It may have gone fairly unnoticed with all of the interest in the World Cup, but there has been a major shift in selection for the U.S. U-20s, which is an indication of a shifting philosophy.

In may, the U-20s participated in the Cor Groenewegan, an international tournament in Holland.  The roster had 9 Americans playing abroad, 4 in MLS, 4 from college, 1 from USL, and 2 from the Development Academy.  For recent times, this is a fairly normal team makeup.  Americans Abroad, MLS, and College supply the lion’s share of the players.  The more interesting news came more recently, when Thomas Rongen released his roster for a domestic camp in California.

This roster had 10 from college, 8 from Mexico, 3 from the Development Academy, and 1 from Brazil, Costa Rica, and Portugal a piece.  USSF has often been criticized for ignoring the Hispanic population, but the makeup of this squad suggests that USSF has learned from their past mistakes.

At Copa Chivas, a tournament in Mexico that the U-20s participated in, the U.S. competed against their peers from Mexico and around the world, and were largely bested.  The ultimate embarrassment came when the U-20s played Tigres, a team that had 8 players eligible to play for the U.S., and were beaten on a goal by Moises Orozco, an American himself.

Rongen and USSF learned from their mistakes and have since mined Mexico for the best talent they had previously been ignorant of.

This Year’s World Cup squad had 5 players with any ethnic ties to the hispanic community in America.  It is quite possible, considering that USSF is finally taking notice of the wealth of talent available from the hispanic community, that the makeup of future World Cup teams will change drastically.  This new interest will also hopefully avoid issues like that of Edgar Castillo, a player who was ignored by the U.S. youth system, and found his way onto the Mexican National team shortly thereafter (Castillo obviously switched allegiances later, but he was initially ignored).  It also will bring a new type of player to the team, as players who have played in Mexico often tend to be more technical and creative than their counterparts.

For too many years, USSF has been ignoring the soccer-mad Hispanic community.  This recent shift though will do nothing but improve the player pool, and add talent and depth.  USSF has finally got it right, and in the years to come, the National Team will reap the benefits of USSF’s new philosophy on youth team selection.

–Max Zeger

Follow me on twitter @mcmz403 for news, banter, and opinion.

This phenomenon is relatively new.  20 years ago, there was little prospect of a talented youth turning pro, as their was no domestic league, and the European scouts rarely ventured this side of the Atlantic to find kids.  Over time though, the situation changed changed.  Champions League, EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga matches were beamed in to American televisions, a domestic league sprouted up boasting American, Latin, and European talent, and the European clubs started coming to the U.S. to play friendlies and grow their fan bases.  The youth now saw an outlet, a path to stardom, a path to a career as a soccer player.

They followed the path.

The World Cup team of 2010 had 17 players who were living their dream of playing in Europe, many of who were playing upon the pitches they saw through their televisions as teenagers.

Many of the Americans who have played in Europe have since hung up their boots have gone on to be coaches, technical directors, or managers in the game.  Not surprisingly though, no U.S. Manager has ever been appointed to manage a European club in a top European League.  Most of the former players have gone on to find jobs in MLS, but very few have found the same jobs available across the Atlantic.  In order for American players to inundate European leagues, their were American trailblazers that made it possible.  In the same way, American soccer needs managerial trailblazers.

As of now, there is only one man who has taken an important role off the pitch in Europe, Earnie Stewart.  Stewart, who was born in Holland is currently the Technical Director of AZ Alkmaar, but Stewart isn’t a manager, the man deciding the tactics and lineup each week.  Stewart also had the benefit of being raised in Europe, a factor that helped him get a job originally at NAC Breda where he played for 7 years.

Stewart is obviously well respected in Dutch soccer circles, earning that respect through 16 years of playing in Holland.  Bob Bradley, if he gets a job would do so as a complete outsider, the first of his kind.  Respect though, is seemingly what it takes to earn a job in Europe, and Bradley has earned that respect.

Bob Bradley, one of the most successful managers in MLS history, with an MLS Cup and 2 US Open Cups to his name, was a success in his first high profile job.  He led the United States to a Gold Cup title, a second place finish at the 2009 Confederations Cup, first place in CONCACAF Qualifying, and the Round of 16 at the World Cup.  The Confederations Cup run, and a couple of impressive performances on European soil was what made European clubs stand up and notice him, though.  Good performances against Poland and Spain in 2008, and a masterful win over Spain last summer certainly turned heads.  Throughout the final year of his tenure, it became common knowledge that Bradley wanted a job in Europe, and the respect he had earned gave him a real shot of getting one.

