Why? Because virtually every member on the American team was developed by MLS clubs except the duel nationals. "That Kyle Beckerman guy is sure tidy on the ball and has a great brain." Yeah that guy toiling in obscurity for the last 12 years in MLS! I could go on. If former coach Bob Bradley did not possess typical Euro snob anti-MLS bias 4 years ago and brings Beckerman as the main defensive midfielder when Kyle was in his prime, Bob would probably still be the coach. It has been often repeated because it's true--you can't call yourself a true fan of the USA national team unless you watch at least some MLS. Ok you want to be a casual fan and support the USA's progress--fine. But if you really want to help the cause then pick an MLS team to support and watch them on tv and go see an occasional game live. THAT will help the National team more than anything else by far. ........The league is not top 5 yet but it's getting there. The quality of play is vastly improved and more entertaining than even when Beckham was in the league. And MLS benefits from a salary cap, lack of which is killing England's national team and making leagues like in England and Spain almost unwatchable because only a handful of teams are competitive and have a chance at winning. In MLS virtually every team has a chance and the entertainment factor is high, especially in person. Once the salary cap is lifted even a bit , watch out. You want to know who will replace Kyle Beckerman in 4 years? Watch MLS. Watch his anticipation and his clean work in transition. His name is Will Trapp. He plays for Columbus.... Rant over ....