The Youth System in the ‘States has always been a bit of a sore subject. We have 300 million people, 3 million of who play youth soccer, yet we struggle to create the talent necessary to compete for the ultimate prize in International soccer, the World Cup. Those who follow U.S. Soccer closely tend to look to the youth squads to see how the national team will look in the future. While most players who play for the U-17s, U-20s or U-23s will never be serious contributors to the full national team, the stars of those teams tend to make the jump fairly quickly, Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies, and Stuart Holden are good examples of that. Continue reading “Looking South, The Shifting Focus of the U.S. U-20s”
Europe is a seemingly wonderful place. Each country has their own interesting culture, they speak different languages, and they worship soccer like no other sport. Yes, there is Rugby, Cricket, Cycling (a favorite of mine), but soccer is on another level, another echelon of fandom. Our young American soccer players grow up dreaming of one day putting on the colors of a European club, playing in the Emirates, or the Camp Nou. Youth players show up en masse at summer friendlies to see their favorite players in person, Rooney, Ronaldo, Messi and co. They work towards it, juggling, passing, learning tricks, all in a hope that they will one day be a professional in the sport they love, and ultimately, a professional in the most competitive leagues of Europe, experiencing a new culture, a new language perhaps, and a soccer obsessed society. Continue reading “Bob Bradley, and Breaking the European Managerial Barrier”
Of all the things that contributed to the United States Round of 16 exit at the 2010 World Cup, perhaps the most glaring deficiency of the team was the defensive cohesion. The Americans conceded first in all of their matches barring the Algeria game (although truly, they almost did in that one too, with a Algerian shot going off the cross bar) and found themselves climbing out of the grave time and time again. To be successful at a World Cup, a team doesn’t have to sparkle offensively, as long as their defense stays stout, and they can find timely goals. The Yanks had the latter, but not the former.
Continue reading “Pondering the Future of the American Back-Line”
Opportunities in life are far and few between. They come fleetingly, on the whims and wants of others, so when they do come, they must be taken, taken and pursued to the fullest. Continue reading “For Legacy and Pedigree, Clint Dempsey Should Take a Risk On a Big Club”
I’m thrilled right now. The US won their first game of the Olympics, against the opponent that undoubtedly is the easiest to beat. It wasn’t the most beautiful win, but we have 3 points out of a possible 3 points and that’s all that matters. We still have to play Nigeria and the Nedtherlands, but I think there’s a sunny outlook for these Olympics. Continue reading “USA 1-0 Japan: 6 Points to Think About”
Good Morning All. I was going to do a running commentary of the game as many of you know, but I slept right through my alarm this morning. That’s the price you pay for some jet lag I guess. Anyway, the US Olympians took a giant step towards qualification for the knockout rounds by winning against Japan. Stuart Holden’s 47th minute goal was the difference and the US held on for the win. Continue reading “USA Downs Japan 1-0 in Olympic Opener”
We’re less than a day away from the Olympics starting, and with no real soccer news to report yet today, we’re going to do a little guessing. Below are the Olympic groups and then below that, you place the teams that win and come in second in their groups where they are supposed to be. I think you guys get it. Continue reading “Olympic Soccer Predictions”
Not a long post here, Danny Szetela has been purchased by Brescia, a Serie B promotion contender, who he spent the second half of the year with. He went on loan from Racing de Santander in the winter in an effort to gain playing time. Szetela only appeared once for Santander which prompted his loan move to Brescia. There was a clause in the loan contract that allowed Brescia to buy Szetela after the loan was over, and they have exercised the option. We don’t know what the purchase price is, at least yet.
Once Szetela went on loan, he made ten appearances for the Serie B outfit, and obviously was good enough to keep around. Szetela is considred an outsider for an olympic squad place, and this move will most likely hinder his chances of making the team. Brescia will want to keep Szetela for the start of the Serie B season.
This is a good move for Szetela considering he appeared once for Santander. He is in Brescia’s plans and will probably get regular time in North Italy.
What do you think of Szetela joining Brescia? Is Szetela going to make the Olympic squad? Your thoughts are welcome.
Brad Friedel, the keeper who doesn’t age might just be the hottest American transfer target of the Summer. Friedel who plays for Blackburn has been told that he might not be the No. 1 next year at Ewood Park. New manager Paul Ince is looking at younger options, possibly a loan move for Scott Carson, or Ben Foster. Since the consistent Friedel has come available, his old manager, Mark Hughes wants to bring him to Manchester City. Today, we saw two more teams jump into the race. Continue reading “Brad Friedel (Bidding War Mania) Arsenal, Villa, City”
As we draw closer to the July 23rd deadline for submitting Olympic rosters, it is time for speculation to begin on who the USA should bring. Each team is allowed 18 players, three are allowed to be older than 22, the rest are not. Peter Nowak I’m sure, is busy calling players and their clubs as he tries to put together the best 18 players. Nowak also had to deal with a World Cup Qualifier on August 20th which potentially conflicts with the Olympics. All over-age call ups will also have to take into account the qualifier. So, here’s my take on the three over age players he should take. Continue reading “US Olympic Roster: Who Should the Three Overage Players Be?”