Bradley, who is mild mannered, and a good man manager fostered a great team spirit in the past four years, and although his tactical decisions were not always perfect, he showed an adept ability at adjusting on the fly.  Many clubs in Europe are searching for managers as the common post-World Cup scramble begins, and Bob Bradley is one of many names floating around.  The Mail on Sunday has in fact reported that Bob Bradley is being looked at to replace the departing Roy Hodgson at Fulham.

Beyond the fact that Bradley is a capable manager, he also brings a predisposition towards certain Americans he has coached for the past four years.  Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, and Clint Dempsey are all sought after commodities this summer, and having Bradley at the helm surely would be a good recruiting tool.

Bradley may stay on as the National Team Manager, he may take some time away from the game, but most likely of all, he will pursue a job in Europe as his reputation is at the highest it has ever been.

Once upon a time, there was a barrier that prevented American players from playing abroad.  The likes of John Harkes, Eric Wynalda, Earnie Stewart, and Dale Mulholland paved the way for others to follow in their footsteps.  In fact, much of the growing reputation today of American soccer can be attributed to the many who play abroad, and indirectly to those who came before them.

In the same fashion, Bob Bradley can break the managerial barrier by landing a job in Europe, and pave the way for the future managers and ex-players to follow him.

–Max Zeger

Follow Max on twitter @mcmz403 for news, banter, and opinion.

For teams like the U.S. who have some attacking talent, the difference between a deep run and an early exit can be  a strong defense.  At the next World Cup, it can be assumed that Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore will all on the squad, four players that are capable of producing goals (I know Jozy is suspect, but four years is a long time to improve).  The United States has never needed a better goalie, and at 35, Tim Howard will be in the prime of his career.  Thus, a deep run at the 2014 World Cup will come down to the strength of the defense.

On paper, the current U.S. backline looks solid.  The first choice lineup (when all are healthy) of Steve Cherundolo, Oguchi Onyewu, Jay DeMerit, and Carlos Bocanegra sounds solid, but it is quite clear that there is room for improvement, and it is unlikely that even half of the backline will still be a fixture in the squad come 2014.

Carlos Bocanegra, Captain America, will be 35 years old in 2014, and unlikely to play a role even if he does make the team.  Steve Cherundolo and Jay DeMerit due to their ages, 35 and 34 respectively are also likely in the same boat.  Oguchi Onyewu will be 32, not too old to figure.  I expect him to start in Brazil.  Perhaps some success in Italy would make him a more seasoned and dependable player.

The More pressing question will be who partners Onyewu in central defense, or in the event that Onyewu is no longer a viable starter, which two will play?  A cursory scan of MLS and former youth teams would reveal two candidates, Omar Gonzalez and Ike Opara.  Both are big physical centerbacks capable of patrolling the area and bossing opposing forwards.  Gonzalez has already been in a U.S. camp this past winter, Opara, a rookie in the league was a youth national team fixture in the past, and with some maturation that will come with experience, he can combine tactical savvy with his fantastic physical abilities.  These two have high ceilings.  Some others in the running are Chad Marshall who plays for Columbus, and Clarence Goodson who looks likely to move to Odense in Denmark in the near future.  I doubt either will be starters, but they certainly could fill in in case of injury or poor form.

Steven Cherundolo seems unlikely to play a part in four years, and Jonathan Spector is his ready made replacement.  Spector is a great attacking wing back who whips in the ball dangerously from the wing.  He is fragile defensively though, and he will need to improve his marking and awareness if the U.S. back line is to be strong in Brazil.

Left back is perhaps the most concerning position.  Bocanegra is unlikely to feature, and Bornstein, who started twice in South Africa is not skilled enough to inspire confidence among the fans.  For 2014, I’d look to three players to potentially start at left back.  Heath Pearce, who was cut from the 30-man roster will be 29 in four years, and is good going forward.  Edgar Castillo, who switched FIFA registrations to be eligible for the U.S. will also compete.  A sleeper pick for the spot would be Kofie Sarkodie, who currently plays at Akron, but is highly touted by MLS Scouts.

