Key to American Soccer's Success Lies in European Leagues

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Whoever would take ownership of this team would have to pitch the idea to one of the elite leagues in Europe and convince them to let an American team join an international league. This is not entirely impossible, since the United States has a unique global following unlike any other country.

Although the logistics of this scenario would be difficult, the fact remains that these athletes travel all over the world to play for multiple teams over the course of a year.

Every time two teams from Europe play an exhibition game in America, the point is strengthened that America could host its own “English Premier League” home games.

It is fairly believable to think a team of “American All-Stars” would be able to compete in such a league. If success follows, the American team could expand domestically and turn into a subdivision of its European league.

The MLS could develop into the “Western Division” of the UEFA Champions League, and in the best-case scenario, be a self-sustaining powerhouse league on its own, either alongside or eventually separate from its original European League.

At the very least, casual soccer fans in American can follow their team in overseas matches and attend home game against the best players in the world playing at the highest level.

Obviously, this idea is unfounded, formed by brainstorming in a conversation with friends.

As I admit to not being the most savvy soccer fan in the world, I understand that altering a successful league to accommodate a lesser level of competition may sound less than ideal to the leagues in Europe, but if America can create a contender, the pressure might be great enough to allow entry.

Regardless of what does happen, it seems that all other options have been exhausted, and the MLS cannot just create talent while technically diluting it among its 15 teams.

If the United States ever wants to join the international party that soccer offers, it’s time for America to think out of the box and step out of the country.

Mario Mergola is the co-creator and writer of The Digital Blitz.

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