MLS Compared to Other Domestic Leagues

Examining individual transfers seems to paint a slightly different picture, however. There is a growing list of MLS All-Stars who merge into top European leagues only to make a nominal impact.

Clint Dempsey is the latest example. Dempsey was a growing influence with the New England Revolution the past two seasons.

He was considered a top-flight MLS attacker (although the sheer numbers were just north of ordinary; he managed eight goals in 21 Revolution appearances last year).

The U.S. international moved last winter to Fulham in the Premier League on a $4 million transfer. Since his move, Dempsey has seized a regular lineup spot for a bottom-rung Premier League outfit.

The only player to have truly made an impact has been DaMarcus Beasley. He bothered MLS defenses from 2000-2004, moved to PSV, and became the first American player to score in the Champions League.

Injuries have limited his playing time and career path, but he was able to help Manchester City, while on loan to the club, avoid relegation. He also scored for Rangers FC in the Champions League before the injury bug hit him again.

As for Mexico, a good league compared to others in the Americas but perhaps not above Brazil or Argentina: Mexican sides have generally dispatched MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

It's not hard to see the MLS remaining a notch below the Mexican league in quality, for the economics are skewed so significantly in Mexico's favor.

Simply put, lucrative TV contracts enrich Mexican teams, allowing them to chase far more expensive talent. Two or three average-wage players in Mexico could eat up about half of one MLS team's entire salary cap.

All in all, the MLS has a long way to go before it can be considered a top flight international league.

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