Lee Nguyen, Jeremiah White bring a European savvy to New England Revolution

FOXBOROUGH – Lee Nguyen and Jeremiah White chased their dreams to play soccer in Europe. Now, they are back in their home country – older, wiser, and richer for the experience. Nguyen made his MLS debut with the Revolution in a 1-0 loss at San Jose last week, and he is expected to be in the lineup when the team visits Sporting Kansas City Saturday night. White signed with the Revolution this week. Though Nguyen, 25, and White, 29, have been away for several years, both are still near the prime of their careers.

Lee Nguyen displayed composure and technical ability in his first game, changing the dynamic of the Revolution attack in a substitute role, and nearly providing the tying goal in the closing minutes. Nguyen, who played three times for the US national team in 2007, was with four teams in three countries before Vancouver selected him in an MLS reentry draft. The Revolution claimed Nguyen after he was waived by the Whitecaps last week.

The experience of Nguyen and White reflects the ambition and improving sophistication of young US players seeking to establish their value on the open market. Both earned enough to return to the MLS with a feeling of financial security. They also have proven themselves in difficult situations and add a level of professionalism to the Revolution.

“A lot of people don’t make it overseas because there are a few things you have to be able to adjust to – cultural, language barriers, and then homesickness,’’ said White.

Lee Nguyen played forward as a replacement for Fernando Cardenas last Saturday against San Jose. “He’s really good on the ball,’’ said Revolution coach Jay Heaps. “He’s one of those players who will never have a set position because he can be a striker, wide midfielder, a No. 10. I think he will try to find holes where he can get the ball. We have a few guys like that, and it’s a matter of getting them in the right spots so it’s kind of balanced.’’…

via Lee Nguyen, Jeremiah White bring a European savvy to New England Revolution – Sports – The Boston Globe.