GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the West, including Donovan, Vargas and Kasey Keller
From the sands of sunny California to the battleground of derbies that make up the Pacific Northwest, America's West has always been home to some of soccer's biggest and best. Legends have emerged from the region, and not just on the coast, but all through America's westernmost states.
From legends to cult heroes, the West has made one hell of an impact on the American game. California itself could field an all-star team. Seattle has produced multiple U.S. men's national team stars. Hawaii has proven a surprising hotbed, and even Alaska has gotten into the mix by helping develop a player that might just be the best prospect in MLS right now.
Some regions in the U.S. have deeper player pools than others, so who is the best of the best? Which state has been the most fertile ground for developing American soccer talent?
GOAL ranks the top three men's soccer players from each of the 50 states. Next up, the West.
Previous: Northeast | South | Midwest
Getty Images SportAlaska: Obed Vargas
Hometown: Anchorage
Clubs played for: Seattle Sounders
USMNT caps: 0
Why he’s No. 1: In a few years time, we may look back at Vargas as one that got away from the USMNT. The Seattle Sounders homegrown already has experience facing the world's best after emerging as a rising star in the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League. That helped the Sounders book a spot in the Club World Cup, in which Vargas faced off against Botafogo, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Seattle gave all three a game despite defeats.
His international future, though, was always up for debate until October 2024 when he made it official, completing a one-time switch to Mexico after previously featuring for the USMNT at the youth level. He earned his first cap, coincidentally, against the USMNT weeks later and has built on that this summer by helping the Sounders win the Leagues Cup while earning a spot as an MLS All-Star.
Runners-up:
2. Ely Allen (Anchorage): A former U.S. youth international, Allen once scored on an assist from David Beckham during his year-long stint with the LA Galaxy.
3. Hunter Solte (Anchorage): Like Vargas, he left Alaska for the Pacific Northwest, signing a homegrown deal with the Portland Timbers. He made a few appearances in MLS, but is now on loan with Indy Eleven.
AdvertisementKirby LeeArizona: Brad Evans
Hometown: Phoenix
Clubs played for: Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders
USMNT caps: 27
Why he’s No. 1: A shoutout for Pablo Mastroeni, who was born in Argentina but raised in Arizona. Of those born within state borders, though, Evans is the guy. A standout MLS defender over his career, Evans won MLS Cups and Supporters' Shields in Columbus and Seattle, playing integral roles for each of his title-winning teams.
He finished his career with eight club trophies, six of which came during his time with the Sounders. Internationally, he never quite got to a World Cup, but he was a regular figure for much of his career, featuring at two Gold Cups while also scoring one USMNT goal – a game-winner against Jamaica in 2014 World Cup qualification.
Runners-up:
2. Robbie Findley (Phoenix): A 2010 World Cup veteran, four of Findley's 11 career caps came that summer in South Africa, where he served as the starting No. 9.
3. Luis Robles (Fort Huachuca): An icon with the New York Red Bulls, Robles holds the MLS record for most consecutive MLS starts with 183.
GettyCalifornia: Landon Donovan
Hometown: Ontario
Clubs played for: Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, Leon
USMNT caps: 157
Why he’s No. 1: Arguably the toughest state to rank, but, in the end, there is a clear winner. Many consider Donovan to be the best player to ever represent the USMNT, and there's no better representative of California. There's a reason MLS named their MVP award after him, after all.
A six-time MLS Cup champion and 13-time MLS All-Star, Donovan's club achievements are significant. So, too, are his international achievements. From his 1999 U17 World Cup breakthrough to his 2014 retirement, Donovan was the face of American soccer through some of its best moments.
The 2002 World Cup run was legendary. The goal against Algeria was arguably the biggest in American soccer history. No USMNT player has more goals and no U.S. player has as many World Cup goals. Donovan is a legend that comes from a state that has produced plenty.
Runners-up:
2. Carlos Bocanegra (Upland): The USMNT's Captain America, Bocanegra featured 110 times on the international stage while shining in MLS and abroad.
3. Eric Wynalda (Fullerton): A true trailblazer, was one of the first Americans to transcend the game leading up to and after the 1994 World Cup, and then helping build MLS in the league's early years.
Hulton ArchiveColorado: Rick Davis
Hometown: Denver
Clubs played for: New York Cosmos, St. Louis Steamers, New York Express, Tacoma Stars, Seattle Storm
USMNT caps: 35
Why he’s No. 1: Davis isn't a name familiar to the last few generations of USMNT fans but, for portions of the 1980s, he was the best of the bunch representing American soccer. On the club level, he's widely considered among the best Americans to suit up in the NASL, where he won three titles with the New York Cosmos.
With that success, he went on to captain the USMNT, appearing at two Olympics. A knee injury prevented him from heading to the 1990 World Cup but, but Davis was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2001.
Runners-up:
2. Ethan Horvath (Highlands Ranch): Has never quite been "the guy" in goal for the USMNT, but he's been in and around the USMNT picture for nearly a decade while featuring for solid clubs in Europe.
3. Todd Dunnivant (Wheat Ridge): One of MLS' all-time great winners, the defender lifted five MLS Cups in just 13 seasons, winning the big trophy in both Los Angeles and San Jose.
