all part of an effort to capitalize on soccer’s American momentum.
