Did MLS Combine present more future USL players than MLS players?
Kyle McCarthy from Goal.com seemed to think so. MaCarthy asked, “With smaller roster sizes in MLS and competitive salaries and CONCACAF Champions League play in the USL, why can’t USL teams go out and approach some of these players and offer them playing time?”
He went on to say, “As I watched play, I kept writing ‘USL’ next to many of the names. In the messy world of my notes, that means good players who might not be a pure fit at the top level. There isn’t any shame in that; most of those notations came from physical limitations the players can’t overcome with their skill at the next level.”
MaCarthy also said, “By decreasing the roster size from 28 to 24, MLS has pushed much of the development down the pipeline to USL. Some of that movement is natural. The college tweeners – players with good skills, but who don’t possess the physical skills or natural position at the top level – will slip into the second division. Maybe one or two will pan out and vault into MLS some day, but most will lead a productive life.”
It’s an interesting article that I recommend reading. By the way, Thunder head president, Manny Lagos attended the MLS Combine and was back in the office on Monday after a weekend of sun and a list of players he might just like to see in a Thunder uniform this summer.
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