There’s a lingering sense of discontent over the lack of playing time for young American talent in Major League Soccer. The early stages of MLS’s academy system, and the allure of playing abroad, have led to a chorus of disapproval from impatient fans who are eager to see homegrown talent, like Andrew Carleton, excel stateside. Like every other developmental conundrum facing American soccer today, this too will take time.



Canadian Alphonso Davies’ transfer to Bayern Munich has set the bar perhaps unreasonably high for academy prospects in MLS. His age, size, and skill set made him attractive to European suitors. He’s a powerful and fearless dribbler with a coveted left foot who can play as a left-sided wing back or push higher as part of a front three. Davies was physically ready for MLS at 17 and he’ll only get stronger under the tuteleage of Bayern manager Niko Kovac.



Georgia-born Andrew Carleton has special abilities as...