26Nov/110
MLS: Yanks (Training) Abroad: Players Spending Their Offseasons in Europe
Every year, the complaints come pouring in that the MLS season needs to be longer. MLS players spend almost two months more idle than their European counterparts.However, a recent trend has seen more and more MLS-bsed Americans heading to Europe to train during the offseason.Some, like Landon Donovan and David Beckham in recent years, have gone out on loan, but these players are going for experience and to give European scouts a look at their skills.American fans should neither worry too much that all our best players are going to be scooped up, nor should we get our hopes up that these training stints will turn Brek Shea into Arsenal's new wunderkind.Instead, there is a more measured approach: MLS-based Yanks are only going to get better the broader and more intense their experiences are. Some might go on to more European pastures, but most will return with new eating habits and an extra step over.Here is a list of MLS-based Americans training in Europe during the offseason.Begin Slideshow21Nov/110