The best Metro from every state
May 21, 2015
Recently, we look at the ten best Metros to be born in New York and New Jersey. But would you believe that those are not the top states as far as player production is concerned? (We're only considering birthplaces, so once you count players born elsewhere who moved at a young age: Tab Ramos, Juan Agudelo, the fabulous Klinger brothers, and others, it's quite possible that New Jersey would win out.)
No, the most popular state for player production is, as of now, California, with a total of 28. New Jersey and New York follow with 26 each. This does not include currently rostered players not yet to play a first team minute: Kyle Reynish (CA), Andrew Jean-Baptiste and Santiago Castano (NY). Overall, 26 different states have been represented, with another one quite possibly jumping on board this year.
Arizona: 1
What an easy start! Luis Robles would be a worthy pick from most states, but he doesn't have any competition here.
California: 28
Your candidates: Rhett Harty, Mike Ammann, and Jonny Walker. Our selection is in bold, but it can clearly be either of the three. Could Sacha Kljestan own California when all is said and done?
Colorado: 4
Todd Dunivant had a good spell at Metro, but it was pretty short. Mark Lisi deserves to be recognized for his cockroach-like ferocity that outlived regime after regime.
Connecticut: 3
Remember when Nick Sakiewicz said that the MetroStars represent three states, which included Connecticut? We're here to remind you what an idiot he was. Awful options here, from the very early seasons: Andrew Restrepo, Mickey Kydes, Carlos Parra. Do we have to pick?
Florida: 3
One of the easiest choices ever! Dax McCarty, of course.
Georgia: 5
An even easier choice! The one and only Cletus, Clint Mathis.
Illinois: 2
Mike Magee over Tim Regan. Easy.
Iowa: 1
By default, Ian Christianson. Do you remember when he was a highly regarded prospect? Seems very recently...
Kansas: 1
More default: Braeden Cloutier. Lame.
Maryland: 5
Obviously, Kenny Cooper. Just a reminder: Santino Quaranta is a crackhead.
Massachusetts: 2
Miles Joseph over Mike Nugent, but we should dock Miles points for being a current assistant at Man City Lite.
Michigan: 3
We want to thank Eric Alexander for claiming the state from Alexi Lalas. Don't worry, Alexi, you would top the list of Michigan's clowns.
Minnesota: 1
We always wished Manny Lagos got more of a chance when he was here.
Missouri: 7
Doesn't it seem ages ago that Tim Ream roamed the Metro backline?
New Jersey: 26
As previously discussed, Tim Howard.
New York: 26
As previously discussed, Mike Petke.
North Carolina: 2
The only time you'll ever see Eddie Pope and Tyler Lassiter mentioned in the same sentence.
Ohio: 4
Chris Leitch had an underrated, multi-span Metro career, but Seth Stammler spent seven years here, and played seven different positions.
Oklahoma: 0
This is your spot to own, Shawn McLaws!
Pennsylvania: 10
Manolo Sanchez will make it 11 when he plays. Jeff Parke is the clear standout from the list that includes A.J. Wood, Matt Knowles, Marvell Wynne, and Jon Conway.
Rhode Island: 2
Of the twelve games Nick Zimmerman appeared in, Metro got ONE point. The other option is Ryan Maduro, who played two minutes in an open cup game.
Tennessee: 2
Two MLS lifers whose best years were spent elsewhere: Ross Paule over Carey Talley.
Texas: 8
Hunter Freeman and Joe Vide clearly lose out to Daniel Hernandez, another one on the lost list of why-the-hell-did-they-trade-him-away.
Utah: 1
Remember when Juan Carlos Osorio almost named Omid Namazi his top assistant? He played 12 minutes for Metro in 1996.
Virginia: 4
The one and only Steve Jolley!
Washington: 1
Chris Henderson, who played for Metro in 2006 after being acquired for...
Wisconsin: 1
Tim Ward!
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