I’ve never been much of a Benny Feilhaber fan.

Granted, I’ll always have some love for the guy after his 2007 Gold Cup golazo. Not only was his 73^rd minute volley a moment of technical brilliance, but it also stands as one the most important – and underrated – goals in American history. Without it, the Americans likely miss out on the 2009 Confederations Cup, meaning no upset of Spain and no pre-World Cup tune up.

But that strike aside, Feilhaber’s inconsistency in the national team has not helped endear him to my good graces. One game he’s a world beater, but the next he vanishes. His poor play in South Africa led to several broken lamps in my living room, for what it’s worth (doing my best to avoid “Fail” puns here, folks).

Still, when I found out Feilhaber was on his way back to Major League Soccer last week, I couldn’t help but get excited. Here’s a regular international, in his prime, coming back to play his trade in the States. I firmly believe that if MLS is going to continue to grow domestically, it takes as many Feilhabers and Jay DeMerits inspiring local markets of fans and young players as it does Theirry Henrys and (swallowing vomit) David Beckhams. Stronger players make for a stronger league, especially when those players have international experience.

Now, I’m certainly aware of the opposition to that sentiment. Hell, my good buddy Steve Cherundolo spoke out last week on the importance of American players moving abroad to develop their games, citing the importance those leagues’ relegation threats places on each game, as opposed to the sometimes casualness associated with many MLS matches.

I agree with Stevey C., for the most part. Yes, Stu Holden’s move to Bolton brought him to the forefront of the national squad, and Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, and Carlos Bocanegra head up the lengthy list of MLS’ers whose international moves made all of U.S. soccer better.

But all of those players, Holden excepted, grew up in a different age of MLS. Before Beckham, the league was all export, and no import. We sent players abroad to grow, while the fledgling league sought to find its feet.

In the age of the DP, however, MLS has begun bringing in quality. I’ll concede that Henry, Rafa Marquez, Omar Bravo, and several other big DP signings are past their primes. But the experience and knowledge they bring to the field – not to mention the oodles of media attention and attendance revenues they generate – have removed the Mickey Mouse ears from the league.

No longer is America a soccer colony of raw goods, exported to more mature markets for refinement. We’re now developing our own quality players, building youth academies, graduating homegrown players into first teams. In short, we’re taking the steps toward international prominence – developing a national infrastructure, organizing player development, and producing a quality product on the pitch.

Change won’t come overnight. Barring a miracle, the Yanks won’t hoist the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. But the necessary steps are being made, and the leap from 10 years ago to now is worth noting.

So how does Feilhaber fit into all of this? In short, his return to MLS highlights a broader trend in American soccer. To be a regular international, to play in Gold Cups and qualifiers, to be on Bob Bradley’s list of favorites, you’ve got to play. Period.

No longer is being a “European player” prestigious enough for a call up. The days of Frank Simek and Bobby Convey getting call ups just because they play in England are done. Bob Bradley has enough talent to choose from that he’s able to pick players who are getting regular time, regardless of where they are playing. That includes MLS players – just ask Edson Buddle, who was a World Cup player while tallying goal after goal for the Galaxy, but is now an afterthought as a bench player in the German second division.

Feilhaber, like Charlie Davies and Jay DeMerit, saw the emerging depth in the international pool. Perhaps if Benny were a younger, developing player, remaining abroad would have served him well. But, like Davies, DeMerit, and even the appositional Buddle, Feilhaber’s technical abilities have little room for growth. For these veterans, playing time in a good league is more important than practice time in a “European” league.

Feilhaber is a microcosm of the increase in reputation MLS is earning among the older aspiring internationals. I wish the best of luck to the Alejandro Bedoyas and Connor Doyles of U.S. Soccer, whose development would greatly benefit from time abroad. But those players on the other side of 25 should heed the call home.

And if Feilhaber’s debut for New England is any indicator, his chances of making this summer’s Gold Cup roster, particular in Holden’s absence, are much increased.  Eddie Johnson, Ricardo Clark, and (gasp!) Freddy Adu would do well to take note.

I don’t doubt European moves are best for many players. But playing in Europe for the sake of playing in Europe is sillier than a rain coat in the Kalahari. As MLS is slowly, but surely, emerging as one of the best leagues in the Western Hemisphere, it’s time for some of our exports to return home.