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debatable, the depth in the 90s was horrible and very few expensive imports were brought in around the time of contraction in 2002. I think expansion to 14 has caused some regression since the 10 team league of 2004 but it's a tough call. Guys like Burciaga, Nick Garcia, and Jim Curtin have seen MLS progress beyond their talent. Midfielders (but for DM's) have generally regressed in quailty the last 5 years. The strikers are a better at the top end but overall about the same. The GK's were building up a strong pool until the recent mass exodus (Pickens, Perkins, Guzan). I tend to measure quality of play by the weakest links on the field and those are generally better now than those from 1996-2002.
"and fewer and fewer good young American players being developed in MLS."
I can't imagine this is true. Please provide some examples (in some sort of quantifiable list).
There hasn't been a drop. Some games have been tighter because the tactics have gotten more sophisticated. Recently, Comcast SportsNet had all the DC United MLS Cup games on back to back. It was striking how much more time players had to make decisions with the ball back in the early games vs. the 2004 game. Considering that, the team shapes are far simpler in the 2004 game than what we saw this year between the Crew and Red Bulls.
I'm a naturalized American who likes football. I support the USMNT even as it got humiliated in the Copa. One thing I won't do is be a fan of the domestic league. I will spend my time as I see fit when watching football. IT is my free time afterall.