Talk about the all-star treatment!
Players preparing for the 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game were treated to a special practice held on Tuesday, July 18 on the National Mall.
“From a methodology perspective, the session likely served as a muscle activation and skills-honing exercise,” the MLS said in a press release. “On the human side, it was all about camaraderie and good old-fashioned fun – a just reward for being selected as a top player to represent the league against the imposing Arsenal FC.”
Players could be seen practicing headers, bicycle kicks, and group exercises as the Washington Monument stood watch in the background. Among the excited All-Star players was a familiar face for Washingtonians: D.C. United’s goalkeeper, Tyler Miller.
“I could have never imagined training on the National Mall,” Miller said. “So to be out here doing everything that we’ve been doing this week, it’s just been an amazing time.”
As hosts of the 2023 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target, D.C. has celebrated the lead up to the main event with five days of festivities from July 15-18.
Events included a free MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration at The Wharf, the MLS All-Star Challenge, a concert at The Anthem featuring Kehlani, and Tuesday’s 2023 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge.
The MLS All-Star Game against Arsenal FC kicks off at 8 p.m. Audi Field.
For more information, please visit the MLS website.