An unapologetically American league, MLS has always set out to be different from European soccer competitions, and the All-Star Weekend Skills Challenge is no different.
Including such events as the most powerful shot, soccer tennis and an Olympico corner kick challenge, the skills challenge was played from 1998 until 2001 and provided a unique flavor to what can often be a dull All-Star Game.
The competition took a hiatus for nearly two decades before returning in 2019 with noticeably tamer events and even less focus on one position group in particular: goalkeepers.
Gone was the most powerful shot event, a contest dominated by the mighty Zach Thornton — goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire — as well as other MLS keepers.
The modern version of the skills challenge also eliminated "goalie wars," a prominent favorite among professional and amateur keepers alike. With two keepers attempting to score on each other from about 20 yards out, it was the only true event at the competition for goalkeepers to demonstrate their all-around dexterity with their feet and hands.
He were the rules of the event:
A goalkeeper from each Divisional team will compete in a one-on-one game of protecting their goal while attempting to score on their opponent’s net. Goalkeepers can shoot on their opponent’s goal by throwing, kicking, or drop-kicking the ball. A shot must be taken within three steps and six seconds of recovering the ball from a save. Balls not controlled or deflected over the end line will be returned to the individual taking the initial shot. The player with the most points at the end of each two and a half minute match will be declared the winner.
The first and only iteration of keeper wars at MLS All-Star Weekend took place back in 2001, with Joe Cannon of the San Jose Earthquakes defeating Zach Thornton in a highly entertaining final.
But in 2021, keepers were bystanders at the skills challenge. While some goalkeepers participated in the crossbar challenge — including Andre Blake who hit the iron twice for MLS — they were essentially target practice for the cross and volley event and mere ball boys for the touch challenge.
New England's Matt Turner even advocated for the return of goalie wars, but his request was not fulfilled by the league.
Goalie wars? @headdturnerr wants it back. #MLSAllStar https://t.co/tT8OAKI338
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 25, 2021
It's the Skills Challenge, with an emphasis on the plurality of skills; that's why it's not like the MLB All-Star Weekend, where the only real event outside of the game itself is the home run derby.
With a variety of competitions, it allows players with different specialties to showcase their abilities, that is, everyone except goalkeepers.
Of course, keepers are used to being ignored, but the fans are also missing out on one of the most cutthroat events. While the MLS vs Liga MX format helped provide this year's competition with some excitement, it still lacked the 1v1 action, the direct warfare that goalie wars provides.
This is something that can't be replicated by the leisurely pace of a simple shooting drill or crossbar challenge.
There is no shortage of talented keepers either, as Andre Blake, Eloy Room, Bill Hamid and Matt Turner are just a few of the MLS shot-stoppers with international caps to their names.
It's good to have the skills challenge back at All-Star Weekend, but it's time for MLS to bring back the same "Us vs The World" creativity it had at the onset of the league when it comes to designing events in 2021.
