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Soccer Goals: Hoping that Christmas would come early in the form of dynamic play making prospects for years to come, the Nike Friendlies demonstrated that the US U-17 squad must improve dramatically to reach the level of the 2007 class.

 

Soccer Videos: USA vs Brazil Nike Friendlies

 

 

 

 

But, luckily, although my Christmas stocking was not completely stuffed full of coal, several warm gifts reminded me that hope still exists.  Although I will not evaluate every player, I will give you an idea of who impressed, who I want to see more of and those that failed miserably.

 

Stock rising

Alfred Koroma (left winger): After hearing about his potential several years ago, several insiders alluded to his potential based more on his physical attributes than his skill, which is why he dominated at the youth level. That being said, I figured that Koroma would draw comparisons along the lines of Eddie Johnson and Marcus Tracey, great athletes who rely on their physical tools. However, this player proved that his skill overshadows his physical attributes. His dribbling, pace, and attacking sense showcased itself at the tourney, proving that he could be the top player from this generation. Although senseless touches and lumbering speed of play hindered his game ocassionally, there is no doubt that the other competition struggled with his skill set and versatility to play at both striker and winger. It is conceivable that he could have contributed on the u-17 side that played in Nigeria.

 

Marc Pelosi (Left Back): Although left back has been the Achilles heel of the USMNT, the U-17's have cultivated two strong candidates at the left back position (Tyler Polak of the 2007 class). The consistent and dependable wing back demonstrated a strong performance despite a poor center back pairing. His passing, defense, and menacing runs could provide hope for the future. In addition, his versatility shined brightly as he was able to shift to  a central midfield position, where he ushered various attacking sequences while linking up the attack.

 

Andrew Oliver (right wing): demonstrated glimpses of his pace and skill, resembling skills of winger, Kamani Hill or Sal Zizzo. Though he was able to create flank space, his runs would usually create too much of a gap between teammates, which would isolate himself from teammates, where he then would be surrounded by three defenders. Placed in a 4-4-2 would suit his skills where he could play off both forwards or wing back.

 

Kellen Gulley, Forward: Of all the forwards, Gulley impressed the most being able to hold up play,  while allowing time for the midfield to make daunting runs. Although not the fastest forward, his size created match-up problems for many of his opponents. His dribbling, passing, and finishing proved dangerous, as he did score against Brazil to secure a 1-1 with the Samba kings.

 

I want to see more

Nicholas Melo (central midfield): Entering each game in the second half, Melo offered a calming factor to the team which created a more fluid passing game. By not forcing passes and playing simple, his play alleviated pressure and created opportunities for his teammates. Truthfully, I was more impressed with his simple play than play maker Gijon.

 

Tarik Salcic (central midfield): comparisons could be drawn between Palodichuk and Salcic as strong and composed central midfielders. His first game performance impressed but was used sparingly in games two and three due to an injury.

 

Atsou Ayah (central midfield): After the first game against Brazil, I proposed to cancel his residency contract, as I watched him commit multiple turnovers, dangerous tackles, suspect defensive coverage, and little positional sense. Coach Cabrera rightly removed Ayah in the 38th minute, which in my opinion should have been in the first 20 minutes. Although he did improve in the second game, despite his penchant for hard and dangerous tackles, his third game offered a glimpse of his box-to-box potential. Finding his rhythm was crucial as he performed well despite the other team struggling. He must improve his fitness and continue to work on his skill and short passing game.

 

Ive Burnet (left back): provided great coverage for Pelosi, while demonstrating great pace and defensive skills.

 

Unimpressive players

Nathan Smith/Andrew Souders (center back): The starting center back tandem provided some draw dropping defensive moments (wow did they really just let up two easy goals like that). Positional sense and good communication lacked for most the tourney. In their defense, it did not help that the central midfield were caught of position on multiple occasions. If I were in Cabrera's shoes, I would start scouring the lands for more center backs. They just don't cut it.

