MLS: 17 Major League Soccer players to expect at the 2018 World Cup

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 06: Orlando City defender Yoshimar Yotun (19) celebrates after scoring a goal during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Real Salt Lake on May 6, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 06: Orlando City defender Yoshimar Yotun (19) celebrates after scoring a goal during the soccer match between the Orlando City Lions and Real Salt Lake on May 6, 2018 at Orlando City Stadium in Orlando FL. Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 12
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Marco Urena #21 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on April 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 1-0 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29: Marco Urena #21 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Seattle Sounders at the Banc of California Stadium on April 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 1-0 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

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.