Veljko Paunovic and the MLS All-Stars got down to business Monday morning, gathering for their first official training session at UIC Flames Field in Chicago.
And while many players on this year's roster have played in many an exhibition match over the years, the prospect of lining up opposite arguably the world's best team in front of a near-capacity crowd at Soldier Field -- as well as a global broadcast audience -- is reason enough to bring their 'A' games Wednesday night (8pm, FS1, Univision).
"I think we need to enjoy in this moment, but on the other hand in soccer you cannot make the joke from these types of games," said Fire striker and MLS Golden Boot leader Nemanja Nikolic ahead of his All-Star debut.