Marc Connolly of MLSnet points out that it’s been great couple of weeks for several former MLS standouts. DaMarcus Beasley scored a crucial late winner for Manchester City last weekend with a stunning midfield run and an accurate right-foot finish. Later that day, fellow Chicago Fire alumnus Carlos Bocanegra, grabbed a shocking late equalizer against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Fulham’s Brian McBride-a former Columbus Crew player- has been starting and scoring regularly, and goalkeepers Tim Howard of Everton (MetroStars) and Brad Friedel (Columbus) of Blackburn continue to hold down their positions. The U.S. and MLS influence in the English Premier League may grow even bigger, as New England midfielder Clint Dempsey awaits a work permit that would see him join Bocanegra and McBride at Fulham; towering center-back Oguchi Onyewu-yet another Chicago alum-may be on his way to Fulham too, although his club Standard Liege wants more than the $1.9 million the London club offered earlier this week. Connolly says the kind of success being enjoyed by U.S. stars in England and elsewhere should have the next crop of U.S. youngsters feeling confident about where they are. And that’s what MLS is all about at the moment: developing its young players. Sure, the “Beckham Rule” is supposed to attract some star power to the league, but MLS is hopeful its youngsters like Kenny Cooper, Justin Mapp, Matthew Parkhurst and Chris Rolfe can one day overshadow its designated imports.