I'm down with a nasty case of the flu. In the meantime, I'm bringing a comment posted in my blog to the front page because I think it deserves wider play. Letterhack Martinho writes: "It's time to let go of the expectation that the colleges have any ability or responsibility to develop players for future international competition. No other country relies on colleges as a feeder system for a very simple reason: If you're not already pro material by the age of 18 (having likely apprenticed if you had ever shown such potential), you're not going to jump that hurdle by playing with and againts other amateurs. While a rare exception may emerge from time to time, it will be just that. The U.S. colleges have been the feeder system into the U.S. pro game by default, not design. That contribution shouldn't be dismissed lightly, as U.S. Soccer has made significant strides in the past 20 years, luck and politics notwithstanding. However, if the goal is to for the U.S. to produce a world-class National team, one must forgive the colleges from any further responsibility. Potential international footballers need to be professionals, not students (although I would ALSO like to see apprenticeships support the players' future education as backup for the vast majority whose profession won't be football). The proper role of the college is as an alternative to a professional career, not as a training ground. Let's cut to the chase, folks. If, today, my kids had a choice of signing a meager pro contract w/ MLS or going to a top-flight University, I would counsel them to take the College route every time." Thoughts?