Skip to main content

MLS Impact on USMNT Roster

 There has been a lot said and written about the fact there is only one MLS player on the Nations League roster for the US and Friday's game against Grenada was the first United States national team game that did not feature a current MLS player since the league's founding in 1996. As a MLS blogger and true believer in the league's entertainment and sporting value in the States it got me thinking: has our talent pool outgrown MLS? 

First and foremost I think that the role of Major League Soccer in this currently constructed roster is wildly understated. Twelve of the sixteen players who appeared for the United States against Grenada were either developed in MLS Academies or played Major League Soccer before moving to Europe. Here's that list: 

Brendan Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty- Philadelphia Union

Weston McKennie, Alex Zendejas, Ricardo Pepi, Bryan Reynolds- FC Dallas

Gio Reyna and Joe Scally- NYCFC

Taylor Booth- Real Salt Lake

Matt Turner played college soccer before playing for the New England Revs. 

Daryl Dike played college soccer before playing for Orlando City SC. 

That is significant talent identification and player development from MLS clubs. I was recently reading the history of Major League Soccer and one of the core goals of MLS initially was to promote and develop American National team players, and I'd say they have accomplished that. If you use the gauge of success under the guidelines that all of your best players will stay in MLS, you aren't wanting to properly promote the National Team. The clubs are benefitting financially from selling players like Pepi for $18 million to buy first team players and continue to invest in the academy. No one has done a better job at continuous player development than the Union. 

Getting players to clubs like Chelsea, Dortmund, and Leeds United is rapidly bringing the USMNT to a more level playing field with the likes of England, Germany and other European powerhouses. As long as MLS clubs continue to use the monies from selling these talented youth players to build their academies and first teams the league will continue to improve and our national team will continue to improve.

So just because you hear "No MLS players were on the pitch" doesn't mean MLS didn't play a vital role in getting us to where we are today. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MLS Playoff Reviews to Date

 As usual life and obligations have slowed down my blogging. This time of the year there is a lot going on around my house, but I sneak in soccer when I can and blogs when I can. This year is the first year of expanded playoffs. I think playoffs are fun, they bring in crowds and revenue that the league needs.  My gripe against the expanded playoffs is simple: its waters down an already watered down regular season. To make the playoffs all you have to do is not be historically bad for a two month stretch. Hell SKC was historically bad for the first 11 games of the season and still hosted a playoff game and made it to the conference semi-finals. I'm just saying when there's 5,000 people at a San Jose-Chicago game on a beautiful May Saturday night, that's why. The games don't matter.  Also I'm a big fan of give me all of the soccer you can. However a February to December season is a bit much. In the name or revenue we now have this incredibly long season that means alm...
Post a Comment
Read more

MLS Cup

 Today marks the end of a season that started in February of this year with LAFC taking on the Columbus Crew. The original '96 Crew against the new giants of Los Angeles, the reigning MLS Cup Champions.  As much as I love a good romantic preview, there are no legacies on the line here. Carlos Vela has proven to be one of the most impactful signings in MLS history. The former MVP and MLS Cup Champ can just add to his legendary MLS status today. They are looking to be the first back-to-back MLS Cup Champions since the LA Galaxy of 2011-12.  On the other side Wilfred Nancy has proven himself to be a very good MLS coach, Darlington Nagbe has won it all twice with Portland and Atlanta United. Aidan Morris could use a moment in the spotlight as he tries to make a move to Europe to get back in the National Team conversation.  I am excited for this final, but I do think most of the major storylines of the year have been eliminated: FC Cincinnati the Supporters Shield winners...
Post a Comment
Read more

MLS Wild Card Previews!

 Thirty four weeks of the regular season have been played and the playoff matchups are set, well with the exception of who will be playing the top seeds in either conference. For that we have two play in games this week! Let's dive in: Eastern Conference (9) Charlotte FC at (8) New York Red Bulls It's slightly amazing that both of these teams have made the playoffs. Both teams intermittently struggled throughout the regular season and the Red Bulls playoff streak was in serious danger up until decision day. The Red Bulls will have the home crowd at their back and a group of hungry dedicated players led by young USMNT prospect John Tolkin. The young left back scored the penalty to put the Red Bulls into the playoffs. For Charlotte they will rely on their strong forwards led by Polish international Karol Swiderski and Argentinian Enzo Copetti.  Prediction: NYRB 2-1 Charlotte Western Conference (9) San Jose Quakes at (8) Sporting Kansas City. As a midwesterner and someone who fol...
Post a Comment
Read more