It’s one thing to stand out as a star player for your club, but standing out on an international level is something special, which is exactly what many MLS players did over the first set of matches during these international matches.
Columbus Crew SC winger Justin Meram started things off for the MLS Stars on Thursday night, where his nation of Iraq was taking on Chinese Taipei in an AFC World Cup qualifying match. After subbing in during the 83rd minute of play, he was able to score a goal in the 91st minute by converting a penalty kick, helping his team cruise to a 5-1 victory. This was Meram’s first ever goal for his nation, a memory in which he will never forget. He will continue to travel with the Iraqi national team as they make the trip to Thailand for their next qualifying match on Tuesday.
Blessed to finally score my 1st international goal for our great country of Iraq! Thanks for all the love & support pic.twitter.com/e6QjTNTslv
— Justin Meram (@JustinMeram) September 3, 2015
Then on Friday, LA Galaxy 35-year-old phenomenon Robbie Keane took his talents to play for his nation of Northern Ireland against Gibraltar in a Euro Cup 2016 qualifying match. While only playing 76 minutes in the match, Keane dominated the offensive third, helping guide his squad to a 4-0 victory by scoring two goals of his own. With those two goals, Keane has now scored an impressive 67 goals for his country and has helped keep his team in the race to make the Euro Cup as they currently sit in third with 12 points in group D, only behind Germany and Poland.
Also on Friday, the United States men’s national team took to the pitch in an international friendly against Peru. While Peru was able to score first, due to the play of Gyassi Zardes and Jozy Altidore, the USMNT was able to make a second-half comeback and win 2-1.
It’s easy for people forget that it was just eight short months ago when Zardes made his first appearance for the USMNT. However already he has proven himself immensely to coach Jurgen Klinsman, who has given him ample amount of playing time down the left flank. Last night fans saw why Klinsman truly trusts Zardes’ abilities. While he didn’t get on the scoresheet, it was through his quick thinking and outstanding speed that really tormented Peru all night as they could not stop him. It was clear to the coaching staff and those watching that Zardes was the best man on the pitch that night.
“I think Gyasi has been one of our best players for the national team. His effort is fantastic. He’s always an outlet. He’s always dangerous. He gets the ball, and he always has a defender on his back foot.” – Jozy Altidore
"“He’s an endless worker. He has speed; he has his dribbling; he can take people on. He gives us a new element that we didn’t have in the World Cup last year.” -Jurgen Klinsman"
While Zardes may have looked like the best player on the pitch last night, without Altidore, the USMNT would not have won that game. After a disappointing Gold Cup for an unfit Altidore, Klinsman saw in training the sheer amount of effort that Altidore was putting in on the training grounds and decided to give him the captains armband. Altidore did not disappoint. While initially struggling to find his attacking prowess, he continued to improve as the night went on and showed fans just how impressive he can be when he puts himself in an impact position to score.
As these international teams continue to develop towards the future, look for more clubs to try and pull talent from the MLS, as it continues its progress towards becoming an impressive league.