Today's MLS All-Star game was the one to watch. It's a yearly exhibition(done in all major US sports) bringing together the top players from all the teams and split into East and WEst for a week of competition and fun. Since no one wants to get injured, there was basically no defense on either side. All attempt at anything resembling a serious game faded by the end of the first half and it became 2 teams in all out attack. As the score reached 9-4 (to the East) the game became what the announcer called "the company picnic". It actually was a lot of fun to watch. Kind of a large scale training session with the players just having fun. 2 goalkeepers even put on other players' kits and went out to play as a striker and a defender. Tony Meola played as a striker and almost got a goal. In the midst of the silliness there was also some good talent on show. Mamadou Diallo (aka Big Mama) was particularly impressive. Big guy with pace and creativity. He was only on for 15min but was the most exciting player to watch in the game. I'd heard his name but never saw him play before. He's just been brought over from Senegal this season. I'd love to see him more in competitive games to see if he's really that good. I think he plays for Tampa, so dunno if any of our US bbsers know anything more about him.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000