This week in US Soccer: MLS Yanks on target

MLS-based USMNT members get buckets, Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan duke it out and a Baby Yank scores a brilliant goal.

Yanks in the MLS show out

A lot of attention is given to USMNT members plying their trade overseas, and for good reason. But over the last few years, MLS has become more than just a training ground for America’s brightest soccer stars. USMNT regulars, while still in their prime, have begun to see MLS as a viable option for their club careers.

U.S. stalwarts such as Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Bedoya have decided to return to the domestic league during their peak soccer-playing years. This is a great sign for MLS, and only helps to improve the league’s standing in the world club soccer hierarchy.

This past weekend in MLS play, a few USMNT stars popped up to score some nice goals. Clint Dempsey may be just past his prime, but he continues to be the most reliable goal threat for the national team. He seemingly can score from anywhere in the attacking third, and in a variety of ways. Deuce proved this on Sunday as he powered a header home for Seattle’s opening goal against the LA Galaxy.

Jordan Morris, who chose to stay home instead of playing abroad (for now), decided to get in on the action in the same game. He completed a sweeping attack to put the Sounders up 3-0.

Morris and Bobby Wood appear to be the most likely candidates to challenge Altidore — or to be his strike partner — for playing time up top for the Yanks.

It was Darlington Nagbe, however, who provided the most audacious strike by a USMNTer last weekend. Nagbe is certainly more than capable of unleashing hell-fire from outside the box. Still, his laser beam off the underside of the crossbar against Vancouver on Saturday was breathtaking.

Have a damn go, Darlington.

Add in the close control that allowed him to get free for the shot and it’s not hard to see why the Portland Timbers man is expected to play a large part in the U.S.’s remaining World Cup qualifiers. It’s also why clubs such as Scottish giants Celtic have expressed interest in signing him.

Extras

Carli Lloyd (Manchester City) and Alex Morgan (Lyon) decided to take their talents to Europe during the relatively calm USWNT stretch during the NWSL offseason. The two faced off as their respective sides met in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal tie in Manchester. Lyon ended up winning 3-1 and neither woman was on the score sheet. The second leg is scheduled for this Saturday in Lyon.

Next: Loons slowly finding their footing

Last week, we took a look at potential future USMNT star Brooks Lennon. This week we take an even deeper dive by introducing U.S. U-17 captain Josh Sargent. Behold:

Our thoughts and prayers are with that Mexican defender. That’s just an unbelievable move and finish from the St. Louis native. If you listen closely enough you can hear the conductor of the latest USMNT hype train hollering “All aboard!”

Sargent scored a brace and added an assist as the U-17s would go on to win their CONCACAF Championship match against Mexico 4-3. Isn’t it just lovely to beat Mexico, no matter the level of competition?

Unsurprisingly, the young forward is being courted by professional clubs, both home and abroad: he has already trained with Sporting KC, who hold his MLS rights, as well as with PSV Eindhoven and Schalke. Oh to be young and really really good at sports.

See y’all next week.