GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the Midwest, including Beasley, Ream and Brian McBride
The world of soccer is so often focused on the glitz of one coast and the grittiness of the other. Meanwhile, so much of American soccer's top talent has come from the middle. Yes, the stars are in California and few can go toe-to-toe with the New York/New Jersey area as talent producers. As for the heart and soul of American soccer, though? That can be found in the Midwest.
Cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, Columbus and Kansas City have emerged as hotbeds for soccer culture over the last few decades, with a number of U.S. men's national team legends coming from the region. The list is impressive: DaMarcus Beasley, Tim Ream, Brian McBride, Taylor Twellman, Cobi Jones, Brad Freidel, Alexi Lalas and many more.
Some regions in the U.S. have deeper player pools than others, so who is the best of the best? Which state has been the most fertile ground for developing American soccer talent?
GOAL ranks the top three men's soccer players from each of the 50 states. Next up, the South.
Previous: Northeast |South
Getty ImagesIllinois: Brian McBride
Hometown: Arlington Heights
Clubs played for: Wolfsburg, Columbus Crew, Preston North End, Everton, Fulham, Chicago Fire
USMNT caps: 96
Why he's No.1: There's no shortage of talent from Illinois, which, conveniently, was long the headquarters for U.S. Soccer. Ultimately, it comes down to two, though: McBride and Steve Cherundolo. While the Mayor of Hanover makes this neck and neck due to his long career in the Bundesliga, it's McBride who edges it out.
A legendary American striker who truly was a trailblazer in Europe, McBride is equally as loved at Fulham as Cherundolo is at Hannover. There's even a bar at Craven Cottage named "McBride's" in his honor. With 96 caps and 30 goals for the USMNT, McBride is a legend and one of MLS' founding fathers, serving as one of the league's top stars in the early days.
Runners-up:
2. Steve Cherundolo (Rockford): A USMNT legend in his own right, Dolo is unlucky not to be No. 1.
3. Brad Guzan (Evergreen Park): The USMNT has had some great goalkeepers, and Guzan is right up there with the best due to his Premier League and USMNT runs.
AdvertisementGettyIndiana: DaMarcus Beasley
Hometown: Fort Wayne
Clubs played for: Chicago Fire, PSV, Manchester City, Rangers, Hannover, Puebla, Houston Dynamo
USMNT caps: 126
Why he's No. 1: No questions here, as Indiana is the home of an all-time great. Few players in American soccer history have a resume that can get within sniffing distance of Beasley, who is the only American man to play in four World Cups. From his time as a rising star in 2002 to his role as USMNT vet in 2014, Beasley never slowed down. It's what made him great.
On the club level, he was one of the first Americans to make an impact in the Champions League, making it all the way to the semifinals with PSV before falling to a legendary Milan team. Even his final career chapter was impressive, as he helped the Dynamo claim a U.S. Open Cup. No matter which area you search, Beasley has an accolade for it. He was just that good.
Runners-up:
2. Perry Kitchen (Indianapolis) – A longtime MLS veteran with a stint overseas, Kitchen provided stability wherever he went.
3. Ray Gaddis (Indianapolis) – Spent more than a decade in MLS, primarily with the Philadelphia Union, where he won a Supporters' Shield, before claiming that trophy again with FC Cincinnati.
Getty ImagesIowa: Brandon Fricke
Hometown: Grimes
USMNT caps: 0
Clubs played for: Des Moines Mennace, Charlotte Independence, Nybro FC, Lansing Ignite, Greenville Triumph
Why he's No. 1: While Iowa has produced a few players who have had cups of coffee in MLS, Fricke gets the nod because he has the hardware to back it up. In 2020, in his first season with Greenville Triumph, the veteran defender won USL League One Defender of the Year honors after leading the league in several defensive stats.
Originally drafted by the Colorado Rapids in 2015, Fricke never played in MLS, but he's certainly had his adventures, playing all over the U.S. and in Sweden with Nybro, where he had two separate stints.
Runners-up:
2. Kyle Zobeck (Coralville) – Often a backup at both the NASL and MLS level, Zobeck had a strong run with the New York Cosmos before getting his MLS shot with FC Dallas.
3. Matt Bobo (Des Moines) – A longtime player in the lower leagues, Bobo carved out a decade-long career all over the country.
USA TodayKansas: Matt Besler
Hometown: Overland Park
USMNT caps: 47
Clubs played for: Sporting KC, Austin FC
Why he's No. 1: Arguably the American player who made the biggest impact on his hometown team, Besler is Kansas soccer. The centerback spent more than a decade with Sporting KC, winning an MLS Cup, three U.S. Open Cups and earning five MLS All-Star nods. Notably, he was also the 2012 MLS Defender of the Year in a season that headlined a decade of stability as part of SKC's back line.
With the USMNT, he won two Gold Cups while featuring for the U.S. at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. After that World Cup, several European teams came calling, but Besler turned them down for Kansas City, furthering his commitment to his home.
Runners-up:
2. Jon Kempin (Leawood) – If there's a city, Kempin has likely played there as he carved out a 12-year career all over the country.
3. Andy Gruenebaum (Overland Park) – A longtime MLS player, the goalkeeper got a real shot with the Crew in the final years of his career before finishing up with his hometown team.
