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
1896–97 Thames Ironworks F.C. season even though the West Ham area was still officially part of Essex at the time. It was a seamless transition for the club to make as Thames Ironworks and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd owner Arnold Hills was also president of the London League, and along with Thames Ironworks F.C. committee chairman Francis Payne, helped to draft the competition's rules. New signings for the season included Reading players Edward Hatton, Peter Davie and Frank Dandridge. H. Rossiter and Holmes, would also join from the Berkshire club, as well as many more Thames Iron Works employees that still provided the core of the