For a league that is pumping millions into its player development apparatus and acquiring players from abroad, college soccer remains a viable pathway in producing MLS players.

That was on full display in Wednesday's mid-week matchup between the Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes. Of the 32 players who took the field, 23 came through a Division I college socer program.

While other teams around the league throw millions in transfer fees in building rosters, the matchup between the two squads served as a reminder that depth is available for much, much cheaper. Seattle won by a 3-2 score, leaving the Earthquakes in second place in the Western Conference, and the Sounders at fourth.

According to Capology, that approach allows the two teams to taste success despite having payrolls at 14 (Seattle) and 24 (San Jose). 

A one game sample does not prove that this is a success for winning an MLS Cup. But it serves as a reminder that building squad depth can be as simple as scouting college soccer, providing a pathway and then allowing players to work towards playing time.

Here's a look at who featured on Wednesday at Lumen Field:

Sounders

Starters: Andrew Thomas (Stanford), Kalani Kossa-Rienzi (Washington), Alex Roldan (Seattle), Jackson Ragen (Michigan), Nohou; Cristian Roldan (Washington), Snyder Brunell, Jesus Ferreira, Albert Rusnak, Paul Rothrock (Notre Dame/Georgetown); Danny Musovski (UNLV)

Subs: Jordan Morris (Stanford), Peter Kingston (Seattle/Washington), Hassani Dotson (Oregon State), Osaze De Rosario, Paul Arriola

Earthquakes

Starters: Daniel; Dave Romney (San Francisco), Reid Roberts (San Francisco), Max Floriani (Saint Louis), Jack Jasinski (Princeton); Noel Buck, Jonathan Gonzalez, Paul Marie (Florida International), Nick Fernandez (Portland), Jack Skahan (North Carolina); Nonso Adimabua (San Francisco/California)

Subs: Ian Harkes (Wake Forest), Preston Judd (California Baptist/Denver), Beau Leroux (San Jose State), Jamar Ricketts (CSUN), Ousseni Bouda (Stanford)

It would be surprising to see all MLS teams pursue this route. Both of these two teams, guided by older coaches (Bruce Arena for San Jose and Seattle's Brian Schmetzer), but the game is a snapshot that reminds observers how college soccer remains more than relevant as a pro pathway. 

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