The back line in Brazil will likely be a far cry from the one that appeared in South Africa.  Age has hit for many, and with it, the necessity for change.  The U.S. will need a strong back line if they want to make a run in the tournament, and at this early stage, the picture on the back line looks very hazy, especially with many of the stalwarts of old likely moving on.

Time will tell, but i’ll take Spector, Gonzalez, Onyewu, and Pearce.

–Max Zeger

Greg Seltzer (of MLSSoccer and No Short Corners fame) talked to Dempsey’s agent, Lyle Yorks about a potential move away from Craven Cottage.  Yorks said there were “Big Clubs” looking at Dempsey in France and Italy.

My purpose is not to ponder and conjecture about where Dempsey will end up, whether it is ultimately at Fulham, or somewhere else, it is rather to say that if the opportunity comes to join a big club, he should take it.

Dempsey is at the prime of his career, coming off a World Cup where he was arguably the best player for his team, a team that won its group, and on another day, would be competing in a quarterfinal tomorrow.  He has Europa League experience, he was the Bronze ball winner at last year’s Confederations Cup, just behind Luis Fabiano and Kaka, two players who’s transfer fees alone are ten times more than that of Dempsey, and he has a never say die attitude, the mentality of winner.

Dempsey’s mentality is perhaps is most useful quality.  just when things are looking most bleak, he arises with magic, a cunning back heel, a daring run, or a crucial goal.  Demspey has been the x-factor, the game changer on every professional team he has ever played on.  He was New England’s star, playing with flair and panache.  When he moved to Fulham, he once again assumed the same role.  He scored the goal to keep Fulham up against Liverpool in 2007, and once again a stunning chip this past season to knock out mighty Juventus from the Europa League.  At the Confederations Cup, he scored clinching goals against Egypt and Spain.

Landon Donovan is undoubtedly the Poster Boy of the National Team, and he his performances serve to substantiate the claim.  Clint Dempsey will never be the leading scorer, assister, or cap-winner on the National Team, but he has an opportunity to eclipse Donovan in the club soccer world.

In the Modern Era, no American field player has ever featured with regularity and success for a top club in one of the top European Leagues (No, I don’t count Damarcus Beasley at PSV).  Donovan, although he enjoyed success at Everton, couldn’t cut it at Bayern Munich or Bayer Leverkusen, the two top clubs he played for.  Dempsey has a chance, with a move to a big side, to cement his legacy as the best American club player of all time.

People have been saying for a long time that what America needs is a superstar player to root for, to get behind, to support.  It wasn’t Freddy Adu, but perhaps it is Clint Dempsey.  Everywhere Dempsey has played, he has done well, and with his recent glowing performances in Europe and for the National Team, he is primed for success at whichever club he moves to.

Especially for the longevity of the National Team, the American Youth need a trailblazer at Europe’s top clubs, somebody who they can look to for inspiration.  Most assumed it would be some young star, but perhaps it is Clint Dempsey, one already among our ranks.

If some storied European Club comes calling, he shouldn’t shy away or fear he wouldn’t get playing time.  He should take his chance, as it may only come once, and cement his legacy as the best club soccer player this country has ever produced.

–Max Zeger

Marvel Wynne

The man is amazing.  I didn’t think he was all that good in Olympic qualification but he is proving himself to be something else.  Not only did he provide the service for the only goal, Japan couldn’t attack down the left flank, he completely shut them down.  When they got a step on him, he ran them down, when there was a 50-50 ball, he muscled them off the ball.  Wynne was man of the match for me, and I’m sure for most of you who watched the game.

Sacha Kljestan

Without a doubt, Sacha is an excellent player, but against Japan, he was disappointing.  He too often gave away the ball, and his passing was not as crisp as it usually was.  I’d like to see Benny Feilhaber start the next match, but Nowak might not want to change the lineup they used today.

Midfield

Bravo! With the exception of some errant Kljestan passes, the US midfield was exceptional.  Stuart Holden and Robbie Rogers were great up the wings, and Michael Bradley was on top of his game.  The level of comfort the midfield has developed showed in their quick passing and smart play.  A great day for the US midfield.

