Soumare wants to be more than just a USA fan

                                                                   Photo by ISIphotos.com

When the U.S. national team takes on Trinidad & Tobago at Toyota Park tonight, there will be at least one Chicago-based USA fan with a little more interest in the match than most.

That fan is Bakary Soumare.

The Chicago Fire defender and native of Mali is enjoying a dream season in just his second year as a pro and his goal is to eventually be on the field for the U.S. national team rather than just in the stands.

"Right now I'm a Malian citizen but I'm hoping to get my (U.S.) citizenship," Soumare told SBI last weekend. "As soon as I get my citizenship, if I get called by the U.S., it's a no-brainer. That's the route I'm going. I just have to wait and get my papers done."

Soumare, who moved from Mali to Paris, France before settling in New York City, is having an MLS Best XI-caliber season and believes he is a year away from receiving his citizenship. Once he does, the 22-year-old plans on working his way into the U.S. national team mix.

"It's one of my goals," Soumare said of playing for the U.S. national team. "I'd be more than proud to represent the United States because I went to high school here and went to college here. It's not like I just came here a year ago and am trying to play for the national team.

"I'm as much American as I am Malian."

As for whether he would root for the U.S. national team on Wednesday night. Soumare didn't hesitate to say yes.

"I live here, my adopted family is from this country and I went to school in this country," Soumare said. "I owe a lot to this country."

What do you think of Soumare's chances of making the U.S. national team player? Could you see him challenging for a place in the back-line or in a defensive midfield role? Could he be a member of the 2010 World Cup team?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

[Igor]

Nice. I can support this type of naturalized national team player. Also, it helps that he's good.

[Louis]

Huge news! if Bob Bradley does not cap him as soon as legally possible then he definitely has to be fired

[Justice]

totally second your sentiments Igor. Mine exactly. He's young too, and has great size and has proven himself to be a capable defender. Here's to speeding up the process on that paperwork!

[rhybread]

Soumare could definitely make the 2010 WC team. If he does crack the starting line-up it'll probably be have to be at left-back, though it would be nice for Dolo, Gooch, and Boca to have a little competition during camp.

[brett]

"I live here, my adopted family is from this country and I went to school in this country," Soumare said. "I owe a lot to this country."

I thought this line really stood out... this is the type of player i want on the US... a player who truely wants to play for the country, not using it as a fail safe... IF Soumare can continue this growth he may very well be a stellar defender... but i wonder how much longer till europe comes a knocking?? either way, this i great news...

[FK PIRIN]

That's awesome.

[Reid]

Can someone tell him we only want defenders that can boot the ball out of the backfield. So if he is thinking about passing the ball to the midfielders go back to Mali.

[joe k]

soumare's a great player. i don't know if he's good enough for a starting spot, but having another player in the pool can't hurt -- and there's a chance he can become good enough to earn his place on the usmnt.

sure, he "only" plays in the MLS, but i'd say he is as effective or better than parkhurst.

[Thom]

We will be so glad to have you Bakary . And thanks for your appreciation of what this country has provided you. It is very refreshing to hear.

Now- do you know any quality strikers or perhaps a play making midfielder back in Mali? The SBI board will all donate so we may adopt them.

[FK PIRIN]

I really like this player

[EastLAChiva]

No way Bradley calls him up. That wouyld take vision and logic.

[ag nigrin]

If you check the SBI archives Ives... I called this very early on in Soumare's MLS career... Hope BB calls him up! It is a no-brainer

[anotherbodymurdered]

Souuuuuuumareeeee
Whoaaaa oh
Souuuuuuuumarreee
Whoa oh way-oh

Love the dude, hope he goes as far as possible.

[Kyle]

Awesome!

[walter]

a young joseph type build. Lets hope we dont let this one get away

[Bob Bradley]

Sorry Bakary,

Your are not awkward on the ball enough, nor do you have embarrassing lapses in judgment at ridiculously important moments. So you will never start for the national team in central defense.

[Jimbromski]

Neven Who-botic?

[tom]

Why, at the age of 22 is he still free to make that choice? Is it because he has never played at the youth level for any other country? Just wondering, because we seem to run across this argument all the time, e.g. Rossi, Subotic, etc.

