A growing contingent of Australian players in Major League Soccer (MLS) is adding intrigue to the upcoming World Cup group stage clash between the United States and Australia. The match, set for 20 June in Seattle, will see several Socceroos who ply their trade in the American league face their club colleagues.
Lucas Herrington, an 18-year-old defender for the Colorado Rapids, has emerged as a surprise contender for Australia's World Cup squad. After struggling with Brisbane Roar in the A-League, Herrington has impressed in MLS, facing stars like Lionel Messi and Thomas Müller. His agent, Buddy Farah, noted that the league offers a demanding but accessible step for Australian players: 'The league is demanding, but it’s not as demanding as some of the top European leagues.'
In March, Socceroos coach Tony Popovic initially selected four MLS-based players—Herrington, Kai Trewin, Aiden O’Neill, and Patrick Yazbek—before adding Kye Rowles. This meant US clubs contributed more players to the squad than the domestic A-League. Other Australians in MLS include Archie Goodwin (Charlotte), Alex Bonetig (Portland), and Ariath Piol (Utah), though Piol’s season was cut short by injury.
The trend reflects a broader shift. Since Danny Allsopp became the first Australian in MLS in 2010, barely 20 Australians have played in the league, but nearly half of them are currently active. Popovic has praised MLS as an ideal first overseas step for emerging Socceroos, saying, 'Due to what Aiden O’Neill’s doing, or Patrick Yazbek’s doing, [American clubs] say, “OK, well maybe we can go a bit younger and see what else is out there.”'
Herrington has already attracted European interest, but his agent prioritised playing time in an English-speaking country. Popovic hopes more Australians will use MLS as a springboard to top European leagues. The upcoming World Cup match will showcase this growing connection between Australian and American football.
