U.S. league doesn't feature world's best players

	Youri Djorkaeff should've avoided the cameras in Frankfurt. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Embarrassing moment for Major League Soccer the other day: Youri Djorkaeff, a midfielder for the New York Red Bulls, told the team he was taking leave to handle personal business back home. It turned out his "personal business" was going to Frankfurt to watch the France-Brazil game. The New York team found out when they saw him at the game on TV.

This should be the best of times for MLS. Thanks to the World Cup, people are talking about soccer. MLS theoretically should be in prime position to capitalize on this cresting interest. But I can't help but think that when it is all over, MLS will be the big loser. I am among those people gaining an appreciation for soccer this summer. But if I keep up with soccer, I'll follow the European leagues on FOX's fútbol cable channel. The way this World Cup has played out, I feel no desire to watch MLS at all.

Like Djorkaeff, I have a hard time taking that "major league" part of MLS seriously. Unlike in 2002, the American effort in the 2006 World Cup has made the domestic game look smaller. Not only did the U.S. not advance out of group play, they never even looked like they had a shot. U.S. captain Landon Donovan, who stars in MLS, came out of the World Cup looking neutered, and another MLS star, Eddie Johnson, was barely allowed on the field. Why watch those guys when I can follow the real stars of this Cup plying their trade in Europe? You could answer that I should watch Donovan & Co. because they are Americans. They're ours. But here's what is ultimately un-American about MLS: It's the biggest sports league in this country that does not attract the top players in the world.

The best baseball players in the world come to America.

The best basketball players in the world come to America.

The best hockey players in the world come to America (and Canada).

The best golfers in the world come to America.