Arsenal win MLS All-Star Skill Challenge as forgotten star Auston Trusty nails 40-yard crossbar chip
Auston Trusty emerged as the unexpected hero for Arsenal in the MLS All-Star Skill Challenge, securing a victory for Mikel Arteta’s team. The Gunners triumphed over their MLS counterparts with a score of 6-5 in the lead-up to the main event at Audi Field on Thursday.
Trusty sealed the win for Arsenal with a chip from distance that struck the crossbar, concluding the challenge. His teammates celebrated with him after his successful effort.
Before the All-Stars match, ten players from Arsenal and the MLS side participated in five drills to determine the overall winner. Arsenal took the lead by winning the shooting challenge, with Jurrien Timber and Jakub Kiwior impressing from 12 yards out. Kai Havertz then extended Arsenal’s lead to 2-0 with an impressive display in the touch drill, showcasing why the club invested £65 million in him.
However, Havertz faced criticism from fans after failing to score a single goal in the cross and volley challenge, bringing the score to 2-1. Arsenal regained their two-point lead by winning the passing challenge.
Although Trusty lost in his head-to-head, Jorginho and Kiwior secured victories in rounds two and three, giving Arsenal the advantage going into the crossbar challenge. In this challenge, each team earned a point for hitting the crossbar, with chips from the edge of the penalty box. Once a team reached five points, they moved to 40 yards out from the goal, attempting to hit the bar again for the Victory Shot.
Trusty, a former MLS player, proved to be the unlikely hero for Arsenal in the crossbar challenge. Despite not yet making a competitive appearance for Arsenal, Trusty delivered the winning shot. The celebration at the halfway line was filled with joy as Trusty’s teammates congratulated the 24-year-old defender.
After the challenge, Trusty expressed his delight, stating, “It felt great, I told you we would take care of business! This was awesome, it’s a really cool environment, I’m really blessed to be here.”
Arsenal will now aim to continue their success against the MLS side in the All-Stars clash the following day. In the 2016 All-Stars contest, the Gunners emerged victorious with a 2-1 score, with goals from Joel Campbell and Chuba Akpom.
This Tuesday at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, FL, the All-Star celebration of the MLS reached levels never seen before. The New York Red Bulls, as the host team, welcomed the best from the West and the East and put them to the test with the MLS All-Star Skill Challenge. Players from all clubs across the league had the opportunity to show off their talents and fight for glory.
And this year, it was Arsenal F.C. midfielder Auston Trusty that took the crown. The 21-year-old was able to edge the competition by using his impressive skill set to nail a 40-yard chip over the crossbar, allowing him to become the winner of the MLS All-Star Skill Challenge.
This was an especially impressive feat for Trusty, as he had been forgotten for some time following a three-year stint out of the game due to a hip injury. He bounced back and showed his resilience yet again with the chip shot that gave him the edge over fellow competitors like Real Salt Lake’s Albert Rusnák, FC Cincinnati’s Darren Mattocks, and DC United’s Paul Arriola.
Auston Trusty was over the moon after winning the challenge and jumped enthusiastically, celebrating the moment with his teammates and friends. His skillful kick quickly made its way around social media, where fans from all over the world shared their excitement for this amazing moment.
Due to his victory, Trusty was awarded a two-week training stay at the Arsenal F.C. Academy, as well as two tickets to the 2021 MLS All-Star Game, where he will be presented with a special medallion to commemorate his accomplishment.
The MLS All-Star Skill Challenge was definitely an exciting event that will be remembered for years to come. Auston Trusty’s impressive comeback makes it even more memorable, and his accomplishments will serve as an example of what can be achieved when talent and work ethic come together.