To say Major League Soccer is not improving is an understatement. In years past if MLS sent 4 players to Copa America it was a lot. Now, as the league continues to spend more on South American talents, those talents are present in their respective national teams.
For the 2021 Copa America in Brazil, set to take place on Sunday June 13th, MLS will provide 17players from their rosters to the continental competition. Venezuela is the national team with the most MLS representation, with 7players from the league in their squad.
Orlando City, Portland Timbers, Atlanta United, andLAFC are tied for the most players called in at 2 each. Here are the 17players from MLS that will be at the 2021 Copa America.
Felipe Mora
Felipe Mora (Getty)
Felipe Mora will suit up for Chile, the Portland Timbers forward has begun to score goals and find his footing in MLS, Mora will most likely be a role player for Chile off the bench.
Gastón Giménez
Gastón Giménez (Getty)
Gastón Giménez is hoping that a strong showing in Copa America will translate into a better second half of the season with the Chicago Fire. The Paraguayan has been a huge disappointment in Chicago.
Brian Rodríguez
Brian Rodríguez (Getty)
Uruguayan midfielder Brian Rodríguez is still technically a LAFC player and will be a role player in Oscar Tabarez’s side. Brian Rodríguez’s desire to return to MLS is up in the air but a strong tournament could finally get the midfielder sold.
Yimmi Chará
Yimmi Chará (Getty)
Colombia has never been kind to MLS, so Yimmi Chará’s call up was surprising. Chara has played very well since his arrival to Portland, a much-deserved call up.
Xavier Arreaga
Xavier Arreaga (Getty)
Prone to some defensive blunders, Ecuadorian Xavier Arreaga has been with the Sounders for three seasons now. Arreaga has 12 caps for Ecuador and will most likely be starting in defense for the Tricolors.
Sebas Méndez
Sebas Méndez (US Today)
Often overlooked hard worker, Sebas Méndez, will be a workhorse in the middle of the field for Ecuador if called into action. The Orlando City player has been in MLS since 2019.
Diego Palacios
Diego Palacios (Getty)
LAFC left backDiego Palacios got a last minute call up to Ecuador and will suit up for the Tricolors in Brazil. Palacios has enjoyed a run of good form in L.A. and was on the team of the tournament as well as the best young player of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2020.
Pedro Gallese
Pedro Gallese (Getty)
One of the best goalkeepers in the league, Pedro Gallese has been money for Orlando City and will be the starting goalkeeper for Peru at the Copa America. Look for some big time saves from Gallese.
Marcos López
Marcos López (San Jose Earthquakes website)
The San Jose Earthquakes left-back will be in the mix for Peru, Marcos López has been solid for the MLS side, despite the up and down seesaw games the Quakes regularly play.
Alexander Callens
Alexander Callens (Getty)
Long time NYCFC defender Alexander Callens will again be in the mix for Peru as they prepare for the Copa America. Callens has been a rock in defense for the New York team and has played in over 100 MLS games.
Ronald Hernández
Ronald Hernández (Getty)
Newcomer Ronald Hernández will be representing Atlanta United in the 2021 Copa America, in MLS the defenderhas not played a single game for his new club at the moment.
Júnior Moreno
Júnior Moreno (DC United)
Quick and able midfielder Júnior Moreno will be in the mix for Venezuela, Moreno has played in 76 games for DC United since 2018.
Cristian Cásseres Jr.
Cristian Cásseres Jr. (TUDN)
There is always a New York Red Bull or in their day MetroStars player in every big tournament, that tradition continues as Cristian Cásseres Jr. will be in the Venezuelan squad for the Copa America.
José Andrés Martínez
José Andrés Martínez (Philadelphia Inquirer)
José Andrés Martínez of the Philadelphia Union will be in the squad for Venezuela, the 2020 Supporters Shield winner has come on strong and has received a contract extension in Philly.
Josef Martínez
Josef Martínez (Getty)
The deadliest striker in all of MLS, Josef Martínez takes his talents to Brazil and could have a breakout tournament, all after coming back from a devastating ACL injury. He had a goal called off during a qualification match against Uruguay. Josef is hungry!
Jhonder Cádiz
Jhonder Cádiz (TUDN)
Jhonder Cádiz has been playing very well at Nashville SC, the surprise darlings of the MLS season, Cádiz has had a well-traveled career and just now has broken into the Venezuelan national side.
Yeferson Soteldo
Yeferson Soteldo (Getty)
TFC have only seen bits of what Yeferson Soteldo can do, they can see the complete package in the 2021 Copa America. Soteldo is flashy, and while in MLS we will have to wait a bit longer to see the true Yeferson, fans can take a look at what is to come in Brazil.