 

Fernando Pina (keeper): produced two eye-gouging performances with one decent one stacked in the middle. Although he makes a spectacular save from time to time, his positional sense and instincts cause great concern, as he was caught with his pants down on several occassions leaving the goal completely exposed. His play resembled that of an improv comedy sketch which was complimented well with the clownish performance of the center back duo.  I have to admit his play was comical  -- I had a few laughs myself.

 

Irvin Gijon, playmaker: From first glance, his skills and vision proved very convincing, but after the first 20 minutes, his play began to fade, as he forced passes when other options were more viable. Justifying his place in the starting Xl and adjusting the formation to fit his skills seems to waver from the logic that made Spock, Captain Kirk's right-hand man. His skill can impress during moments of the game, but I do not rate him higher than Marlon Duran a central midfielder from the 2007 class (who I do not rate as highly as others might).

 

It is important to remind everyone that these were a set of friendlies, but the USA must continue to improve and develop their player pool. If the players have reached their ceiling or better options are available, I hope that US Soccer will identify these players and bring them to residency. Good luck to all the new Residency players and those striving to make a difference in the USMNT scene.

 

Which player stood out in your opinion? Will Koroma be the break out player of the group? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: 2009 Nike Friendlies - Player Evaluations

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Soccer Goals: The perpetual hype surrounding the U-17 USYNT took another blow on Thursday, as the US side narrowly escaped with a 1-0 victory against Malawi. The USA asserted their dominance from the first whistle, pressing the African side with numerous offensive sequences.

 

Having chosen to attack the Malawians from the initial whistle, the game embodied a similiar rhythm as the USA vs Spain: USA controlled the possession while Spain capitalized efficiently and swiftly on the counter attack. The US defense would proclaim a different outcome, though,  by playing the off side trap to perfection causing 18-offside calls. The US' defensive play contrasted their Spain performance by holding an organized line while ushering away dangerous attacks. Squandering an open look in the 43rd minute, the Malawians could have assumed the lead, but Eriq Zavaleta blocked an open shot and cleared his line.

 

Despite having vastly improved their defensive play, the USA's offense sputtered exhibiting inconsistent passing and lack of patience, which stifled several promissing attacking sequences. US' 2009 leading goal scorer, Jack McInerney, struggled with his decision making and first touch. Considering that his CONCACAF qualifying performance produced wonder goals and stellar play, speculation exists to why his play has faltered over the past two games. Receiving the ball in dangerous areas, he shied away from his former cerebral approach, taking wasteful and extra touches and or playing slowly out of pressure.

 

McInerney should not bare all the blame for the stagnant offense. The midfield did not play the ball quickly and failed to utilze the flank width to create gaps for McInerny and Chavez. Alex Shinsky's play created  width and active runs, but errant touches stifled the US attack. Hustle and work rate finally came to fruition when a rebound and shot on goal created the game winner, as the Malawi goalkeeper scooped up the shot but ended up rolling through his legs. The anticlimatic goal gave the USA the lead but further demonstrated, that the US must improve their passing game, finishing, and patience in the final offensive third.

 

If the USA hopes to advance out of the group stages, they must improve in all offensive facets of the game, while also balancing both their defensive responsibilities and penchant for the attack. Providing width will create space for Luis Gil, Jack McInerney, and Stefan Jerome to dribble penetrate in the center of the final third. Patient play, tactical awareness, and technical passing will eventually pay dividends, as the game progresses and as their opponents tire. This team's performance must improve dramatically if they hope to advance from the group stage and move forward in the tournament.

 

Despite boasting a prolific technical ability, not previously seen at the U-17 level, the US must demonstrate and showcase the development that has transpired in the past two years. Returning to the basics will accomplish this feat Otherwise, many pundits will continue to question our youth systems.

 

The talent does exist: Now it is time to show it.

