The good and bad of losing Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris to the USMNT

There are a wide range of feelings about losing Clint Dempsey and Jordan Morris for the loss to the Columbus Crew and the win over the Houston Dynamo. Both could have helped the Seattle Sounders more than they did the United States. But this is a mixed bag of good and bad. Seattle earned 3 points in their two matches that matter, and the USA took four and look likely to make another World Cup.

As the club versus country debate continues to grow it is important recognize that it didn’t totally suck to lose two of the most goal dangerous players in Rave Green.

Good

• Both Dempsey and Morris wanted to be with the United States staff and players.
• They practiced with higher-quality players for two weeks.
• Clint played 124 minutes total.
• Jordan played 20 minutes total.
• Neither got injured.
• They both experienced a coaching staff with different voices.
• The United States picked up four points and is quite likely to go to World Cup 2018 in Russia.
• Both are healthy and well rested for the game against New York City FC on June 17 at 10 AM (ESPN).

Bad

• Dempsey didn’t get the chance break Landon Donovan’s record in Azteca.
• Jordan didn’t play in either of the World Cup Qualifiers.
• Jordan missed Cristian Roldan’s birthday.
• Sounders dropped road points at Columbus.
• Sounders will be short players against Portland in the Open Cup game, a game Morris would have been reasonably likely to feature in.
• It sucks to feel like the league values the US Men’s National Team more than it does its own games. MLS granted USSF permission months ago.