MATTHEWS, North Carolina — Connor Dale started in goal for the East at halftime as the Eastern Conference dominated the West 6-1 in the fifth annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex on Monday night.

The FC Cincinnati Academy goalkeeper was sharp in the second half, making a kick save off a dangerous corner kick effort in the 65th minute and forcing another stop in the 87th to preserve the result. Dale conceded once — a composed finish from Real Salt Lake's Easton Wilson in the 82nd minute — in what was otherwise a commanding East performance.

“It felt great being able to represent my club, my parents, and myself. It's been an amazing experience and one I’ll remember for a long time. I'm so glad I got the opportunity,” Dale said after the match.

Dale's selection to the All-Star Game followed a standout academy season that included five starts for the U16s at the Generation Adidas Cup in March — finishing with four clean sheets — and three starts for the U18s at MLS NEXT Cup, where FC Cincinnati advanced to the Quarterfinals. He made his MLS NEXT Pro debut with FC Cincinnati 2 on June 7 against New England Revolution II and had started the team's last three matches heading into All-Star Week.