MLS: 10 Reasons the MLS Will Be Better Than Ever in 2012

The MLS has gathered more and more attention from a global football audience in the past few seasons. There are many reasons for football fans across the globe to show more interest in American soccer.

Since the 2009 Confederations Cup, the United States has seemingly made a push to become one of the world's top football nations. In 2009, Bob Bradley lead the United States past tournament favorites Spain and into the final versus a very strong Brazilian side.

The Samba Kings emerged victorious, but U.S. soccer had proved that they belonged among the world's elite international sides.

One year later, the World Cup kicked off in South Africa. The U.S. was grouped with powerhouse England, Slovenia and Algeria. After earning two comeback draws versus England and Slovenia, the U.S. was set to face Algeria.

We all know where this is going. Ian Darke's commentary on Landon Donovan's injury-time winner sent the entire country into celebration. The U.S. had topped its group. But a devastating loss at the hands of Ghana sent the U.S. home in the Round of 16.

This summer, the national team suffered a minor setback after failing to win the Gold Cup and qualify for the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

There is no doubt that the attention the men's national team has received over the last few years will help promote MLS football ahead of the highly anticipated 2012 campaign. There are many other reasons that the MLS will be better than ever in 2012. Here are the top 10.

Jurgen Klinsmann

Klinsmann gives the USMNT a much-needed global football figure and legend.

The former German striker may just be the man to take the United States deep into the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Jurgen got off to a good start in his first game at the helm, earning a 1-1 draw versus Gold Cup champions Mexico.

Even though many people were surprised by the firing of Bob Bradley, Klinsmann is surely a better candidate for the job.

Only time will tell if the German can make the U.S. a legitimate contender in the 2014 World Cup.

Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan is undoubtedly the face of football in the United States.

His heroic performance versus Algeria in the group stages of the 2010 World Cup will be remembered by soccer fans in America for decades on.

Donovan was rumored to be leaving the MLS in favor of European football, but the MLS decided that he was too valuable to lose.

With the versatile attacker staying put in 2012, look for the MLS to continue to grow in the U.S. and in the global arena of world football.

David Beckham

David Beckham is arguably the most world-renowned footballer on the planet.

Although his contract is up, Becks is rumored to be staying in the MLS after he spurned a move to any English club except for Manchester United.

We all know that will not be happening, so let's not get carried away.

The MLS will be hoping that Beckham can continue his promotion of the league, ultimately making it one of the most popular domestic leagues in the world.

There is no doubt that the MLS has won over some English football supporters during Beckham's tenure with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

MLS commissioner Don Garber will surely be hoping for more of the same. His wish just may be granted.

Thierry Henry

The former Arsenal and Barcelona centre-forward did not live up to the hype in his first season in Major League Soccer.

But the French talisman has enjoyed a stellar second season in New York.

Henry has given the MLS some much-needed French flavor. He is the MLS' leading goal-scorer, with 12 goals this season.

Robbie Keane

Keane got off to a splendid start to his MLS career after scoring against the San Jose Earthquakes on his debut.

The Republic of Ireland gives the U.S. yet another international talent that is going to help the promotion of MLS.

Rafael Marquez

Since his arrival, Rafael Marquez has given the MLS everything on the pitch and off it.

The Mexican international has been sheer class on the field and is the primary set piece taker for the New York Red Bulls.

Off the pitch, Marquez has attracted many fans to the MLS, making him the Mexican face of the league.

2011 Herbalife World Football Challenge

The 2011 World Football Challenge saw Europe's biggest clubs compete against various MLS clubs.

Despite MLS teams getting the worse end of the deal, the World Football Challenge was a big success.

Teams including the likes of Manchester United, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus all helped promote the up-and-coming MLS.

Emergence of Young Stars

The emergence of young MLS starlets such as Brek Shea and Juan Agudelo has football fans in the U.S. on the edge of their seats.

Young players are always seen as the future, but these two can be the present and the future for club and country.

Both Shea and Agudelo have shown great promise this season, leading to national team attention.

Shea has bagged 10 goals in the MLS this season. Only Landon Donovan and Thierry Henry have scored more than the 21-year-old attacker.

Jumping on the Bandwagon

As of right now, it does not look as if there will be an NBA season in 2011-12.

For this reason, many basketball fans may turn to soccer to satisfy their addiction to sport.

If there is indeed no basketball next season, you can expect MLS ratings to rise.

USMNT

As mentioned earlier, the success of the USMNT is what will drive MLS popularity across the globe.

Once the United States can compete versus the big boys in the World Cup, the domestic league in America will take off.

The hiring of German boss Jurgen Klinsmann makes this a "now-or-never" time for the stars and stripes.

Follow Shawn on Twitter: @etemadis