I’ll have lots of juicy stuff on the three thrilling conclusions to Major League Soccer’s first playoff round later today when my piece is posted at SI.com. (Update ... now posted here.)
College soccer, MLS playoffs ... and where they meet
Three thrillers, that is, plus the Galaxy’s convincing win over the meek Seattle Sounders, who practically forfeited. Meanwhile, here’s a little something to chew on that might surprise you. It’s not necessarily about the playoffs, but it uses a couple of the playoff survivors as to prove the point. It's about the college game and how it still contributes to the pro player pool.
Yes, I’ve seen the helter-skelter college game. Yes, I know it looks like 22 guys playing with their shorts on fire. And, yes, I see the importance of the development “academies” that now support the MLS clubs’ youth initiative, and I know the direct route to the pros will subtract some juice from the college game going forward.
But don’t tell me that there’s no place in it all for colleges. Not when the evidence is overwhelming to the contrary.
Just take a gander at some of the current roster constructs.
Take FC Dallas. Perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising given Schellas Hyndman’s extensive college background. Eight of the 14 players used Saturday to help overcome the champs were college products. That includes rookies Zach Loyd (UNC) and Eric Alexander (Indiana University), who have made substantial contributions during a season that has seen Dallas win its first playoff series since 1999. Heck, MLS still had teams in Florida back then – and would for another two years.
San Jose had even more, although not as many who did their collegiate trapping and passing as recently. Eight Earthquakes who got on the field in Thursday’s second-leg victory went through the college system, including Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski, the pride of Chico State soccer.
All four men along L.A.’s back line are college products, including that fine pair of sophomore center backs now patrolling at the Home Depot Center, A.J. DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez. And on it goes …
The college game is what it is. But reports of its demise as a producer of professional talent have been exaggerated. At least for now.
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