MLS expands international scouting network League adds rep from Asia to foster growth between MLS, AFC NEW YORK – Colorado Rapids right back Kosuke Kimura became the first and only Japanese player to win an MLS Cup title last month, and it generated significant media interest in his home country. The San Jose Earthquakes will hope to find the next Kimura on Tuesday at the start of the J.League player combine. Head coach Frank Yallop and his assistant, Mark Watson, will both be in attendance to scout 150 J.League free agents in an event organized by the Japanese players' union. The participation of the Quakes coaching staff is a direct result of the league’s expanding international scouting network. The latest addition is MLS Asian scouting coordinator Takehiko Nakamura, who will be looking to open a bigger door for players from the Asian Football Confederation to come through to ply their trade in MLS. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-expands-international-scouting-network
Not sure about this move. I don't think J.League fringe players are a market we should be looking to attract. If its a young player and they have the skills for MLS, they'll probably find time (and more money) staying in Japan. MLS should be looking to set this up in South America.
