MLS: 17 Major League Soccer players to expect at the 2018 World Cup
14. Marco Ureña (F), LAFC, Costa Rica
Marco Ureña was named to Costa Rica’s roster after having recuperated from the facial fractures he suffered in LAFC’s stadium opener. The LA Times had a gloomy report, yet the Costa Rican federation is positive he will heal in time, deciding to name the final 23 early.
Urena has been one of the best creators in MLS this season. Urena tied for most assist in MLS this season but has yet to score himself. This could be explained by his tendency to play the secondary striker role. He had 5 goals for San Jose Earthquakes last season but had only scored 5 combined through all seasons back to 2011.
Urena will drop very deep to find the ball, and can spring counter attacks in seconds. In the attacking third, Urena can hold the ball up well and is always looking to make a cross field run to stretch the defense. At 28, Urena sounds settled in Los Angeles. If he can recover in time, LAFC and Urena will have fulfilled their promises.
The LAFC trend continues at No. 13.