Robert Lewandowski’s wonder strike goal, an incredible save from Nick Rimando and Julian Green’s late-half entry were the banner moments of an exciting first half between Bayern Munich and the MLS All Stars in Portland on Wednesday night.
The All Stars had the first two chances of the game, the first when Clint Dempsey was well-offside ahead of Obafemi Martins’ lead pass, and the second just before five minutes had passed. Javi Martinez was able to head away Martins cross.
But Robert Lewandowski’s clinical finish got it started with a hammered curler from 18 yards out. Nick Rimando, who had stymied Lewandowski moments earlier, had no chance. It was 1-0 Bayern.
Dempsey had a chance or two, but DeAndre Yedlin’s 26th minute dribble and cross was all the proof anyone needs as to why Europe is interested in the young wide player. The cross did not find a head, but opened some eyes.
The 30th minute saw Thierry Henry laying a ball off for Dempsey, and the American striker hit a first time side volley that Starke dove to collect.
Bayern found a chance through Pierre Hojbjerg, but Rimando was able to push the Dane’s near post shot wide of the goal.
Green came on to a round of applause and “U-S-A” chants from the Providence Park crowd midway through the 37th minute. He showed what all the fuss was about with a well-timed run that was ruined by Rimando in the 43rd minute.
The 39th minute found Rimando’s incredibly-athletic punch of Xherdan Shaqiri’s point-blank rocket toward goal.
Henry went showboat in the 41st minute, juggling a loose ball into volleying range before his deflected volley was inexplicably ruled a goal kick after sailing over the bar.
Lineups
Bayern Munich: Starke; Rafinha, Bernat, Alaba (c); Martínez, Shaqiri, Rode, Gaudino; Hojbjerg, Lewandowski, Pizarro (Green, 37′)
Goals: Lewandowski (8)
Subs: Neuer, Dante, Boateng, Lahm, Badstuber, Ribéry, Robben, Götze, Müller, Schweinsteiger
MLS All Stars: Rimando; Yedlin, Collin, Besler, Parkhurst; Zusi, Cahill, Bradley, Henry; Dempsey; Martins
Subs: Dwyer, Torres, Ridgewell, Franklin, Alonso, Wright-Phillips, Hamid, Boswell, Johnson, Valeri, Donovan, Edu