Shalrie Joseph could have played for the U.S. national team before being cap-tied with Grenada. (Paul Giamou/GettyImages)
Gold Cup shines spotlight on MLS players
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Kristian Dyer
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For several MLS players this summer, their cup runneth over.
With the Gold Cup once again bringing together the top talent in North and Central America for the next two weeks, the league will be well represented in the tournament. It would be easy to focus on the U.S., where over half the team currently plays in MLS, but the most intriguing storylines lie beyond Bob Bradley’s squad. In fact, for many players, the Gold Cup is just about as big as it gets.
The smallest nation in the tournament, Grenada, is treating its three opening-round games like they were in the World Cup. Just being invited to the dance is a big deal for a nation that comes in at 88th in the latest FIFA rankings. In fact, it’s the nation’s first-ever Gold Cup appearance.
“It means so much to our nation. It means more than most people know,” said New England Revolution midfielder Shalrie Joseph. “For us to be able to play in the Gold Cup and take the field and represent Grenada is special. We will treat this as a special moment in time, but we will also fight to best represent our country.”
Now in his seventh year in MLS, Joseph has become the anchor and star of the Grenada team, playing as a two-way midfielder for both club and country. This season, Joseph has been called on to play more attacking roles, even lining up as a forward for the Revolution as injuries have depleted New England ’s attackers. It’s this versatility that makes him among the best in the league. Last summer, MLS and the Revolution spurned a multimillion dollar offer from Celtic for Joseph, and the midfielder is very cognizant that his play reflects on the league.
“MLS has been great for me personally, and a very good league. The players are strong and fast and each year, technically, you see the standard improving,” Joseph said. “I think people don’t give the league a lot of credit, which is a shame because MLS is very competitive.” Joseph said he has moved beyond the bitter feelings of the Celtic transfer bid of last summer. Playing in Europe remains a dream for him, but he recently signed a multiyear deal with the Revolution that ensures he will be with New England for the foreseeable future. He says originally he was frustrated by being unable to move to the Scottish powerhouse.
“I was very disappointed by not being allowed to go,” Joseph said about the transfer bid. “It was disappointing. I wasn’t happy about it at all. Now, though, I understand that everything happens for a reason and I’m here in New England where the fans have been terrific to me. I’m glad to be here.” Saturday’s matchup against the United States in Seattle was a bittersweet one for Joseph, despite Joseph being sidelined with an injury and missing out on the U.S. team’s 4-0 win. Having moved to the U.S. as a teenager and having played his college soccer at St. John’s and now MLS, Joseph has deep roots in this country. He is a citizen, and he could have been a part of the U.S. national team.
“I was impatient and didn’t think the opportunity would come with the U.S.,” said Joseph, who was first capped by Grenada in 2002. “Is it something I regret? Yes, I think I do. I am very happy to play for Grenada; it is the country I was born in. But I do think about playing for the United States.”
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