MLS All-Star Game: RSL players get in on the action

SANDY — The MLS All-Star Game had a local flavor.

The three members of Real Salt Lake named to the squad all played their part in the game, which was decided in penalty kicks with Everton FC prevailing 4-3 in the shots at Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday night. Kyle Beckerman, Will Johnson and Javier Morales all got some quality time on the field.

Beckerman started in the midfield, and despite being fresh off a stint with the U.S. Men's National Team at the Gold Cup, where he logged some heavy minutes, he looked fresh and ran effectively. He made nice passes, controlled the middle and generally did exactly what is expected of a holding midfielder.

"Everything," said Beckerman about what he enjoyed about his first All-Star experience, "The way the fans were is what I expected, and I was really proud of the way they came out and supported us. Some of the guys that they don't usually support on Saturdays they came out and tonight and cheered everyone on and were fantastic."

Will Johnson replaced Beckerman in the lineup, and just like he does in Real's home matches, he covered plenty of ground and harassed the Everton midfield with his crazy work rate. Besides his normal hustling, he also was one of three All-Stars who was able to score on his penalty-shot attempt against Tim Howard.

"I was really just going to sit back and let some of the older guys take the kicks," said Johnson, "but there were a couple of guys struggling, and (All-Stars' and Houston Dynamo coach Dominic) Kinnear just came up to me and said, 'You're shooting fourth.' I usually like taking a penalty, but I saw Howard take a shot basically out of the top corner and I thought, 'What am I going to do now?' But I just stepped up and I saw him move a little early, and I just put it the other way and fortunately it went in."

Johnson said the whole experience was everything he expected from being able to play at the top of the MLS pecking order.

"It was a tremendous experience," he said. "It felt like I just stepped out on the field and it was over. I just tried to go out and run like I normally do and tried to play quality soccer. It was a top-rate experience. Now, it is time to get back to work here for our home team."

Javier Morales entered in the 63rd minute. His highlight came when he earned a free kick just outside the penalty area in the 71st minute. Convincing his teammates he deserved to take the strike, he sailed the shot high over the crossbar. Problems also occurred for the RSL playmaker when he was noticeably limping during the final 10 minutes.

"I got kicked in the calf and it was tight," he said. "I hope it will loosen up in the next three days."

Despite the injury, Morales was thrilled with his first All-Star appearance.

"It was great to get out there in front of our home fans and show them what we can do."

While Real gets back to work with a road trip to Chicago this weekend, the trio of All-Stars will never forget the thrill of playing in MLS's top exhibition.

"The whole experience was great," added Beckerman. "I had a lot of fun in practice leading up, working with Dom (Kinnear) and his staff. All in all, it was a great, great week."

e-mail: mblack@desnews.com