East Team earns thrilling 4-3 victory in 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game

(Photo Credit: Getty Images – MLS NEXT)

AUSTIN, TEXAS – The fourth edition of the MLS NEXT All-Star Game saw the East All-Star squad score three goals in the second half, including the game-winning penalty-kick score from the Philadelphia Union’s Jamir Johnson in the 85th minute, in a 4-3 victory over the West team at Parmer Field in Austin, TX.

After scoring a go-ahead goal in the second half, Columbus Crew standout Prince Forfor was named the MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 2,257 fans in both Parmer Field and the surrounding area, The Pitch.

The West squad broke through first, as St. Louis CITY SC’s Lorenzo Cornelius utilized some fancy footwork on the endline before finding Minnesota United’s Tim Dennis to tap in his finish past the East goalkeeper in the 32nd minute. The East equalized in first-half added time, as Cristiano Oliveira of the New England Revolution corralled a cross and smoothly fired a shot past the West goalkeeper to level the match in the final kick of the first half.

Seven minutes into the second half, Homegrown Gustavo Caraballo of Orlando City SC gave the East its first lead of the match with a sensationally struck left foot from outside the 18-yard box. The West leveled the score once again in the 72nd minute, as FC Dallas’ Steel Cook hammered a skipping shot from close range into the back of the net.

In a sequence that featured a shot off the crossbar and a sensational save from Sporting Kansas City’s Jack Kortkamp, Forfor found himself alone in the six-yard box and fired a quick touch into the back of the net for a 3-2 East lead. In the 83rd minute, Tyler Brown of Vancouver Whitecaps FC raced behind the backline and beat the on-rushing goalkeeper before walking the ball into the goal to level the score at 3-3.

The decisive blow was struck int he 85th minute as Johnson converted a penalty kick, blasting it to the right and beyond the outstretched goalkeeper for the winning score.

2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game – GAME NOTES

Team 1 2 FT
East 1 3 4
West 1 2 3

Scoring Summary
WEST – Tim Dennis (Minnesota United FC), 32’
EAST – Cristiano Oliveira (New England Revolution), 45’+3’
EAST – Gustavo Caraballo (Orlando City SC), 52’
WEST – Steel Cook (FC Dallas), 72’
EAST – Prince Forfor (Columbus Crew), 76’
WEST – Tyler Brown (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), 83’
EAST – Jamir Johnson (Philadelphia Union), 85’ (PK)

MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP 
East All-Star Prince Forfor (Columbus Crew)