Feilhaber In Talks With MLS

Continuing a recent trend in Major League Soccer, another overseas-based American player is in negotiations to return home. This time, it’s 2007 Gold Cup hero Benny Feilhaber, who is reportedly ready to leave Europe in favor of increased playing time in the United States.Feilhaber, 23, spent last season with Derby County in the English Premier League, but was rarely called up and made only ten appearances as the club went down to relegation. Prior to Derby, he had been with Hamburger SV in Germany, but made a total of just nine appearances from 2005-2007, spending most of his time with the club’s reserve team.

If MLS can secure his return, Feilhaber will most likely end up with the New England Revolution, as they now hold the top spot in the allocation order. The Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids had both been ahead of New England, but recently used their allocation spots on other returning players in Eddie Lewis and Cory Gibbs. New England moved up in the allocation order as part of a recent trade that sent Pat Noonan to the Columbus Crew.

Best known for his stunning 25-yard volley that lifted the US over Mexico in the ’07 Gold Cup, Feilhaber has amassed 16 caps with the full national team – scoring two goals - and was also a part of the Olympic team that was recently eliminated from play in China, but was limited to being a substitute due to a recent knee injury from which he is still recovering.