Ten MLS loanees to watch in the USL

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Sep 30, 2014; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Lalo Fernandez (1) punches the ball during the second half against the Sacramento Republic FC at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won the game 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

As the second half rolls on for the American soccer leagues, here are ten guys from MLS that you should tune into USL action to see.

While the American soccer pyramid has the NASL directly below Major League Soccer, it’s the USL that has the closer relationship with the top-tier league. Most MLS sides now have their own “2” team in the United Soccer League. Almost all of the rest have other partnership alignments with other USL teams.

This helps both leagues immensely. For MLS sides, it’s a great league for young players to develop in, rather than sit and watch on the first team bench. From the USL perspective, the MLS loanees bring loads of skill with them, increasing viewership, but more importantly, a higher quality of play on the pitch.

While some players are loaned for a season, most are loaned for a match, or are just kept in the USL until they are needed with the senior squad. For fans, the USL is a great spectator’s league. Whether it’s the passionate supporters sections and cheap tickets to be there live, or the fact that every match is broadcast via YouTube in HD.

Whichever MLS team you support, you can start watching the talent of tomorrow showcasing their skills on a USL pitch. Here is a list of 10 players who have MLS contracts, and are undoubtedly worth tuning into a match for. A couple of players omitted from this list are Victor Mansaray and Jack McBean. Both are great young talents, but both are either on trail, or loaned overseas currently.

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