[Isaac]

Wow what a great story. It's nice to know that with all the criticism USA takes that there are people countries and players out there who would like to play for us. I hope you make it, good luck Bakary!

[Eric from Tucson]

Posted by: Reid
"Can someone tell him we only want defenders that can boot the ball out of the backfield. So if he is thinking about passing the ball to the midfielders go back to Mali."

Reid, I realize that this is a sarcastic comment. I hope it is. Use a little more tact man. "Go back to ______" is not the message we want to send people like Bakary.

I hope you're not the fence "them" out type.

[tom]

I think its pretty clear that Reid was being VERY sarcastic...Take a chill pill Eric.

[Ives]

Yes Tom. Soumare is not bound by any previous appearances for national teams so he can wait to decide. That's how we still keep seeing Brazilians popping up as newly-minted internationals all over the world. Rossi played youth national team for Italy and Subotic played youth national team for the United States, which set the clocks ticking on both of them. Rossi is gone, Subotic may be next.

It should also be noted that Soumare will be 28 when World Cup 2014 in Brazil happens. That might be the World Cup for him to stand out if he stays on his current path of development. I know the popular thing to do these days is dog everyone on the national team but Onyewu and Bocanegra are a few notches above Soumare and every other MLS defender right now.

[Javier]

nice, i like that a feel-good article turned into a bash soumare and bash bradly discussion. good work everyone!

[Fumar]

GREAT defender, poor passer. Work on the distribution Baky and you're set for a stellar career.

[timpramas]

If, like me, you are happy to hear about the news concerning Soumare, for the sake of consistency you should not be complaining about Rossi.

[tom]

Don't see anyone bashing Bakary. In fact, just the opposite. Javier - Maybe your English skills need to be brushed up upon...Lots of sarcasm in some of those posts meant to "bash" Bradley and existing USMNT memebers who do not have the skills and potential that Bakary has...

[tom]

timpramas - Unfortunately, I would trade Rossi for Soumare staright up any day of the week...Still happy for the US that Bakary has decided to join us.

[gride]

I agree with you Ives. I think Gooch and Boca are finding their groove now.

And why wouldn't BS love to play the Nats...like he'd ever see a World Cup playing for Mali?

[Ives]

Javier, there isn't much Soumare bashing, more Bradley and current U.S. defenders bashing, which doesn't really make much sense.

[kpugs]

Good for him, and probably for us.

[Scott A]

Good luck with the citizenship Bakary. You'll already American to me

[jpc]

The type of person the Soumare is makes me wish the US national program would tell people like Subotic thanks but no thanks, we only want people here who want to be here

[andy]

As a Baky fan, thats good to hear. When other countries have other players that are naturalized, lets not judgmental since it happens here too!!! More than we think

[jmac]

How is he with the ball at his feet? Is he a poor passer?

[Reid]

Eric - I'm sorry i guess we can't talk about where people are from.

That was called sarcasm, you're a douche, oh and go back to Tucson.

[Dr. Rockzo, The Rock N' Roll Clown]

Pretty freaking cool. Best of luck to him.

[Alex]

Great news for him and us. I love hearing this kind of thing.

Off-topic, but Jozy scored a hat trick for Villareal in a friendly. You all probably know already... But I didn't see a post on it from Ives. Or maybe I missed it.

[Jacob]

I'm in the camp of people that like to hear a story like this where a player WANTS to wear our shirt. It's nice to hear, and in the two Fire games I've seen this year, he's stood out to me. Here's to a quick citizenship approval and continued progress in your growth as a player.

[J]

G. Rossi, Jose Padilla, Bakary Soumare, Neven Sunotic.

Which one of these guys is not like the others......................

[Blake]

I wonder if Malian soccer bloggers view Soumare as we do Rossi.

More importantly, I wonder if there are Malian soccer bloggers...

[EastLAChiva]

G. Rossi, Jose Padilla, Bakary Soumare, Neven Sunotic.

Which one of these guys is not like the others......................

Too Funny. LMAO!!

