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AS Roma Dominate MLS All-Stars 3-1

Early goals in both halves allowed Francesco Totti and Roma to defeat the MLS All-Stars and Jack McInerney 3-1.

John David Mercer-USA TODAY Spor

Italian giants AS Roma easily beat a disorganized MLS All-Stars 3-1 in Kansas City on Wednesday night. The outcome of the game was never in doubt, the MLS All-Stars wouldn't get a shot on target until the 63rd minute.

Alessandro Florenzi found newly signed Kevin Strootman with plenty of space, Aurelien Collin's late tackle may have helped the ball into the net.

The defense for the MLS was slow and oftentimes out of position. Despite Collin and Matt Besler playing together with Sporting Kansas City, the defense communicated poorly and were torn apart by the Roma's dominant midfield, with Roma legend Francesco Totti and Florenzi being particularly effective. The score line could have very easily been 3-0 at the half but for two offsides calls and a missed shot from Florenzi.

A scary moment occurred midway through the first half, when Graham Zusi asked to be taken off due to pain in his quad. Reports indicated that the injury was not a tear, and Zusi should not miss significant time.

During halftime, MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced that the league would be expanding to 24 teams by 2020. Orlando, Miami, Minnesota and San Antonio are among the favorites for expansion, although Garber did not reveal any specifics.

The second half opened with another Roma goal, Federico Balzaretti found Florenzi with miles of space, and Florenzi slotted it into the net for an easy goal. Despite the poor start to the half, the All-Stars had a few decent chances in the second half, and looked to be gaining momentum. The Union's own Jack McInerney was brought on to replace Thierry Henry (who spent most of the game wandering around aimlessly) in the 57th minute.

The MLS All-Stars had two near goals, with Donovan seizing on a Roma mental lapse only to fire the ball directly at Keeper Bodgan Lobont. Minutes later, Mac headed the ball to Mike Magee, who could also do no more than direct the ball right into Lobont's hands. The lack of finishing hurt the All-Stars when a beautiful passing sequence from American Michael Bradley to Strootman to Tello, with Tello applying the finish to put Roma up 3-0.

McInerney's cross to Camilo led to a corner, and he carried the ball down the right flank for a bit before being stripped, but his influence on the game was small due to poor service from his teammates, likely in no small part due to manager Peter Vermes playing five forwards at once.

Camilo's Free Kick in stoppage time led to Omar Gonzalez securing the only goal of the night for the All-Stars with a solid header. The goal sent the fans home from Sporting Park with something to smile about despite the ease with which Roma won the game.