The MLS All‑Star weekend is set to transform Charlotte into a soccer hub this July, featuring a slate of competitions that blend fan‑favorite spectacles with emerging talent. From the Cross‑Bar Challenge to the main All‑Star match, the city will host a celebration of the sport that draws players, media and supporters from across North America.
Cross‑Bar Challenge Returns to the Queen City
Among the participants is former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson, who will step onto the soccer pitch to compete in the Cross‑Bar Challenge. The event asks contenders to strike the crossbar from the edge of the 18‑yard box, testing both precision and nerve. Johnson, a lifelong soccer enthusiast, brings a unique crossover background to the field, having co‑hosted the soccer‑focused podcast "The Late Run" with Raheem Taylor‑Parkes and previously appeared in celebrity‑driven tournaments such as The Soccer Tournament.
Joining Johnson is FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander, who will take part in the Skills Challenge for the third straight year. Known for his scoring prowess, Evander holds the record for the most points ever posted in the All‑Star Shooting Challenge with 72 points, a testament to his consistency and accuracy under pressure.
All‑Star Game Set for Bank of America Stadium
The centerpiece of the weekend, the MLS All‑Star Game, will be played at Bank of America Stadium on July 29. The match pits 29 MLS representatives against a squad from Mexico’s Liga MX, creating a cross‑border showdown that promises high‑stakes competition. The event underscores the league’s growing international profile while highlighting the host city’s capacity to stage major soccer events.
Adding a developmental angle, two FC Cincinnati Academy players — Connor Dale and Dom Lester — will feature in the MLS NEXT All‑Star Game on July 27. The NEXT All‑Star showcase will host 44 of the nation’s most promising youngsters, providing a platform for the next generation to exhibit their skills. The Academy’s track record of producing top‑tier talent is evident in its consistent representation on the All‑Star roster since the competition’s inception.
Academy Alumni Continue to Shine
The presence of Academy graduates in the NEXT All‑Star Game reflects the club’s robust youth development pipeline. As the league expands its scouting reach, Cincinnati’s investment in player development positions it as a key contributor to the broader soccer ecosystem, ensuring a steady flow of talent poised for professional breakthroughs.