MLS All-Stars 1-1 Liga MX All-Stars (3-2 pens): Ricardo Pepi the shoot-out hero

Ricardo Pepi was the hero on Wednesday, converting the game-winning penalty as MLS All-Stars prevailed against Liga MX All-Stars in a shoot-out.

The annual showdown, typically pitting MLS’ best against an elite European club, finished 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes in Los Angeles midweek.

But Dallas sensation Pepi settled the contest in the shoot-out after Orlando City star Nani had spurned an earlier opportunity to win it, miscuing his effort into the stands.

It was the 25th MLS All-Star Game and the first involving All-Stars from two different leagues, though it was the second time Liga MX had been involved after MLS All-Stars beat Chivas Guadalajara 3-1 in 2003.

18-YEAR-OLD RICARDO PEPI FOR THE WIN #MLSAllStar Game pres. by @Target pic.twitter.com/iAeES7qAyU

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 26, 2021

Liga MX All-Stars opened the scoring via Jonathan Rodriguez, who controlled the ball off his chest before half-volleying into the bottom corner in the 20th minute.

Jesus Murillo restored parity for MLS All-Stars eight minutes into the second half when the Los Angeles FC centre-back’s towering header beat Pumas goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.

The 18-year-old Pepi then showed nerves of steel from the spot to lead the MLS team to their 10th victory in the All-Star game.