[Ethan]

Soumare has potential to start in the 2010 world cup, not just be on the team. He is still young and has some glaring flaws, but he has the size of a great center back, and has anchored a terrific defense in Chicago. He has to be on the list for MLS defender of the year.

[Jason]

Where on the back line can he play?

[Joamiq]

He would be a valuable member of the team, if not quite a starter. If Gooch or Boca went down, I wouldn't feel overly concerned if Soumare were to step in.

[Felix]

Right now Soumare is lower on the depth chart of centerbacks. But if he continues to progress the way he is at the moment, remember this is his first whole season at CB, and even perhaps gets into Europe, I can see him easily getting near the top of the list.

[Jason]

He's a centerback? Bummer. We already have quite a log jam there. Can we convert him to a left or right back?

[Al]

Note to Soumare: whatever you do, don't get a red card at the 3rd minute. Many US fans aren't too forgiving, no matter how nice your story is (read: Michael Orozco).

[mikeK]

Tom- I believe the rules go like this...

If you get a senior, A team, cap, you're locked in.

Once you pass the age of 21, if you play for a national team, you're bound to them.

So, for instance, if Mali were to call him up to, say, olympic qualifying and he played, he'd be for Mali since he's over 21. I suppose this is not the case, so since he's not played for a national team in these past couple years, he can still pick.

Correct me if I'm wrong, I may be.

[Kevin]

Fantastic news! Now only if we can get Subotic on board. Subotic and Soumare together in the middle for 2010 would be no joke.

[Sushant Rao]

I'm glad Soumare wants to play with us. We need depth and the more competition there is, the better for the team. It also helps in case of injury (what? US MNT players never get injured? nevermind)

That said, will BB really give him a chance or will he stick with his tried and true? I will give BB until 2009 before make a decision. If he's not incorporating new players in 2009, then I think BB needs to go. See England vs Croatia today for what happens when you bring in young, attacking talent :-)

I've never been upset with Rossi for choosing to play for Italy. His family is Italian and maybe they feel more of a tug for Italy. From what I've read, Padilla falls in this category as well.

Subotic seems a little bit more mercenary / childish. It was the U17 residency program that got him noticed but it looks like he wants to play for Germany so he can be better noticed for his professional career / piss off Rongen for "bad mouthing" him.

I think we need to have a separate category for Rossi and Padilla (and possibly Subotic) under the heading "Americans who are are a different Nationality" ;-)

[Christian]

That's a great story and I hope Soumare reaches his goals.

Funny enough, that sounds exactly like Leandro, Vuoso and Zinha yet some ignorant people still manage to question their motives.

btw J, his name is Jesus Padilla, at least learn his name if you're gonna rag on him.

[Brendan]

It's great to hear as a US fan, but I wonder if all of you will sing the praises of Neven Subotic if/when he chooses Germany because he feels like more of a German than American.

[Eric from Tucson]

I'm very excited about the prospect of Bakary fitting into the USMNT picture in the future. I have enjoyed his play and feel safe with him in the back @ Chicago.

Hey, I was just trying to raise the level of discussion. Bashing people's perceived English skills, and calling names exhibits a lack of savoir faire that we Americans should strive for.

Brett, you said it best.

[chg]

Timpramas, they are not the same situation.

[Camjam]

Nothing is more important in this story than his desire to play for the USA. IF he is good enough (he is), let him play as soon as he gets citizenship.

[martha]

Once he goes overseas and gets some seasoning he will be a ragular.

Has the same strengths..and weaknesses as Gooch. Subotic and Soumare in the middle for 2014?

[rick]

I would be glad to see us get a player that was raised somewhere else instead of the other way round (Castilio, Rossi).

[Chae]

Sushant Rao: Subotic was all about playing for the US, but Rongen really upset him by trashing him in public. Which I can see him his point, he was just what a 16-17 kid back then and he reads quotes about his coach saying he's not good?

As for Soumare, we are pretty set for defensive midfield for the next 10 years (Bradley, Edu, Clark) so I think he's going to have to play a different position for the National Team. Maybe like someone said, he can learn left back? That is our glaring weakness.

