David Marlow St. Albans, Vt. What is the foreign-player policy for the MLS? Is there a limit on the number of foreign athletes who are able to play on a team. What is your opinion on the number of foreign athletes who come over here to play? Do you think it takes away from the U.S. players? Ridge Mahoney: David, each MLS team is permitted four foreign players, all of whom may play at any time. There are dozens of foreigners playing in the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball, and the general consensus is that players who are good enough to compete at this level should be given the opportunity. For MLS, foreigners mean fewer roster slots for American players, but having quality, experienced players from other countries enhances the league and also provides the competition and teamwork that can accelerate the development of American players. MLS has reduced the number of foreigners per team from five to four since it began operations. While the quality of foreign players has ranged from excellent to pathetic, I do think the majority of them bring flair and skill few Americans can match, and thus contribute to a more attractive competition. (If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click “Q&A with SA Editors” in the left column of the home page under “Interactive.”)