Diana Ordóñez made history as the first NWSL player to participate in the @MLS All-Star Skills Challenge
"With a big dream and a lot of discipline, you can achieve anything you want. I hope young girls and boys see this and realize they can be here too," said Houston Dash forward and fan favorite Diana Ordóñez, ahead of her participation in the 2024 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on Wednesday evening. As the first NWSL player to participate in the event, Ordóñez made history, surely inspiring the young soccer fans in attendance who had the opportunity to grab Ordóñez’s autograph before the event started.
First ever NWSL player to participate in the MLS All Stars Skills Challenge takes the pitch 🫡 pic.twitter.com/6mUCHsKk8G
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 24, 2024
@mls Diana Ordóñez with a powerful message as she becomes the first ever NWSL player to participate in the Skills Challenge. ❤️
♬ original sound - Major League Soccer
While she was not competing, Ordóñez engaged fans at home with insightful color commentary, offering a unique field-level perspective and interacting with the other stars on the field. She then geared up for the Passing Challenge, an event where LIGA MX and MLS representatives showcase their skills by passing, lobbing, chipping, or shooting the ball through obstacles and rings. Ordóñez executed all her passes flawlessly, but Chivas forward Alicia Cervantes, representing LIGA MX Femenil, was slightly quicker in that round. Ultimately, MLS clinched the event with a 2-1 victory.
Our All Star warming up 🤩#MLSAllStar x #HoustonDash pic.twitter.com/lWFOIlyCq4
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 23, 2024
Next, Ordóñez took on the Crossbar Challenge, where contestants aim to hit the crossbar three times from 18 yards out to unlock the "victory shot"—a chance to hit the crossbar from 36 yards away. In a thrilling comeback, LIGA MX emerged victorious in the challenge, securing the overall win in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge. Ordóñez’s participation in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge was a moment that fans and players alike will not forget.
🗣️ @diana0rdonez
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 24, 2024
Thank you for making it a special night! #MLSAllStar pic.twitter.com/ZyHgmscX3I