[Oranje Mike]

This was great to hear about. Not only is Soumare a great talent in the making but he's also a great guy. Many Fire fans (including myself) have met him and he's great to the fans. He will only get better. I wish him luck in his quest for citizenship and a spot on the national side. He'll make it. I have no doubts.

[Modibo]

Baky has come a long, long way since last season. Most of '07 he played defensive mid, but it's obvious from his play this year in the center of the back line that it's a better position for him. He's very athletic and aggressive, but he's also a smart tackler who doesn't give away a lot of needless fouls.

Now, his distribution leaves something to be desired in my opinion, which is one of the reasons why he didn't flourish in midfield. When he gains possession he likes to whack the stuffing out of the ball up to the frontline. He needs to gain more confidence holding the ball and playing it out of the back. If he improves that part of his game he'll be great. His improvement has been remarkable so far, so I'm optimistic he'll keep it up.

Baky, i ni ce, i ni baaraji! Ala ka nyetaa d'i ma! Ala k'i deme ka ke amerikika!
(That's just a little Malian greeting and thank you for Baky).

[rkupp]

He'd be great for our USNT. 2nd only to Onyewu (who looked great vs. T&T BTW).

[rednow.red4ever]

Soumare would provide great depth. Plus after meeting him a couple times (including generously doing an interview for my friend's podcast that he's trying to get off the ground)....he definitely has solid character...

[Ginto]

Bakary is a good player. I've seen just about every Fire match this season on TV and most of the home matches live. I can tell you he's improved tremendously since he came into the league but he still can be rash in his decision making regarding tackling and going to ground...particularly in the box. He's been fortunate not to have given up a few pk's this year. By all accounts he really is a tremendous person, too. Luis Arroyave did a great piece in the Chicago Trib on him and he's just a quality guy.

I agree with Ives... he's nowhere near the level of Gooch/Bocanegra at this stage. 2010? Perhaps.

[Yorksay]

This is a GREAT news... I have been to a few fire games this season and he was great. More importantly, the kid is extremely friendly, first-class act. He is the kind of player that we want in our national team.

PS: He has a Smoking Hot American girlfriend as well.

[Chris]

This is really cool. I love seeing people like this. He is someone who comes from another country yet he is so grateful and loves our country so much he would be proud to represent our country. Now this is the American Dream.

[Fire Man Forever]

I love seeing athletes like this too who come from another country and want to play for the U.S. I'd be proud to have Baky reprent our country. With a smoking hot American girlfriend, maybe his citizenship will be faster than we think!

[David]

I'm with Ginto. I think Soumare has improved a lot, since he came into the league; however, he has a lot of room for improvement as well. He's no where near the level of Gooch/Bocanegra at this point. In a few years, Baky might be at that level. All Fire fans will be waiting to see what happens. I have to say this though and that's off the field he's on point with his girlfriend. This has nothing to do with the article but if anyone is curious, Baky's girlfriend is BEAUTIFUL!

[crazy gallon]

Baky you the best... There's no way bradley won't call baky to the us national team , bradley knows this guy since his days in ny metros youth program where he couch his big head son who now is a us national team player baky and I played for the red storm arrows and we beat bradleys team at the national y leage in 2002 and many times after that . Bakary deserves the call his a charismatic guy who's heart is as big as the whole us team also by the 2010 world cup I'm pretty sure his not going to be playin for an mls team any more , so he better get the call soon before he goes to europe where he my end up in frace where he live before coming to the us and there goes rossi a mean baky .... Dude I'm very proude of you we all are even thogh we knew of your potetial we are peace good luck

[crazy gallon]

Baky you the best... There's no way bradley won't call baky to the us national team , bradley knows this guy since his days in ny metros youth program where he couch his big head son who now is a us national team player baky and I played for the ny red storm arrows and we beat bradleys team at the national y leage final in 2002 and many times after that . Bakary deserves the call his a charismatic,strong guy who's heart is as big as the whole us team,Bradley can't wait on this beacause by the 2010 world cup I'm pretty sure baky is not going to be playin for an mls team any more , so he better get the call soon before he goes to europe where he my end up in england or france where he live before coming to the us and there goes rossi a mean baky .... Dude I'm very proude of you we all are even thogh we knew of your potential we are, peace good luck