MLS
MLS AT THE EUROS M
ajor League Soccer is going European. Much like in the 2016 EUROs, MLS will be represented across multiple sides during this year’s tournament with players not just receiving a token call-up but playing significant roles in their team’s ambitions. Here is a look at some of the names to keep an eye on! PREZMYSLAW FRANKOWSKI (POLAND/CHICAGO FIRE) Frankowski was one of the final cuts for Poland at the 2018 World Cup so he will be looking to make up for lost time at the EUROs. He had a strong 2019 for the Fire, earning 19 starts and 3 goals for the Chicago-based side. He has shown a flair for coming up with big moments in the second half of matches for the Fire, which will help as he is likely to be a substitute for The White and Reds. JUKKA RAITALA (FINLAND/MINNESOTA UNITED FC) Raitala’s defensive work for Finland was one of the biggest reasons for the side making their first European Championship appearance. He was integral in their victories over Armenia and Greece, making several key stops late in both matches. It is going to be a tough road for Finland but having a 32 center-back with experience against multiple styles of play will help. ROBIN LOD (FINLAND/MINNESOTA UNITED FC) Much like Raitala, Lod is a veteran of multiple leagues across Europe and the United States and should not be fazed by the bright lights of the EUROs. With Minnesota last year, he found great success on the counter-attack linking the Loons backline with their speedy wingers up top. He doesn’t score many goals, but if he can provide opportunities for Finland’s strikers he should have a strong tournament. LASSI LAPPALAINEN (FINLAND/ CF MONTREAL) Lappalainen was a favorite of Thierry Henry’s during his time as manager of Montreal. Although he has nine goals for Montreal across two seasons, he hasn’t quite lit things up for the national team (zero goals in seven matches). The good news is that he is just 22 years old and this tournament may just be the perfect learning opportunity for him to make the next step in his career.
LEFT COLUMN, TOP TO BOTTOM: Prezmyslaw Frankowski, Jukka Raitala, and Robin Lod RIGHT COLUMN, TOP TO BOTTOM: Lassi Lappalainen, Jan Gregus, and Albert Rusnak
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SOCCER360 MAY • JUNE 2021
JAN GREGUS (SLOVAKIA/MINNESOTA UNITED FC) Gregus hit perhaps one of the biggest goals in Slovakian soccer history when he nailed the decisive penalty kick strike in their EURO playoff match against the Republic of Ireland. Although he isn’t known for his scoring prowess, he has proven himself to be excellent at creating scoring chances for his teammates. Those skills have led the 30 year old to an excellent season for Minnesota and found himself as a regular for The Falcons. ALBERT RUSNAK (SLOVAKIA/REAL SALT LAKE) If Slovakia are to survive the likes of Spain, Sweden, and Poland they are going to need to score lots of goals. Rusnak can certainly do that. With Real Salt Lake he has become one of the most consistent scorers in MLS, bagging 30 goals in his last three seasons. He can also hit from distance, which may be necessary given the levels of defenders that his side will be facing.
