MLS Taking On Distinctive Foreign Flavor - MLSSoccer.com

As you've surely noticed, the Seattle Sounders aren't the only MLS team that is not particularly American. Matthew Doyle of MLSSoccer.com looks at the trend, and points out that it's nothing to be afraid of.

4 months ago Jeremiah Oshan 7 comments 0 recs |

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Better leagues attract foreign talent

It’s a positive indicator for MLS and strengthens the league and the competition, will elevate the play of everyone involved including the borderline USMNT players.

Looking at the 9 players we lost, 7 American born, and the 5 we’ve signed, 1 American born, it’s evident in our own roster as well.

by Thalas on Feb 4, 2012 2:33 PM PST reply actions

Something worth mentioning...

…is that even though only 55% of all minutes went to US players last year, there were 18 teams in the league. That’s essentially 10 full teams of Americans, which is basically as many teams as the league had in total for many years. At this point, I think the biggest gap in terms of getting Americans a chance to develop is probably the lack of teams in USL-Pro and NASL. The PDL seems to be doing well, though, which is encouraging, hopefully that success will work its way up to the second and third divisions. (Which also gets me to thinking that last year with the reserve league back in action, there were more minutes for Americans to develop there, too.)

by ubelmann on Feb 4, 2012 2:49 PM PST reply actions 4 recs

that's an extremely valid point

Editor/writer at Sounder at Heart, MLS editor SB Nation. Follow me on Twitter. You'll Never Yacht Alone.

by Jeremiah Oshan on Feb 5, 2012 7:17 AM PST up reply actions

MLS.com sometime writes awful pieces

But this one was pretty good. I personally am happy that MLS is/has become a league that is respectful enough for internationals to go to.

by Adnan Ilyas on Feb 4, 2012 5:25 PM PST reply actions

I usually like their armchair analyst articles

Solid writing about soccer tactics and other topics usually done at a level that’s good for someone who likes soccer, but is not obsessed with stats and tactical formations (i.e. a good chunk of the MLS fanbase).

by Dizzo on Feb 7, 2012 11:13 AM PST up reply actions

I dont disagree with any of that, it is a good thing, but one thing to consider is the fact that bringing in talent can take away from US player developement. How many minutes did Agudelo lose to Henry ?

by Charles J on Feb 5, 2012 8:45 AM PST via mobile reply actions