In 2015, Darlington Nagbe was one of the most interesting figures in MLS. As the gifted but reluctant face of the Portland Timbers, Nagbe won MLS Cup for the first major trophy in his club’s history, gained U.S. citizenship, and made his debut for the U.S. Men’s National team, all in the span of a few months. It’s easy to see why USMNT fans were so high on him: he possessed ability on the ball like few other Americans ever had, and had highlight reel goals in him to match. He was an attacking midfielder that could beat just about anyone and could get out of sticky situations in possession. What wasn’t to like?



Three years later, Nagbe enters another MLS Cup final, this time against the Timbers. Again, he’s an important cog in his team. But he is no longer the face of his club, nor is he the next big hope for his country. That’s not a bad thing; in fact, it’s far from it. Finally in a setting where he can unapologetically play his game,...