Show some love for MLS

By Nick Pinkerton

If you're going to watch any football games this week, you've got to check out this match on Friday.

Turn your TV's on to the Western Conference Finals match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo, scheduled to begin on Friday at 8 p.m. Yes, this is football.

I encourage soccer and other sports fans to watch this match, as some of the players on these two teams are becoming household names as the 2010 World Cup approaches. And I'm not talking about players from abroad such as David Beckham.

I'm talking about U.S. footballers -- that is the correct term -- who have elevated the reputation and skill level of the U.S. national squad. They're the reason we -- or should I say U.S. -- were able to knock off Spain at the Confederations Cup and nearly defeat Brazil.

Most importantly, these players are the reason why the U.S. national team can make a run at next year's World Cup.

The most recognizable of these players, Galaxy Captain Landon Donovan, has emerged as a rare American soccer icon. The 27 year-old, who began his professional soccer career nearby with the San Jose Earthquakes in the late 90's, put the Galaxy into the conference finals this past weekend against Chivas USA with a second-half penalty kick.

On the opposite side of the field, Houston striker Brian Ching has made a significant impact for the national team, his most recent appearance coming in a World Cup Qualifier against Mexico in February. Last weekend in MLS, he scored the game-winning goal against Seattle Sounders FC to land a date with the Galaxy.

Furthermore, Houston's Stuart Holden broke out this season, tallying six goals and four assists with the Dynamo.

I understand that, for many viewers of the English Premier League and other European organizations, MLS is not up to par. There is no Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to be found here.

However, MLS features players who have a similar level of impact for their own national teams. These are not only Americans like Donovan and Ching, but also representatives of other national teams, such as the Earthquakes' Jamaican-born Ryan Johnson.

Nevertheless, if you support Team USA in the World Cup, you should show some support for them in MLS.

Besides, you're probably going to want to learn more about the players on your nation's team once they start winning matches that really count next year.

Therefore, I ask you: why not start learning now?