Staying on top of the soccer news of the day as I do, I've noticed something: every day, it seems, an American player is either confirmed to be coming to MLS or is rumored to be on his way. Among the names popping up recently are Vincenzo Bernardo and Lee Nguyen, two American youth internationals currently looking for clubs. A new rumor has appeared involving New Jersey native Niko Gkionis (whom I admittedly know nothing about) leaving the Belgian second division for the American first division. Add the return of National Team defender Danny Califf to the mix, and a significant amount of American talent appears to be coming home.
A second division player from a country like Belgium, whose first division is a step below the higher profile European leagues, shouldn't send anyone into an excited tizzy; but Gkionis returning to the States, along with those who have already made the leap or may be on their way, does seem to indicate a trend among some of the American talent based abroad. Many are coming home, signing up to play in Major League Soccer despite presumed offers from other clubs in Europe. This prompts a question, the answer to which probably boils down to your assessment of the players in question: Is the league turning a corner with American players?
Although a blanket generalization won't really do, I'm prepared to make one anyway; I'm not privy to the salary demands of players like Califf, Bernardo, and Nguyen, but it appears that playing at home is more attractive to them on the whole than scratching for another job in the richer environs of Europe. Perhaps the teams enticing American players are offering more money than they can currently get in elsewhere; even it that's true, Americans holding European passports have generally been hesitant to return to the States unless as a last resort.
That's a possibility for some of these players, of course, and two of the more prominent American players to sign with MLS in recent years, Bobby Convey and Danny Szetela, didn't appear to be in high demand at the time of their moves. Without checking with their agents (who probably wouldn't tell me, or might provide some scurrilous information), it comes down to a matter of perception if players like Bernardo and Nguyen are landing (or might land) in MLS because they have no other choice. Regardless, it's a positive sign for MLS if they are playing here; the league needs as many talented American players as it can get.
Perhaps the perception of MLS as a strong league to play and grow in is changing, or perhaps there is simply more recognition that playing regularly in MLS (which isn't a guarantee, but is more likely) is better than occasional or reserve appearances in Europe. It's these young, second-tier American players, players either not yet in the National Team setup or on the outside looking in, that MLS desperately needs to deepen its talent pool. With international roster spots limited, and expansions teams starting up rapidly, each one of these players is incredibly important.
From a National Team fan perspective, the return of some of these young players might be a troubling sign, because the general consensus is that European-based players are better off than American-based ones from a development standpoint; but remember that playing consistently is always better than not, no matter the pedigree of the club a player is signed to. For each of these players, as well as any that may follow, MLS should be an attractive place to ply their trade because it is improving, comfortable, and has starting jobs available for the taking. Nowhere else will an American player be appreciated more than in MLS, and that fact should not be forgotten.
Returning to MLS may not be the best move for every young American player looking for a club, and staying is not always in the best interest of those already here; but for some, especially those that have tasted football culture abroad and found the taste somewhat less than sweet, it's absolutely the best possible thing.
The league wins with more American talent, the player wins with more potential playing time.
So here's the question for you: is all of this a trend or just the usual return of Americans who can't catch on anywhere else? If it's a trend, what might be the reason for it?
