Müller-Evander shooting duel shows MLS Skills Challenge evolution | OneFootball

Thomas Müller and Evander both scored 79 points in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge shooting competition Tuesday night in Charlotte, breaking the previous record of 72 that Evander himself set in 2025. The Vancouver Whitecaps attacker hit 10 of 11 targets in his attempt before the FC Cincinnati midfielder matched the feat moments later.

Record progression reflects format refinement

The shooting challenge has evolved from a 65-point record in 2022 to 72 in 2025 and now 79 in 2026. This progression tracks with MLS refining the Skills Challenge format — this year introducing individual event champions rather than an overall league winner, allowing players multiple attempts to maximize entertainment value.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC superstar Thomas Müller eclipsed Evander's record of 72 points set last year with a remarkable 79-point haul. The Brazilian then took another turn out of competition in a bid to better it, but could only match Müller's 79.

Strategic positioning of marquee players

MLS positioned its two most technically gifted attacking players — a World Cup winner and a Brazilian playmaker — as the shooting challenge anchors. Evander is set to make his third consecutive appearance in the Skills Challenge after competing in 2024 (Portland Timbers) and 2025 (FC Cincinnati). Last year, Evander broke the record for the most points scored by an individual player in the All-Star Shooting Challenge (72).

Müller's participation carries particular weight. The German legend represents MLS's highest-profile signing since the Messi era began, and his willingness to embrace the Skills Challenge format — complete with wearing a microphone during his attempt — demonstrates buy-in from elite European talent.

Format changes maximize competitive drama

New this year; each of the challenges will crown its own champion, marking a shift from the traditional MLS versus opponent format used in previous years. This structural change allowed both players to compete for the individual shooting title rather than representing opposing leagues, creating the dramatic moment of Evander attempting to reclaim his record.

The lack of a tiebreaker mechanism exposed a gap in the new format — both players share the record without resolution. This oversight suggests MLS is still calibrating the balance between entertainment and competition in its showcase events.

Skills Challenge as talent development marker

Evander's three-year progression through the Skills Challenge — from Portland to Cincinnati to matching records with a World Cup winner — parallels his rise as one of MLS's premier playmakers. His consistency across different teams and formats establishes the Skills Challenge as a legitimate performance benchmark rather than pure exhibition.

The event now serves dual purposes: marketing spectacle for casual viewers and a technical showcase that elite players take seriously enough to break records. Müller's immediate impact validates the format's ability to attract and engage world-class talent beyond contractual obligations.