ATLANTA -- Josef Martinez gave his home fans exactly what they expected. Miguel Almiron showed a side of his game that isn't always noticed. Both performances helped a thrown-together All-Star side give a strong showing in the MLS All-Star Game against Italian powerhouse Juventus.

The result will go down as a win for Juventus, with the Bianconeri prevailing on penalties 5-3 after the teams played to a 1-1 tie through 90 minutes Wednesday. And it should be noted that some big stars from both sides -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the MLS All-Stars and Cristiano Ronaldo and other World Cup performers for Juventus -- weren't on display.

But this was an edition of the MLS All-Star Game that delivered from an entertainment standpoint, as the MLS All-Stars acquitted themselves well. There were clear chances for both teams, some impressive saves and a couple of well-taken goals, albeit in wildly contrasting styles.

Andrea Favilli's 21st-minute opener had the precision of a surgeon, with his glancing header cleanly beating MLS All-Star keeper Brad Guzan. Martinez's equalizer five minutes later was more of the sledgehammer variety.

Martinez's goal capped off an utterly chaotic sequence. It was his pass that initially set up Carlos Vela's volley, one that Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny saved brilliantly by pushing it onto the crossbar. Ignacio Piatti kept the play alive, heading the rebound across the face of the goal. At which point, Martinez risked getting either a boot or a post to the face -- perhaps even both -- but his brave header made it over the line to bring the All-Stars level.

It was a goal befitting the league's leading scorer, and this one resulted in him being named the game's MVP. Yet it was also a tally that left club teammate Michael Parkhurst in awe when one might expect him to be used to such exploits.