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California: What If Your State Had a National Team?

By Marc McCormack

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Jul 9, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Belize forward Deon McCaulay (9) controls the ball against USA defender Michael Orozco (4) at Jeld Wen Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Defenders

Steve Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps-CAN), Tony Beltran (Real Salt Lake), Steve Birnbaum (DC United), Sean Franklin (DC United), Chad Marshall (Seattle Sounders), Michael Orozco (Puebla-MEX), Robbie Rogers (LA Galaxy)

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Léo Chú's Red Card Costs Seattle Sounders in Controversial Draw with Portland Timbers
Léo Chú's Red Card Costs Seattle Sounders in Controversial Draw with Portland Timbers /

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    • California’s impressive depth continues in defense.  MLS stars like Chad Marshall, Robbie Rogers and Sean Franklin make the roster, as well as Liga MX and USMNT veteran Michael Orozco.  The defense even includes a World Cup veteran in Iran’s Steven Beitashour, who plays for Vancouver in the great white north.  With the incredible player pool that California gets to choose from, it’s inevitable that some players are left off this list, but don’t worry.  Depending on where they play club football or where they went to college, they may be eligible to play for another state.  So stay on the lookout in future installments (assuming this one does well enough to make me want to publish another).

    Up until 2014, Sean Franklin had spent the entirety of his pro soccer career in California.  On top of that, the Panorama City native has seen action for the U20, U23, and Senior National Teams.  Steve Birnbaum is a young center-back who, although overshadowed by the stellar performance by Bobby Boswell in 2014, was exceptional in Black and Red.  He is yet another California Golden Bear featured on the roster.

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