 

Player Grades

Earl Edwards, 6.5: Stayed relatively quiet because the US administered a mean offside trap. Came off his line well and kept a clean sheet.

 

Zachary Herald, 6: Advanced in the attack providing width for the first 15 minutes but settled into defense, meshing well to offer a solid offside trap. His speed and midfield support alleviates pressure under a clustered midfield.

 

Eriq Zavaleta, 7: The towering center back has created organization and compliments Watts' distribution game. Contributing more offensively on set pieces will create throbbing headaches for opposing defenses.

 

Jared Watts, 6.5: Under the Zavaleta pairing, the technical center back has raised his level of play. Their on-field communication, which drew numerous offside calls, limited the Malawi attack.

 

Tyler Polak, 8: Defensive positioning, timely attacking, composed passing, and menancing runs were on point all game. Providing an almost perfect performance, the 2014 left back position could be bostered by his last two efforts,, combined with his continued development. In the second half he stole the ball on a Malawi counter, he played a give-and-go and dribbled into the box for a dangerous run to force a Malawi clearance. His play has been the most impressive after the first two games.

 

Nick Palodichuk, 6: Considering that Duran and Gil have garned a majority of the attention for visionary passing, Palodichuk held his own with several deadly balls into the box and defense-splitting touches. His support of the more advanced midfielders established more offensive continuity. But, he must improve his field communication with Duran to maintain a defensive-safety valve to prevent a potential, swift counter attack.

 

Marlon Duran, 5: After watching his 2008 and early 2009 perfomances, I must temper my expectations for his play. Although he is technically gifted, he still has yet to utilize his abilities to settle down the speed of play. If he dictates the game tempo better, the US attack will flourish with their dearth of talent. Needing to improve his off-the-ball support and defensive intensity, the diminutive midfielder has underachieved up to this point.

 

Alex Shinsky, 6: Just when you think that he has made an incredible play, he disappoints with a poor touch or bad decision. His hustle and energy exceeded all players on the team, which, also, lead to the game winning goal. To raise his game to the next level, the frail winger must improve his crossing, decision making and creativty. In my halftime notes, I wrote that he should be subbed out at halftime. However, Coach Cabrera remained faithful in his skills which ultimately earned them the full points.

 

Luis Gil, 5: For all the hype the Callifornia player has garnered, he has yet to reach the high bar previously set by Freddy Adu. Although his technical ability is very evident, he squandered an open 1v1 opportunity in the second half against the Malawi keeper, sending the ball wide right. Implementing him in his most ideal position could bear fruit as he tends to drift centrally. By playing true wingers while he is slotted in the central midfield, Gil could exploit opposing defenses with his new found space which could facilitate his dribble penetration and vision. Quoting Floyd "Money" Mayweather, step your game up, son. He boasts the tools to do it.

 

Victor Chavez, 5: Provided great energy, hold-up play, and attacking runs but did not result in goals. It is not that he played a poor game but rather he does not mesh well with McInerny, causing congestion centrally in the final third. As soon as Andrew Craven relieved Chavez, his wide play created more space for the team. Perhaps a Craven/Jerome paired with Chavez would yield better results.

 

Jack McInerney, 4.5: Continuing his indecision and poor finishing from the previous game, when will McInerney get his mojo back?  When receiving the ball in the final third with defenders hovering around him, he simply must release the ball much quicker than in the World Cup. Having been dispossessed on numerous occassions against Spain was unforgivable but continuing the skeptical play again in the Malawi match is simply unacceptable. Coach Cabrera must consider relegating the Georgia native to a bench role.

 

Subs

Andrew Craven, 6.5: After replacing the ineffective Chavez, Craven's exploits took immediate effect, creating flank width and speed.  His menacing run and back heel flick unsettled the Malawi defense. His inclusion created instant energy that would lead to the goal two minutes later. While Cabrera deployed Craven wide the US attacking sequences resembled 2008's successfull play.

