Offsides!

Which Way: MLS Or Europe?

I realize many of you are heavily anticipating the game Sunday between the U.S. and Ecuador. The game will definitely provide a ‘World Cup Feel’ ( as posted on the USMNT website).

The big name Yanks from abroad like DeMarcus Beasley, Kasey Keller, Carlos Bocanegra and Oguchi Onyewu will be playing in their first international game since the World Cup last year. We tend to view them differently and have that special place for them just as we did for Captain America and rightfully so.

But the homegrown kids will provide as much talent and attention as their Yankee counterparts abroad and should not be overlooked.

Justin Mapp from the Chicago Fire had a great game against Denmark and is making the case for more minutes challening Beasely. He will likely start in the Guatemala match later this month.

Don't forget Brian Mullan (Houston Dynamo) or Brian Carroll (D.C. United), the other MLS midfielders besides Mapp. They are solid and full of potential because someone needs to hold it down in midfield since Captain America is gone.

Defenders Jimmy Conrad (KC Wizards) and Wade Barrett (Houston Dynamo) are great for the back. Wouldn't you love to see Conrad and Onyewu pair up and hold it down for an upcoming match if possible?

When it comes to Barrett, this is not new territory. He was called into camp for the October '05 World Cup Qualifying match versus Costa Rica. Barrett is without a doubt, one of the best U.S. MLS defenders. But look for a breakthrough soon especially if he plans on penetrating the already solid defense.

And all five forwards, by the way, are from MLS. Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donvan (LA Galaxy), Eddie Johnson (KC Wizards), and Taylor Twellman (NE Revolution). They can surely hold it down, although if there is one criticism, it should be that they need to score more!

Go USA and Go MLS!