MLS or Europe? Not so cut and dried for players
There's a lot of wishing going on in soccer these days.
Just look at all the Major League Soccer players who wish they could hit the big payday in Europe.
Sure, it's not all about the money. There's the prestige of playing in better soccer leagues, perhaps even the best in the world, in countries where the sport gets more respect than Miley Cyrus at a Girl Scout meeting.
But look at all the players with wandering eyes.
Kenny Cooper of FC Dallas was rumored all winter to be looking for a European address, at least until the January transfer window closed and he was still safely ensconced in the Hoops' house. But the courtship frustrated all involved.
Sacha Kljestan took a tryout in Scotland but didn't draw enough of an offer to make MLS let him take the jump.
Closer to home, there's speculation Bakary Soumare could be the next Fire player to go overseas, following in the footsteps of former Fire stars Carlos Bocanegra and DaMarcus Beasley.
It's no surprise, considering Soumare's international background and steady improvement, not to mention his size, 6-feet-4. The rumor mill was quiet about Soumare this winter, but that might not last long.
College players have a wandering eye, too. Even before they give MLS a try, some players jump the pond. Marcus Tracy, a Wake Forest forward, could have been the top pick in the MLS SuperDraft last month, but he decided North America wasn't big enough for him.
Will he last in Europe? Or will he follow in the footsteps of Michael Videira and Andrew Jacobson, both of whom took a year out of their careers for a European vacation, only to find the grass was pretty green in MLS, too.
Goalkeeper Matt Pickens left the Fire last winter for Europe. He didn't get a contract, and, a year later, he's back in MLS, this time with Colorado. At least he's well-rested and healthy.
Even guys who have spent a few years in Europe are coming home earlier than expected. Bobby Convey returned this winter at age 25, so his San Jose Earthquakes employment is not exactly a mere prelude to retirement. There even were rumors Beasley might come back due to frustration with playing time.
Even those who do find a home in Europe quickly call the moving van again, like Jozy Altidore, sent on loan from Villareal to Xerez, dropping into Spain's second division.
Landon Donovan is on trial in Germany, training in that country for a third time. Will this one stick?
Then there's the reverse commute. Exhibit A is David Beckham, who found money and fame in L.A. isn't all it's cracked up to be and decided all things being equal, Milan is beautiful this time of year. The Golden Boy can't get out of his MLS contract soon enough.
There really is something to that old saying: Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true.