The United States of Soccer: From AC Milan's Christian Pulisic to USMNT legend Tim Howard - the best players from the Northeast

Hometown: East Hartford

Clubs played for: Charlotte FC, Derby County

USMNT caps: 12

Why he’s No. 1: Connecticut doesn’t generally have the depth of talent that produced by its neighbors in the tristate area, but it has made its imprint, led by two talented young footballers - Patrick Agyemang and Luca Koleosho. 

Agyemang ultimately gets the nod due to his international success. He’s risen to become a fixture under Mauricio Pochettino on the USMNT and could be on the World Cup roster next summer. Koleosho, still undecided on his international future, has played for both the U.S. and Italy youth teams, and was even called up for Canada in 2023.

Runners-up: 

2. Luca Koleosho (Norwalk): Famously went the full length of the pitch against Leeds to score for Burnley in a stunner. Currently on loan at La Liga side Espanyol. 

3. Andres Jasson (Greenwich): He won the 2021 MLS Cup with NYCFC. Currently stars for AaB Fodbold in Denmark.

Hometown: Portland

Clubs played for: San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders

USMNT caps: 0

Why he’s No. 1: The Pine Tree State is known for its lighthouses, lobster, and craft beer. Soccer hasn’t made as big a mark - though USL club Hearts of Pine hopes to change that. But Maine has produced two notable MLS players: Wyatt Omsberg and Roger Levesque. While both were role players, Levesque retired with eight trophies.

He lifted the 2003 MLS Cup as a bit player for a star-studded San Jose Earthquakes team featuring Landon Donovan and Dwayne DeRosario. He later joined the Seattle Sounders, winning two USL First Division titles, the A-League Western Conference Championship, and the Commissioner's Cup.

Released by the Sounders before their MLS expansion, he was quickly brought back and became a fan favorite, helping the club lift three U.S. Open Cups from 2009 to 2011. His famous scuba goal celebration against the Red Bulls and the fan-branded “Levesque testimonial" for his retirement cemented his legacy - the city even declared a day in his honor.

Runners-up:

2. Wyatt Omsberg (Belgrade): He was the first Ivy League soccer player to be selected in the Superdraft, having previously starred for Dartmouth. Currently on the New England Revolution. 

3. Ben Brewster (Cape Elizabeth): Had a cup of coffee with clubs in America's lower division. Now the head coach of the men's soccer team at Bates College. 

Hometown: Attleboro

Clubs played for: Houston Dynamo, Stoke City, Queens Park Rangers, FC Cincinnati 

USMNT caps: 55

Why he’s No. 1: Geoff Cameron’s career - much like his rise with both club and country - was unexpected. A true tweener, he shuttled between defense and defensive midfield, yet that versatility became one of his greatest assets. Using his 6-3 frame, solid speed and passing, Cameron catapulted from the Houston Dynamo to become a surprisingly important cog for Premier League side Stoke City, where he spent six seasons.

At his peak, he was indispensable to U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann, helping the Americans to a semifinal run in the 2016 Copa América. Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas once raved about Cameron’s skill set.

“He has the physical attributes to bang when he needs to, but he also has a real confidence in the way he handles the ball and the way he passes out of the back,” Lalas told ESPN.

Throughout his career, Cameron played 36.9 percent of his games at centerback, 32 percent as a defensive midfielder, 24.6 percent at right back, 2.9 percent at left back, 2.6 percent in central midfield, and 0.9 percent at right midfield.

Runners-up: 

2. Miles Robinson (Arlington): Started his career as a rotational player on Atlanta United's 2018 MLS Cup-winning team and blossomed into one of the league's elite defenders. Has 35 caps with the USMNT and won the 2021 Gold Cup and two Nations Leagues. 

3. John Souza (Fall River): Was a part of the USMNT's famous 1-0 upset over England in the 1950 World Cup - still widely considered the greatest sports upset of all-time.

