Opinion Piece

Is the MLS progressing?

The most famous footballer in the world is going on loan to European giants AC Milan. David Beckham currently plays his trade for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the United States’ Major League Soccer. He’s the most recognizable figure in world football, known for his accurate passing, endless work rate, and world-class free-kick capability. When the MLS, in particular the LA Galaxy, brought him to America, there was hope that he’d aid U.S. soccer and make it recognizable on the scale of the European leagues. His movie-star looks, famous pop star wife and of course, his ability as a footballer would try to help make soccer popular in the States.

The arrival of Beckham has yet to provide the impact people enthusiasts thought it would. Still, soccer fails to make a dent in the American sporting landscape. He’s only made a handful of starts for the club due to injuries and also makes long trips to Europe when called for international duty with the England national team. Some fans still go to Galaxy games just to see Beckham even if he’s not playing, not necessarily watching the team but, this can’t be for the good of the game.

If Beckham isn’t doing what he was supposed to, enhance the reputation of soccer in America, then how can he leaving to AC Milan in January for a few months aid U.S. soccer? His intention to go there is to gain playing time and be called up for the England national team yet, it arguably wouldn’t help soccer in America.

If Beckham isn’t the savior who’ll bring glory and reputation to soccer on a global scale, then it must be in pure talent that’s produced in America, maybe. Taking a look at the many reputable U.S. stars in their national team; at least half that are called up for duty, play in Europe. Instead of these players enhancing the reputation and popularity of soccer in their own country, they were snapped up by teams in Europe.

Some of the best American players started their careers in the U.S. but eventually moved on to clubs in Europe. Brad Friedel, one of the best American goalkeepers of all-time, has had spells with Liverpool FC, Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa FC. DaMarcus Beasley, formerly a Chicago Fire player, moved onto PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City FC and now Rangers FC. These two players are recognized internationals in Europe, both are American but, their help with soccer in the U.S. simply shows that stars can be produced in America, they’re just snapped up before their potential is realized and showed.

The latest batch of exciting youngsters has followed a similar trend to Friedel and Beasley. Freddy Adu, a teenage prodigy when he first arrived on the scene has moved onto Benfica in Portugal. Clint Dempsey’s rising star began in the MLS and before it reached soaring heights, he moved to Fulham FC in England. Michael Bradley, the son of current U.S. National Team head coach Bob Bradley, plays for Borrusia Monchengladbach in Germany. Oguchi Onyewu, the heart of the U.S. defence, plays in Belgium for Standard Liege. All these young stars potential was realized by European clubs and not by the American’s who bred them.

For U.S. soccer to really make a dent in the world of football, the MLS cannot rely on one star like Beckham. Quite clearly, there’s talent here in the U.S. but they’re being lured to Europe all too easily before they can aid MLS. Sure enough MLS has come a long way since 1993 but progression should be made in leaps, not footsteps on a treadmill.