Have always maintained that the US is a fantastic pathway for up and coming Kiwi talent
Seems to be an absoute production line for kiwi CBs too. Nelsen, Boxall, Tuiloma, Bindon, Surman and now Bulkeley
The only reason I believe we don't see more Kiwi lads giving it a crack is because of the visa requirements to play MLS, MLSNP, USLC or USL1. Unless you go the college route of course.
If you've played at any level for New Zealand - especially 17's through 23's for the younger guys, and have any sort of pro experience that should be enough to be granted the visa. From people I've talked to specifically about this, having a bit of A-League experience will serve you well at USLC Championship level for example, which in and of itself is pretty on par/slightly ahead of the MLS Next Pro in terms of level of play.
Finally, you forgot Kyle Adams off your list too. But I'm pretty sure he's a green card holder, so that makes it even easier. 😉
about 1 year ago· edited about 1 year ago· History
Francis de Vries, Deklan Wynne, James Musa so other Kiwis who have had time in the US (mainly USL) and sometimes as CBs. FDV was mostly a CB before going to Sweden and becoming a LB when Varnamo discovered he had a great cross.
Nelson's Cory Brown another NZ CB who had a brief time at Fresno FC in the USL.
But basically if you are a young Kiwi and football is your no 1 priority, Europe will always be the dream outcome.
It ain't easy to springboard from the US to Europe. Nellie did it, but he was top drawer. Deklan Wynne (where is he now?), had a short gig at Port Vale last season. Will Gillingham with a UK passport has gone from a US college to Scottish 3rd tier.
Mikey Boxall could have done it you'd think. Must have been some L1/Championship clubs interested in the past, but he seems to love the MLS, and maybe the pay is just better stateside. He of course went to a US College when a youngster. Be interesting to see if the UK is Surman's next destination. He does have Neville with his connections as Portland coach
But yeah if education and a good post playing career is as important (or more) than football, yeah for sure the US route offers opportunities. Ronan Wynne the latest. There is a heap ex Kiwi footballers that have made a life for themselves Stateside once they have hung up the boots. Many of them like Nelsen, Elliott, Gavin Wilkinson, Duncan Oughton still involved heavily in 'Soccer'. Jake Gleeson last I read was a GK coach at California high school or college.