GOAL ranks the top three soccer players produced by every state in the Northeast, including Pulisic, Howard and Geoff Cameron
With the 2026 World Cup less than nine months away, the United States has steadily progressed into a genuine force in the global soccer scene. Major League Soccer now boasts superstars such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min and Thomas Muller, sure, but decades of groundwork have given rise to great American players, as well.
Elite talent ranging from A.C. Milan’s Christian Pulisic to rising Mexico international Obed Vargas were born in the U.S., along with legends such as Tim Howard and rising stars such as Patrick Agyemang.
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, starting with the Northeast.
Getty Images SportConnecticut: Patrick Agyemang
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.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMaine: Roger Levesque
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.
Getty Images SportMassachusetts: Geoff Cameron
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.
Getty Images SportNew Hampshire: Conor Casey
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.
