Cary, N.C. — Boston's Maren Meinert scored two goals and assisted on another, helping the World Stars beat the American Stars, 3-2, in the WUSA All-Star game Thursday night.
Meinert, selected the game's MVP, gave the World Stars a 3-1 lead in the 61st minute when she ripped a curling shot from about 20 yards past substitute goalkeeper Siri Mullinix.
It was the 3-year-old league's second All-Star game and the first to be held during the season. Rules were changed to allow substituted players to return and each half was shortened to 40 minutes instead of the regulation 45.
Last year's game was held after the season.
The American Stars, with all but one of their starters expected to be members of the U.S. World Cup team in September, set an early tone with short, quick passes.
Brandi Chastain and Danielle Fotopoulos scored the American goals, sandwiched around three World goals.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.