ANNAPOLIS, MD – The FC Dallas Academy’s Julian Eyestone and Luke Shreiner triumphed in Wednesday's MLS NEXT All-Star Game at the Glen Warner Soccer Facility on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy.
The Dallas duo lined up for Team West and were victorious over Team East 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regulation. Eyestone, a goalkeeper bound for Duke Men’s Soccer this Fall, started the game while Shreiner entered as a halftime substitute.
“It was a lot of fun, there’s a lot of special talent out here and it’s always a great time to come together in such a special environment,” Eyestone said after the game. “It was high energy the whole time, it was back and forth and I’m happy we ended up getting the win.”
“It was awesome, a great experience,” Shreiner said. “It’s fun sharing the field with such great players and I think I showed who I really am out here. I was on the bench in the first half but I knew we could come back. We came back in the last couple minutes sand I knew we were going to win in PKs.”
Eyestone made the initial save of the game in the 10th minute following a deflected shot off a powerful cross. But the East opened the scoring 16 minutes later when Atlanta United’s Rocket Ritarita saw his shot rebound off the post and fall kindly to Nashville SC’s Adem Sipic who powered it past Eyestone from close range.
Seventeen-year-old Eyestone prevented the East from doubling its lead in the 43rd minute with a good save down to his right after the forward went through on goal. However, Sipic was able to score his and the East’s second goal in first-half stoppage time with a confident finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Shreiner entered the game at the start of the second half, playing in central defense for the trailing Team West. It wasn’t long until LA Galaxy’s Paulo Rudisill brought the West back within one when his deflected shot beat the East’s 'keeper in the 70th minute.
The West was able to pull level at the death with a fantastic curling effort from LAFC’s Adrian Wibowo from the edge of the box. It was a crucial goal as the West held on to win 5-4 in the penalty shootout with Mohammed Shour of the Seattle Sounders making the deciding save.
“It’s a blessing to be able to represent my hometown and my club,” Eyestone said. “I’ve come through the ranks since I was little and this is another step along the path. I’m honored to wear the badge with heart and passion.”
“Over the past few years I’ve been training with great players at FC Dallas, North Texas and the first team and it prepared me very well to play at this level,” said Shreiner.
