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Don't know much about this player but I do find it interesting that there is an international player that is looking to join the USMNT rather than avoid it to play for another country.

Yeah, he's a good player that could be an asset to the US in the future. Maybe he'll get on the team sometime.

Hmmm... After reading post after post of people calling American athletes playing for other countries traitors during the olympics, I wonder how many I will see calling Soumare a traitor for wanting to play for the USMNT.

This kid is quality, and the US could use him. Dreams and delusions of Subotic materializing may be just that...besides, Boca and/or Gooch ain't gonna last forever.

Wouldn't call anyone a traitor. But after watching Olympic Basketball and listening to the commentary, there is a movement afoot criticising this type of thing. Not that this is big news, but the debate should get interesting the future.

do not know the man. But I know that the US team needs more athletic physical players a la Gouch, Essien and Terry of Chelsea. So anyone with these qualities is welcome...

He did go to high school in the US and played college ball here, so it is not like he is just deciding the play for the US after playing in the MLS for a while.

wow. good news. and only 22. ripe.

Good point Tony, we need more players like Terry and Essien. I would also prefer if we had players similar to Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Theirry Henry, and Crisitano Ronaldo.

Guga!- Soumare is not a US citizen yet... so technically you can blame Mali for not picking him up at one point.... Soumare has been in the US since HS and attended college.... No US would call him a traitor as he's wanting to play for us... NOW Mali on the other hand could.... to tell you the truth, whomever calls first will be the nation he chooses.... he also lived in France for a time... therefore if France was interested they need only get him citizenship then call him up (not saying he'd be called in by france, simply stating he could)....

he hasnt played youth anywhere, so his allegances are up in the air... Subot has played his youth here in the states.... Rossi grew up playing in NJ.... etc.. etc.. altho i would go so far to say rossi is a traitor.... MY STANDPOINT is ill take anyone with US citizenship who WANTS to play for the US.... someone who WANTS to represent our country.... if it is true that Subotic is awaiting German citizenship to make the german side (which will happen), i truely dont want him on the US b/c i dont want the US seen as a Silver Medal...

and just to clarify Soumare...

the guy is solid and quality.... but he's also raw and young... therefore, if he manages to keep up his performance for chicago through next season, we could see him enter europe.... the guy needs further training... the experience he's getting as a Fire starting center defender is priceless.... fine tune, then move to europe to further his soccer IQ...

he's quick, he's tall, and he's smart.... some of his tackles look scary but are completely legit tackles.... his long legs allow him to take the ball from any position.... plus he's confident on the ball...

Otergod, your description of Soumare is an accurate one. I don't know if he's Nat material yet but apparently he's creating a buzz.
I find it interesting how many don't know him, you'd think this many bloggers would know almost every MLS player (at least regular starters). If you'd rather go international only, make sure you don't comment on MLS players cause you'd know nothing.
Regarding Subotic and Rossi, well Subotic see's his chances of being with a proven country greater than with a country the world still considers new to football (the US). Rossi, he grew up in Jersey, he probably figures it's all the same, nuff said.
(for the record, I grew up in Jersey too)

Hey Pawn... it's a slightly different thing in FIBA international games.... FIBA is a pretty weak controlling body, while FIFA has approached international play properly. You aren't cap-tied to a national basketball team as you are in soccer... the entirety of Team USA that won the Gold this summer could get citizenship in any other country and play for that team.

So in basketball it should be considered almost a "traitorous" act... but soccer, really it's whomever you choose to play for first.

Don't know much about him but I wonder why he didn't get called for Mali. If he thinks he's good enough for the USMNT, wouldn't Mali have been all over him to play.

Mali is one of the better teams in Africa, so I'm a little unsure of how to see Soumare.

QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 01:41 PM ET  09.11 by Aurinegro

Otergod, your description of Soumare is an accurate one. I don't know if he's Nat material yet but apparently he's creating a buzz.I find it interesting how many don't know him, you'd think this many bloggers would know almost every MLS player (at least regular starters). If you'd rather go international only, make sure you don't comment on MLS players cause you'd know nothing.Regarding Subotic and Rossi, well Subotic see's his chances of being with a proven country greater than with a country the world still considers new to football (the US). Rossi, he grew up in Jersey, he probably figures it's all the same, nuff said.(for the record, I grew up in Jersey too)

Rossi was born in Jersey but his folks left to go to Italy when he was 2, so he didn't grow up in Jersey.

Not that there is anything wrong with Jersey. I'm from New York after all.

true buffalo, but france and the netherlands have been doing it with their former colonies for years, on principle I personally have no problem with it, but I could see how some countries would

Soumare is one of the best young centerbacks in MLS. If he completes his citizenship as he should, Bob Bradley would be foolish not to call the guy up. At 22, he has a lot ahead of him and tons of potential. It would be good for the USA at the back. Thats for sure.

to Pawn ...

just to paraphrase you:

Good point Tony, we need more players like Terry and Essien. I would also prefer if we had players similar to Steven Gerrard, Michael Ballack, Theirry Henry, and Crisitano Ronaldo.

You are right on the money; would LOVE to have players with Gerrard, Henry, Ballack and C. Ronaldo abilities (esp. S. Gerrard, for the obvious reasons). The USSF needs to do a good - check that, a VERY good job - starting in molding such players from young age. We do not have that in the US. so - for now - we need to work with what we have.

Listen, I'll take Soumare and hope he continues to progress. In the meantime, we need Parkhurst to start showing signs of life again... Whatever happened to his rising star? As for Subotic, I hope my personal letter to him might change his mind (yeah right). But what if we all sent letters addressed to him to Dortmund? It might be impressive. Could he be swayed by popular demand? Should we start a "draft subotic" campaign? I guarentee no one in Germany is writing him letters--they've got a lot of good talent in the back four in Germany.

Join the Subotic writing campaign! Am I joking? I'm not sure.

Neven Subotic, c/o Borussia Dortmund, Rheinlanddamm 207-209, 44137 Dortmund, Germany

I promise you that this address is for real and will reach him.

hova- i thought he spent his school years (through 12ish) at Jersey and then spent the summers in italy??