More internationals can play in MLS

MLS clubs will be able to add yet another foreign player to the roster next season.

As was mentioned in the past, clubs will be able to trade foreign player slots so, if a club is in possession of all the slots, it could field a team of internationals.

That brings the total of foreign players allowed in the league to 112 of the 392 roster spots. Previously, each club had four internationals allowed and three "youth internationals", who had to be 25 or younger.

League deputy commissioner Ivan Gazidis said the MLS needed to get into the international market short term. He said U.S.-born players still would be the backbone of the league.

Gazidis said the reason for foreign roster addition was the expansion of the league. With the San Jose Earthquake on board, the talent pool was getting more watered down. While there are youth development groups out there, they will need time to catch up with the MLS's growth.

Besides the Earthquake, Seattle will join MLS in 2009 along with another club in perhaps in Philadelphia or St. Louis. That would bring the league to 16 members.

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