Off Topic: US Soccer

I know most of you haven't been paying attention (though you should be), but on the heels of the Americans great showing at the U-20 World Cup last month in Canada, some of the players from that team are getting international recognition. Well-deserved international recognition, if you ask me. The player signings have come fast and furious as of late, and got started with Freddy Adu's move to Benfica in Portugal. Here is a quick rundown of the signings:

Danny Szetela is set to complete a transfer to Italian side AS Roma in the next few weeks. While the transfer would not take place until Dec. 31st, it's still a great move to a fantastic league, Serie A. AS Roma finished second in the league last year, and has some quality players for Szetela to learn and train under.

Sal Zizzo made the transfer to Hannover 96 of the German Bundesliga. While Hannover was not great last year, finishing 11th in the league, it does boast one other American on the roster, Steve Cherundolo.

Benny Feilhaber, the maker of one of the best American goals i've ever seen (see it here), could be headed to Derby County of the English Premiership League. While Feilhaber is already in Europe playing for Hamburg of the Bundesliga, a move to the EPL would be a great one for someone who has already seen significant action of the Senior US Men's Team.

And last, although not a member of the U-20 team, DaMarcus Beasley completed a transfer to Scotland side Ranger's. Beasley has spent the last few years playing in Holland for PSV Eindhoven.

What does all this mean? Well first, more Americans playing in Europe. What does it really mean? More Americans getting more experience against better competition. And it means the Americans are getting noticed and respected on the international stage. The future of this team looks fantastic, especially with these moves (And a rumor that Landon Donovan is not as opposed to going back to Europe as he was when he returned a few years back).

The moves are great, but those players still need to prove they can play, and play well, with their respective teams. But it can only help to have them playing in some of the best leagues in the world, honing their skills for the up-coming World Cup Qualifying schedule.