The Sounders put themselves above the USMNT, again.

No surprise here but Ragen, the Sounders promising young defender was in his own words, had a opportunity to join Pochettino's and USMNT camp Cupcake "taken from him". And this follows a trend the Sounders have been following for awhile. Of course you all remember Chad Marshall, 1 of the best Sounders, MLS and US players the Seattle team has ever had. So very weird he only had 12 USMNT caps, huh? While I'm sure the Sounders weren't the only reason but them constantly insisting on players choosing their off-season activities over Camp Cupcake doesn't help.

The best proof of that is the Jordan Morris and the Olympics debacle. Where Morris wanted to go to what was in his words a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent the US in the Olympics playing the sport he loves and has worked hard to play it at a elite level in 1 of the 10 best leagues in the world. And Ragen like Morris then has a once in a lifetime opportunity coming up next year, a chance to play in a World Cup in front of his home nation. A opportunity most players have never gotten ever.

Camp Cupcake is a chance for fringe USMNT players to impress the coaches and the federation making it even more important for players like Jackson Ragen who haven't had a cap for the USMNT yet. And who of course would love to play a World Cup in front of his fellow countrymen potentially in Seattle the place he's been playing most of his pro ball and close to where he was raised, Bellevue, Washington.

I don't think it's right for the Sounders to make themselves more important than the USMNT. While practically speaking yes it makes it easier for a squad to understand their roles and how to work together if they're all on the same page and learning at the same time. But it's not right for the Sounders to rob Sounders players of opportunities to become better players by getting new perspective on their style of play. And a chance to represent the nation they love and our deeply connected to through the game they love. And a chance to earn further recognition and accolades which could heighten their value. Meaning the Sounders are robbing themselves of chances to sell players for higher values to give us better chances to strength our squad.

Thanks a bunch for reading!