Hometown: Dover

Clubs played for: Dortmund, Hannover 96, Karlsruher SC, Mainz, Toronto FC, Colorado Rapids, Philadelphia Union, Columbus Crew

USMNT caps: 19

Why he’s No. 1: At the peak of his powers, Charlie Davies appeared to be a shoo-in for the best player from New Hampshire. He was instrumental in helping the USMNT reach the 2009 Confederations Cup, which dared Americans to dream ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

However, he was involved in a serious car accident in 2009 that changed the trajectory of his career. While he enjoyed a successful 11-year run, he is one of the biggest what-ifs in U.S. soccer history. 

With that, Dover's Conor Casey edges Davies as New Hampshire's No. 1. The towering striker started his professional career in Germany, kicking things off with Dortmund before going on loan with Hannover and Karlsruher SC and playing in the top two levels in the country. 

Casey didn't gain much traction abroad, but he had some strong seasons in MLS, including being immortalized by Rapids fans for his involvement in their 2010 MLS Cup win. He also lifted the 2005 Gold Cup with the USMNT and had two national team goals.

Runners-up: 

2. Charlie Davies (Manchester): Scored the opening goal against Egypt in the Confederations Cup group stage that ultimately sparked an improbable run by the USMNT. Impressed at both Hammarby and Sochaux before returning to MLS in 2011. 

3. Jay Heaps (Nashua): Started his career with the now-defunct Miami Fusion, then becoming an icon for the New England Revolution with 243 league appearances. Lifted the Open Cup in 2007 and the North American Super Liga in 2008. Also served as New England's head coach for six years. 

Hometown: North Brunswick Township

Clubs played for: Metrostars, Manchester United, Everton, Colorado Rapids, Memphis 901

USMNT caps: 121

Why he’s No. 1: Picking a top talent from New Jersey might be the most challenging among U.S. states. The Garden State is brimming with soccer legacy, ranging from elite managers to star players. To put that into perspective, Tony Meola - a Hall of Famer - couldn’t crack the top five.

Tim Howard, however, stands tall due to his success at both the club and international level. He’s a FA Cup and League Cup winner with Manchester United, and he made 412 appearances for Everton - 13th all-time - which is impressive, considering The Toffees have been around since 1878.

He was dominant for the USMNT, and his 16-save game against Belgium remains a single-game World Cup record. He was rightfully nicknamed the Minister of Defense following that effort. 

Runners-up: 

2. Claudio Reyna (Livingston): Best known for being selected for four World Cups, and playing in three. Was on the U.S. 2002 World Cup team that reached the quarterfinals - still the best finish for the Americans.

3. Jozy Altidore (Livingston): Arguably the USMNT's best striker, Altidore is third all-time with 42 goals. He will also be fondly remembered for his time both with AZ in Holland, where he scored 39 goals, and being a part of the 2017 Toronto FC team that won both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup. 

Hometown: New York City

Clubs played for: Paris Saint-Germain, Lille, Celtic, Juventus, Marseille 

USMNT caps: 45

Why he’s No. 1: Outside of New Jersey - arguably the Mecca for American soccer - New York is not far behind in producing some of the world’s better footballers. The Big Apple can count Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams, U.S. Soccer legend Chris Armas, J League star Gōtoku Sakai and Atalanta midfielder Yunus Musah among its stars. 

But Tim Weah, son of football legend and Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, gets the nod due to his success on the club level. He’s won the Ligue 1 title four times, though he only starred in one with Lille in 2021. He also played a role in Celtic’s double in 2019. While Weah hasn’t fully narrowed his best position in Europe, his versatility continues to be coveted by clubs.

He can play any wing position on the pitch, from winger to wing back, leading to big moves to Juventus - where he won a Coppa Italia - and recently arriving at OM. He is also the first American to score at Real Madrid's storied Santiago Bernabeu. And if you doubt his roots in New York, just ask him about his love of the Knicks or his time as an academy member at the Red Bulls. 

Runners-up: 

2. Tyler Adams (Wappingers Falls): Became the youngest World Cup captain of the USMNT at just 22. Currently starring for Bournemouth in the Premier League. 

3. Chris Armas (Bronx): One of the best defensive midfielders in MLS history, making the All-Star team six-times. Injuries prevented him from making a World Cup appearance for the USMNT, but he had 66 caps and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame this year. 

