MLS stepping stone to Europe ...

papa5murf · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:14 pm

Quote:

Dasey: New Zealand's quality soccer exports

From New Zealand to the United States and on to the English Premier League, it's a long and unlikely path that a growing number of players from the so-called 'Shaky Isles' are following.

Ryan Nelsen went to Blackburn Rovers from Christchurch via Washington DC while Wellington-born Simon Elliott had stops in Los Angeles and Columbus before ending up at Fulham.

Now, other New Zealanders are looking at America's MLS as a possible means of passage to Europe.

Toronto FC have two Kiwis on their books: defender Andrew Boyens has been joined this season by attacking midfielder Jarrod Smith. Columbus Crew's longest serving player is defensive midfielder Duncan Oughton, a member of the New Zealand national team since 2002.

They've all chosen the MLS ahead of the A-League and its New Zealand franchise, the Wellington Phoenix, despite little difference between the moderate wages in both leagues.

'The A-League is getting stronger but the MLS is more recognised throughout Europe,' Boyens told ESPN Soccernet. 'Hopefully it's a stepping stone to bigger and better things.'

Twenty-four-year-old Boyens is in his second season with Toronto after being selected in the first round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, following an impressive college career with the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

In May 2007, he earned his first international cap, facing up to Ryan Giggs' Wales in a friendly at Wrexham. Partnering the equally-inexperienced Ben Sigmund in central defence, Boyens helped the All Whites earn a creditable 2-2 draw.

'It was awesome to walk out beside Giggs and (Craig) Bellamy,' Boyens said. 'We took care of them all right, too.'

His team-mate, Smith, was one of the stars as Toronto pulled off an upset away victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy in their third match of this season on April 13th.

With all eyes on former England captain David Beckham and his Galaxy teammate, Landon Donovan, Smith marked his MLS debut by scoring Toronto's second goal in the 53rd minute in a 3-2 win at the Home Depot Center. Like Beckham, Smith wore the number-23 shirt. Former Premier League players Laurent Robert and Danny Dichio were among Smith's team-mates.

Thirty-year-old Oughton overcame a serious knee injury that ruled him out of the entire 2005 season to extend his MLS career with the Columbus Crew. He married a local Ohio girl, Carly, an ex-ice skater, and lives with a dog and three cats in what he describes as his dream home in the Columbus area. And as a U.S. Green Card holder, or permanent resident, Oughton is no longer classified as a foreign player.

He made an emotional return to the field, wearing the captain's armband midway through the 2006 season with the help of experimental treatment that saw his cartilage re-grown in a laboratory before being re-attached to his knee.

Earlier in his tenure at Columbus in late 2003, Oughton looked at moving to England where he trained with Nottingham Forest in the MLS off-season, arranged by former Forest player, Ian Woan, who had a short spell with the Crew.

But in the end, work permit issues and his ongoing contract with Columbus ruled out any thought of a possible move for the holding midfielder, described by Crew spokesman, Dave Stephany as 'an inspirational leader and the heart and soul of the team.'

Now in his eighth season with Columbus, Oughton says he couldn't imagine playing anywhere else.

'I've become like a piece of the furniture,' he said. ''I just love the club: the people in Columbus and the fans have been very good to me.' Oughton made the choice to remain in the United States while his contemporaries Ryan Nelsen and Simon Elliott moved on to richer pastures in the English Premier League.

Nelsen, who joined the MLS the same year as Oughton, spent four years - two of them as captain - with dominant DC United before joining Blackburn on a free transfer in January 2005. He's since established himself as New Zealand's number one footballing export.

Growing up in Wellington, Oughton went to the same primary and high school as Elliott and they also played for the same junior club. They were reunited in early 2004 when Elliott was traded from the LA Galaxy to Columbus Crew.

Thirty-three-year-old Elliott spent two seasons with the Crew before signing for Fulham in January 2006 where he made 12 appearances before sidelined by a serious calf injury.

The common thread between the exports - apart from nationality - is U.S. college soccer opening up opportunities within the MLS.

'We all studied here and played football at college,' Boyens said. 'The main recruitment programme is through the MLS draft... that's how you can get picked up by a club.'

Newcomer Smith attended West Virginia University, scoring 14 goals in 16 matches during his senior year. Already capped by the All Whites, the 23-year-old is the son of former Test cricketer Ian Smith, a well-known TV host and commentator for cricket and rugby.

Unlike many of their Australian contemporaries who have some kind of European background, emerging New Zealand players often need to find an alternative route to professional football abroad. They also don't have the exposure to Asia enjoyed by their cousins across the Tasman since the Aussies left Oceania to join the AFC a couple of years ago.

Sharing the American adventure has created a strong bond between the stateside Kiwis.

Columbus are one of Toronto's near neighbours - relatively speaking - a six hour drive over the border. The international teammates make a point of catching up whenever they can.

'We're a long way from home,' Oughton said. 'It's always good to see a familiar face.'

Boyens added: 'When we get together, we like to laugh about a few of the things that Americans and Canadians do.'

And across the Atlantic, Blackburn captain Nelsen remains the glowing reminder of what's possible for any Kiwi in the American soccer system.

'We watch him as much as we can,' Boyens said. 'He's definitely helping build the reputation of our players overseas.'

