Even since the proliferation of pro club youth academies in the USA, American players continue to take different pathways to the professional ranks. The common route involves progression through MLS Academies, advancing to MLS Next, signing homegrown deals, and eventually securing first-team contracts. But some college players continue to climb the ladder. The MLS-drafted players who have earned caps for the U.S. or Canadian national teams include Daryl Dike, Duncan McGuire, Tajon Buchanan, Alistair Johnston, Cyle Larin and Moïse Bombito.

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