Will MLS Capitalize On Soccer Momentum?

This is the calm before the storm. The down time before European seasons begin once again.

It is in this period that Major League Soccer should look to capitalize on its American audience.

The league has started to make the right moves. The capture of Thierry Henry by New York Red Bulls made waves across the soccer world. At 32-years-old, the Frenchman still has some gas left in the tank. He scored on his debut for New York in a friendly this week vs. Tottenham. The presence of this sort of world-class talent should help to raise the profile of the league in the eyes of foreign observers as well as draw new American followers.

While Henry is not the sexy signing that David Beckham was in 2007, and while he certainly won't bring sellouts wherever he goes on the road, the striker's performances should help to elevate the level play more than Beckham ever could.

As big as the capture of Henry was, MLS should not forget about its biggest star.

While a host of clubs including Manchester City try to steal our country's soccer icon, it will be critical for MLS to push the image of Landon Donovan and market the talent that he is. We finally have the "Michael Jordan of soccer" in the United States. Donovan's last-ditch goal against Algeria was that recognizable image that's needed to take soccer to that next level of popularity in America.

I realize that Landon wants to play in the English Premier League against the world's best players, but it would be in the MLS' best interest if they held onto this gem of a talent. Since all transfers are handled by the league, they have the final say on any deal. To let Donovan go now would be a waste. A loan at the end of the season, just like what he did last year at Everton, would be the most sensible option.

Let's just hope that MLS can capitalize on the momentum through players like Donovan and Henry and take the sport to new heights in the country. This World Cup proved that more people are watching soccer in America than ever before, so the potential is there.