Just like its lamb and dairy products, New Zealand's best young footballers are also proving to be a quality export.

oranjepalooza · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:32 pm

I have also seen the MLS referred to as a 'feeder' league since a good number of US players leave for the EPL and practice their trade there and return better players for the US National side......

papa5murf · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 3:47 pm

I feel like there are more players that go over for a trail and not make it. But that experience in itself is probably more than they could ever dream of in the MLS. And will most likely make them a better player.

Taylor Twellman and Landon Donovan are prime examples. They made it past the trial and got signed, but never managed to get a game in with the senior squad. For what reason, I don't know. Maybe the lack of quality, or just wrong place at the wrong time. But they have come back to become great players in the MLS.

Then there have been players that have actually made it; McBride, Dempsy, Michael Bradley (who's making headlines over in the Dutch League). But the numbers that have made it are slim. But a few others in the ranks that could make a difference, DaMarcus Beasley being the main one.

oranjepalooza · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 7:36 pm

Not sure what the ratio is for those who succeed as opposed to those who don't succeed, but as you say, the experience is worth. If they don't make it, they will have some idea what they need to work on or if they will even have a chance to ever play abroad.

Twellman has recently been sought after by a couple of Championship teams, and one has even made an offer which was turned down by his MLS team. He was not happy about that and then when they announced what it would take to get him he was even more unhappy. Too bad, experience can be gained in the Championship division. Donovan (whom I could speak for days on, but will spare you) just didn't want to wait his time to play first team football. He chose the easy way out and came back to the MLS where he's a 'big dog' and gets that nice fat guaranteed check, for his 'Ill play now' and ' I'll disappear for now' style that he's chosen. Enough on him........

Just to add, Brad Friedal, Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Eddie Lewis and even John Stern are just a few to be mentioned. Another problem is that it's not always easy to get a work permit. Cool

papa5murf · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:00 pm

The MLS was actually pretty stupid in not selling Twellman, considering he's hurt now and will be out 6-8 weeks after surgery. I'm sure that Championship side (forgot who they were) are quite happy now that the deal didn't go down. Laughing

Even if Twellman does go over, I feel he'll be a bust and just warm the bench. Similar to what Eddie Johnson is doing currently. Fulham did a lot of work to sign him, and yet he's only played in 6 matches (started 4, subbed in 2) and has been quite bad. Stats from what I've been able to find; 9 shots 1 on goal. I also feel that McBride coming back from injury has also prevented Eddie Johnson from getting games.

I have also noticed Dempsey's lack of form and quality lately as well. Not sure if he's just fatigued due to the grueling schedule of the EPL or if he's just gutted by the poor performance of Fulham as a whole. Maybe a bit homesick, after his first full season in the EPL.

And American keepers have always been rather successful in Europe. Can't forget Marcus Hahnemann and Kasey Keller in that department either.

As for the work permit. I bet Brad Guzan isn't too happy right now that he's not suiting up for Aston Villa (even if it is only for the reserves or on the bench). After his performances early in the MLS campaign, I don't see Aston Villa still being interested in him.

oranjepalooza · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:43 pm

I can't remember who was after Twellman either, I want to say QPR or PNE, but i can't be sure. Taylor is a nice player for the MLS, but I think thats where it starts and stops. I cringe everytime I hear Bradley is calling him up to the National side, but I think his days are over wearing the red, white and blue. Also, it may be a sign of how we don't have an abundance of strikers as to Bradley naming him to the roster...... Rolling Eyes

Eddie Johnson has never really impressed me, his work rate leaves much to be desired and in the EPL you had better be ready to leave it out on the field after 90 minutes.

Dempsey is a natural midfielder, he's not a striker so he's being played out of position. I to feel he's played to many games and it shows. Although I will say his overall game has improved, and I give credit for that to playing in the EPL.

Finally, Guzan's poor start of the season may be because he was (and is) disappointed he couldn't get a work permit. He openly spoke of how much it would mean to him to play abroad, and the circumstances that have kept in him the states has to be effecting his play, unfortunately. For me personally, I have never been sold on him. He has had some outstanding games but is a bit to inconsistent for me, and that is one position that doesn't allow that. Again, thats only my opinion.

papa5murf · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 8:53 pm

Ahhh, just found it. Preston North End put up a $1.5 million for Twellman. US is quite limited up front, and with DaMarcus Beasley being out with a knee injury I believe. It doesn't help at all.

I'm looking for how much Aston Villa offered for Brad Guzman, but can't seem to find it. However, I'm seeing articles saying "Arsenal and Aston Villa in tug of war for Guzman". Confused

I hope Arsenal are in fact not in a battle for him.

oranjepalooza · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2008 9:04 pm

Aston Villa offered close to 4 million, almost twice what Celtic had offered.

Arsenal in for Guzan, not even funny! Mad

Boris · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 7:08 am

MLS and A-League are similar but more A-League players succeed in Europe then MLS players every year.

New Zealaders have been going over to the MLS long before A-League was even established, also New Zealand are quite shit so they're no loss to our league Laughing

papa5murf · Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2008 1:38 pm

Aussie_Liverpool_Fan wrote:

MLS and A-League are similar but more A-League players succeed in Europe then MLS players every year.

New Zealaders have been going over to the MLS long before A-League was even established, also New Zealand are quite shit so they're no loss to our league Laughing

I think there should be a Champions League style tournament between the MLS and the A-League. I think this year, overall quality is better in the MLS.

Boris · Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 3:59 pm

You haven't seen any A-League though. Older players are being pushed into coaching positions, younger more talented players are coming through and former Socceroos like John Aloisi have come back and settled into the league. All very competitive.