Up and Coming American MLS Players

Just as A.J. said in an earlier post, I'm going to do a little blurb here about up and coming players that may have an impact on the US Men's National team some day. However, in this blurb here, I will be highlighting young American players currently playing in the MLS. The best players in the world all started out their pro careers in their home country and did not rush going to Europe at a young age. This list of players includes Baggio, Weah, Zidane, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, C Ronaldo, Messi... all these guys started at home. So without further adieu...

Juan Agudelo -- 4 Caps, 2 Goals -- New York Red Bulls
After watching this 18-year-old kid receive a start against Paraguay a few days ago, I have to admit that he looks pretty dang good already. While the forward's goal against Argentina was a bit of a fluke (the keeper should definitely have been able to hold on to the initial shot... just saying, from a keeper's prospective), he was in the right place at the right time, and there's nothing wrong at all with being a bit lucky. Look for him to be a regular in the coming times for the US National Team, as he could develop into just the explosive player we need along side Altidore or Davies.

Teal Bunbury -- 2 Caps, 1 Goal -- Sporting Kansas City
One of the most promising up and coming players for the US Men's National team is 21-year-old Teal Bunbury. The forward/attacking midfielder originally initially had said that he would follow in his father's footsteps and play internationally for Canada, but instead changed his mind when he was called up by the US National team for the Nelson Mandela Challenge in 2010. He scored his first and only international goal on a PK against Chile, which was followed by the famous "Boon-boo-ree" celebration (watch the Youtube video here). Interesting fact: Teal is the first son of a former MLS player to be drafted into the league. He also was the 2009 Hermann Trophy Award Winner for the best player in college soccer, and has played on trial with English Premier League team Stoke City.

Brek Shea -- 2 Caps, 0 Goals -- FC Dallas
The 20-year-old Brek Shea could someday be a replacement for one of the US National Team's aging defenders. Currently playing for FC Dallas, Shea has played in 2 games for the national team (at the senior level). Although he did not impress too much in his most recent game for the national team against Colombia, look for him to be a more common name in the future, along with Eric Lichaj (plays for Aston Villa in the EPL). Check out some highlights of him scoring on a header against Chivas here.

Omar Gonzalez -- 2 Caps, 0 Goals -- Los Angelos Galaxy
Another viable replacement on the defense for the national team in the future could be Omar Gonzalez. The 22-year-old was the 2009 MLS Rookie of the year, and has been nothing short of solid on the defensive line in LA. He was also named to the 2010 MLS All-Star team, and was on the University of Maryland team that won the National Soccer Championship in 2008. Personal suggestion: remember the name. Check out a great diving header goal here.

Jack McInerney -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Philadelphia Union
Another one of my personal favorite up and coming players is 18-year-old Jack McInerney. While Jack Mac is yet to be called up to play for the US Men's National Team, he has played games for them at the U-20, U-17, and U-15 levels, with 15 caps and 11 goals at the U-17 level. The midfielder/forward has had a great start to his career in the MLS (while not quite at the level yet of Andy Najar, who recently snubbed the USA with his decision to represent Honduras internationally), and looks to certainly be building upon his rookie season this year. There are a few videos of McInerney out there on Youtube, but if you're too lazy, you can check this one out here of a nice little finish he had last year in his rookie season.

Tony Tchani -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Toronto FC
Now I have to admit, I do not know too much about Tony Tchani, but from what I have read, he could be very, very good in the midfield or on defense for the US Men's team someday. Born in Cameroon, Tchani moved here in 2004, attended the University of Virgina and won the national championship with them in 2009. The 21-year-old must first get his United States citizenship however before he could represent the team. Tchani was recently traded from the New York Red Bulls, who drafted him 2nd overall in 2010, to Toronto FC for Dwayne De Rosario and a first round draft pick. Check out some highlights of his college career here.

Danny Mwanga -- 0 Caps, 0 Goals -- Philadelphia Union
Another player I don't know much about besides that this 19-year-old can really play. He scored 7 goals in 24 appearances last year, his rookie season. In 2010, he was the first overall pick in the MLS Superdraft. Although he is yet to earn his United States citizenship, he has stated that he would be honored to represent the US National Team some day. Check out a video of a great goal he scored in his rookie season here.

There ya go, anybody you feel I missed? Feel free to leave a comment!