2008 MLS All-Star Game was played in the new soccer-specific stadium, BMO Field and was the first MLS All-Star Game held in Canada. BMO Field is home to the MLS' 13th franchise, Toronto FC. On April 4, 2008, the Major League Soccer website announced that Premier League club West Ham United would be the fifth international opponent for the marquee event. Founded in 1895, the east London club was originally called Thames Ironworks FC but switched to West Ham United five years later and has been playing at the Boleyn Ground since 1904. West Ham has forged a reputation of cultivating some of the
Canberra FC badge depicts the flagpole of Parliament House, a symbol of Canberra, over red and white check reflecting the Coat of arms of Croatia. The club was founded in 1958 as "Croatia Soccer Club" by local Croatian Australians, later being renamed "HOPE", "Croatia Deakin", "Canberra Croatia", "Canberra Metro" and "Canberra Deakin", before finally becoming "Canberra FC". Deakin Stadium (formerly "Deakin Football Centre") is the home stadium of Canberra FC. It is owned by Canberra Deakin Football Club, who also own Canberra FC. The suburban ground went through a major reconstruction between 2005 and 2008 and was officially re-opened in 2008. The