But MLS has yet to reach the level of top European leagues in quality of play or money. I had the opportunity to come over here, so I did. The defender's decision paid off last month when he got his second international appearance in the U.S. team's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win against Honduras. Cherundolo knew no one in Germany and didn't speak the language when he moved to Hannover after two seasons at the University of Portland. You can't afford to have a bad week.
Every week counts.
It's very stressful. Overseas, even bottom clubs don't get a break - they might be relegated to lower leagues. And the intense fan and media attention adds to the pressure. It's not always that way back in the States. Imagine England captain David Beckham doing that in his home country, he said.