DENVER, United States (AFP) - With two first-half goals from Colombian imports, Major League Soccer's All-Stars posted a 2-0 victory over Scottish champions Celtic here Thursday in the MLS All-Star game exhibition.

Juan Pablo Angel scored in the 36th minute and Juan Toja added a score of his own in the 44th minute to lift the MLS team in their mid-season showcase.

Angel, the New York Red Bulls' high-scoring forward, who received the most fan votes for this All-Star Game, has scored nine goals in his first 11 games since joining his MLS club from English Premier League club Aston Villa.

In making the move, Angel was a beneficiary of the "Beckham rule" - the exception to salary limitations that has allowed the Los Angeles Galaxy to sign England star David Beckham.

Beckham, who arrived Stateside after helping his former club Real Madrid to the Spanish League title, has yet to play for the Galaxy, but he was on hand at the All-Star game as a spectator.

Angel showed Beckham isn't the only talented international capable of shaking up the MLS.

He ran through the heart of the Celtic defence after receiving a brilliant lead pass from Houston Dynamo midfielder Dwayne De Rosario.

He easily maneuvered past Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc, causing him to dive helplessly out of position inside the penalty box and netting the first goal of the game on a virtual empty-netter.

FC Dallas midfielder Toja doubled the lead near the end of the first half. He was the first to reach a failed free kick that squirted past three Celtic defenders and converted a left-footed kick from inside the penalty area past Boruc to make it 2-0.

The goal was a vindication for Toja, who wasted a fine 1-on-1 opportunity in the 21st minute, trying to beat the Boruc.

The 22-year-old Colombian sent a blast to the short side and high, but the netminder's size came in handy as the kick ricocheted harmlessly off the Boruc's head.

Celtic, using a US tour to prepare for the Scottish season as well as European play, were unable to muster a shot until the 40th minute and recorded just two shots on goal.