How Can USA Keep Star American Players at Home to Play in MLS?

The American soccer scene, at its highest level, is obviously and clearly not up to the level across the Atlantic. The elite players find their way to the European leagues, and that leaves MLS searching for other marketable athletes to fill the ranks.

Without question, MLS has improved over the years, but it was predicated on getting past-their-prime Europeans and young stars before they were discovered by larger clubs.

Keeping top-level American talent at home will not necessarily help U.S. soccer immediately. After all, iron sharpens iron. Having the stars of tomorrow stay at home will help MLS continue to grow and that could pay dividends for U.S. soccer down the road.

So, how do we keep them at home?

There are two big obstacles that leap off the page.

First, the paydays. Top-level talent has the best chance to make a big paycheck in the elite leagues. Those opportunities are not plentiful in MLS. Second, is the players desi...

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