Freddy Adu

What happened to Freddy?  We were all touting him as one of our few offensive hopes, but he wasn’t that affective today.  He had a few decent attempts, but none of them were anything special.  When he got the ball, he had trouble beating defenders.  To his credit however, he was subject to double teaming a lot, but when that happens you have to be willing and able to pass to the open teammate, Adu struggled with that today.

Defense

As a whole, a strong performance by the defense.  They played as a group, and didn’t allow to many good chances.  The Parkhurst-Edu team worked well, and most of the attacking play was forced to the wings because of their strong presence.  Michael Orozco wasn’t great today, probably due to the fact he’s playing out of position, but he wasn’t a liability.  He was strong and poised and didn’t allow too many players to go up the right flank.

Brian Mcbride

He didn’t really get involved too much.  It was a little disappointing to see McBride not get many balls, but it is difficult playing forward by yourself.  McBride certainly starts again next game, but the question for Peter Nowak is whether or not he brings Altidore in to give him some support.

What were your guys’ reactions to the game?  Who impressed, Who disappointed?  Any thoughts on the game go below.

A Huge step forward for the US.  If the US had failed to beat Japan, they were in some trouble, but they were able to win and now they’re in good shape to advance.  Although, with games upcoming against Nedtherlands and Nigeria, nothing is gauranteed.

The Lineup was as follows:

—————Guzan——————–
–Wynne – Edu – Parkhurst – Orozco–

–Holden – Bradley – Kljestan – Rogers–

—————Adu———————

——————–McBride (capt.)——

The big omission from the lineup was obviously Jozy Altidore who came on as a “super sub” in the 74th minute.  

Let’s hear your thoughts on the game, the lineup, the opposition, the prospects for advancement to the next round, all your thoughts go below.

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.

Feel free to discuss the picks after you’ve entered them.

Group A: Argentina, Australia, Ivory Coast, Serbia.

Group B: Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, USA

Group C: Belgium, Brazil, New Zealand, China

Group D: Cameroon, Honduras, Italy, South Korea

Predictions

Group A Winners:
Group A Runners Up:

Group B Winners:
Group B Runners Up:

Group C Winners:
Group C Runners Up:

Group D Winners:
Group D Runners Up:

QF #1 – Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D:
QF #2 – Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C:
QF #3 – Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B:
QF #4 – Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A:

SF #1 – QF 1 Winner v QF 3 Winner:
SF #2 – QF 2 Winner v QF 4 Winner:

Final – SF #1 Winner v SF #2 Winner:

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.

The surprise bidder in the Friedel sweepstakes is Arsenal.  Arsene Wenger has long been an admirer of Friedel and could make a shock bid for Friedel’s services.  

What do you think about Friedel potentially moving?  What is the best destination for him, or should he stay?  Your thoughts below. 

Forward

Peter Nowak has a lot of talented options at his disposal for his 3 over-age players.  The first player that he should pick is Brian Mcbride.  Mcbride is not only a proven goal scorer at the highest level, he is also a forward who can possess and control play.  His physical size and his international experience make him a shoe in for one of the over-age spots.  He is also retired from the full national team so, Nowak doesn’t have to worry about his availability for the match against Guatemala.

Defender

The next player Nowak should choose is a central defender.  With Jonathan Spector out with an injury, the defense needs some re-enforcements.  Carlos Bocanegra is the perfect man for the job.  He can partner Michael Orozco who did a fantastic job in qualifying in the center of defense.  Bocanegra makes sense because of his physical prowess and his aerial ability.  His leadership and charisma would also be invaluable to the team.

Goalie

The last spot is a tough one to decide upon.  Do you go with a play-maker or a strong goalie.  Nowak could justify taking a Damarcus Beasley or a Landon Donavan, but what he really needs is a reliable goalie.  The first that might come to mind is Tim Howard, or Brad Guzan, but I think Nowak will have trouble getting them released from their clubs (they also will probably be involved in the qualifiers).  Howard is very important to Everton and Guzan will probably be at Villa trying to settle in to a starting spot.  Nowak could look to an aging Kasey Keller but I think he should take Marcus Hanhemann.  Hanhemann plays for Reading in the championship and his release would be considerably easier to get than Guzan or Howard.  Marcus is a premiership quality goalie and he could be an invaluable asset to the team if chosen.

There you have it, my picks for the over-age spots on the Olympic squad.  What do you think?  Would you take different players?  Are the correct positions covered?  Let your voice be heard below.