Hometown: Hershey

Clubs played for: Dortmund, Chelsea, AC Milan

USMNT caps: 80

Why he’s No. 1: Hershey is globally known for its decadent chocolate - and for producing arguably the greatest American soccer player: Christian Pulisic. While his status as the USMNT’s all-time best is up for debate - with Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey widely regarded as the top two in national team history - there’s little argument when it comes to the best American club outfield player.

That title belongs to Pulisic.

He’s the only American to play in and win a UEFA Champions Leage final, pulling that off in 2021. His 60 league goals in European competition are the most by a U.S.-born player, surpassing Dempsey’s 57. Add another 23 goals across European and domestic cup competitions, and the numbers underscore his prolific career.

For the national team, he is fifth with 32 goals and seventh in assists with 18. He's also won three Nations Leagues with the USMNT in 2020, 2023, and 2024. Pennsylvania hasn't produced as many A-listers as New York and New Jersey, but it is still, overall, a heavy hitter when it comes to soccer talent.

Runners-up: 

2. Zack Steffen (Coatsville): Aside from some controversial omissions from the USMNT, Steffen can look at his career with pride. He was the No. 2 goalkeeper for Manchester City at a time when they were arguably the best club in the world, and also played at Fortuna Düsseldorf and Middlesbrough - along with the Crew, and now the Rapids in MLS. 

3. Bobby Convey (Philadelphia): An underrated midfielder who carved out a 14-year playing career between MLS and England's top two divisions, Convey was the one of the few bright spots for a 2006 USMNT World Cup squad that underwhelmed after sky-high expectations. 

Hometown: Providence

Clubs played for: New England Revolution, FC Nordsjælland, FC Augsburg, Columbus Crew, Atlanta United

USMNT caps: 25

Why he’s No. 1: Rhode Island belongs to Michael Parkhurst, who had a very solid 14-year career as a right back. No, he didn't successfully entrench himself as the U.S.'s right back - a position at which only Steve Cherundolo had long-term success. But, all considered, he had a strong run for both club and country.

He won two Gold Cups with the U.S. The majority of his club success was in MLS, but he also had two stints in Europe - including being a crucial member of Nordsjælland's Superliga-winning team in 2012, along with Danish cup wins in 2010 and 2011. He moved to Augsburg, but he struggled to make the same impact.

But in the U.S., Parkhurst was impressive. He was a six-time All-Star, won Rookie of the Year in 2005 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. He won the U.S. Open twice and his most successful spell came toward the end of his career as a member of an ambitious Atlanta United side, who picked up three trophies in two years - headlined by their 2018 MLS Cup.

Runners-up:

2. Billy Gonsalves (Portsmouth): Who can say no to the Babe Ruth of American soccer? While stats were a bit hazy between 1925-1952, Gonsalves played in four decades across various American leagues, and in two World Cups - the inaugural 1930 edition and again in 1934 - for the USMNT, with six caps overall. Gonsalves was part of the inaugural U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame induction class.

3. Manuel Martin (Bristol): Had seven caps for the USMNT and was on the 1948 Olympic team.

Hometown: Essex

Clubs played for: San Jose Earthquakes, Wichita Wings

USMNT caps: 0

Why he’s No. 1: Maple Syrup? Yes. Soccer? Not so much. Vermont isn't traditionally known for the sport, with only a few notable professional players from the state. But that perception is changing due to team success. The University of Vermont won the NCAA soccer championship in 2024 and the Vermont Green just wrapped an undefeated run in the USL 2.

As for the leading player to come out of the state, consider Carl Christensen. OK, so he was actually born in Michigan, but graduated from Essex High School in Vermont. He was the first University of Vermont player to be named an All-American in 1976.

Starring at a time when there wasn't a locked-in domestic league presence, Christensen bounced around professionally between the Earthquakes, who played in NASL at the time, and indoor soccer. Christensen was noted for his accomplishments by Sports Illustrated in 1999 as the 28th best athlete to come from the state.

Runners-up:

2. Selmir Miscic (Burlington): Last played in Spain's third division with Algeciras CF and was a former member of the Philadelphia Union's youth academy.

3. University of Vermont: Not a single player, of course. But their collegiate championship was a seismic moment for the state.