 

Carlos Martinez, 5: Entered the game for Alex Shinsky, displaying a decent performance. Although he did not display his offensive prowess, his work rate proved sky high, while his speed and size has improved in the past two years. The offensive midfielder should receive the starting position on the wing, which would move Gil to his more natural position. Martinez could provide the attacking prowess needed to create a more lethal US attack.

 

What did you think of the U-17s performance? Will they improve their play in the next game? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals and soccer videos: U-17 USYNT escapes with a 1-0 victory over Malawi

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Soccer Goals: With the US U-20 roster appearing deeper than years past making the selection a more ardous task, Thomas Rongen named  his 21-man roster for the U-20 World Cup in Egypt next month. Brek Shea, Dill Duka, Peri Marosevic, Jared Jeffrey, Mikkel Diskerud, Dilly Duka, and Peri Marosevic highlight the US roster, as they prepare to advance far in the tournament.

 

Despite not featuring Marquee Players, such as Freddy Adu, Robbie Rogers, Jozy Altidore, and Michael Bradley, the US U-20 offers balance from the back line to forward. Several European contingents, Mikkel Diskerud and Jared Jeffrey,  bolster the squad with their European experience and training. Although this squad might not score the wonder goals from the brilliance and creativity of Freddy Adu, the defensive unit has been upgraded with a very experienced and stable core of players.

 

Hitting the US youth soccer scene in a meteoric rise, midfielders Dilly Duka and Dillon Power offer the vision and creativity, couple that with the consistent hold-up play of Peri Marosevic and the speed of Brek Shea and Tony Taylor, the U-20 squad could surprise teams.

 

Proving that the team offered an abundance of talent, Gregory Garza, Vincenzo Bernardo, Bryan Arguez, Felix Garcia, Matt Luzanaris, Ellis McLoughlin, and Guiseppe Nazzani were several omissions that could prove costly if the squad struggles.

 

The US U-20 MNT  play in a group that includes Germany (Sept. 26, ESPN Classic or Galavision at 9:55am), Cameroon (Sept. 29, ESPN2 at 12:30pm) and South Korea (Oct. 2, ESPN2 at 12:40pm). The other two US games will be televised lived on ESPN 2 and tape delayed on Galavision.

 

Here is the Roster By position:

GOALKEEPERS (3):Sean Johnson (Central Florida; Lilburn, Ga.), Josh Lambo (FC Dallas; Middleton, Wis.), Brian Perk (UCLA; Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.)
DEFENDERS (6): Gale Agbossoumonde (Miami FC; Syracuse, N.Y.), Kyle Davies (FC Dallas; Danville, Calif.), Aaron Maund (Notre Dame; Dorchester, Mass.), Ike Opara (Wake Forest; Durham, N.C.), Anthony Wallace (FC Dallas; St. Petersburg, Fla.), Sheanon Williams (Unattached; Boston, Mass.)
MIDFIELDERS (8):Danny Cruz (Houston Dynamo; Glendale, Ariz.), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabak; Oslo, Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers; Montville, N.J.), Jorge Flores (Chivas USA; Anaheim, Calif.), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge; Richardson, Texas), Brian Ownby (Virginia; Glen Allen, Va.), Dillon Powers (Notre Dame; Plano, Texas), Michael Stephens (UCLA; Naperville, Ill.)
FORWARDS (4):Sam Garza (Denver; Highland Village, Texas), Peri Marosevic (FC Dallas; Rockford, Ill.), Brek Shea (FC Dallas; College Station, Texas), Tony Taylor (Jacksonville; Jacksonville, Fla.) 

 

What do you think of the U-20 Roster? DId Coach Rongen make the right decisions? What exclusions were most glaring? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Rongen releases 21-man roster for the U-20 World Cup

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Soccer Goals: Punishing C.A. Tiro Federal with two Jorge Flores' goals, Thomas Rongen's club gained confidence moving to their matchup against Uruguay. In the 19th minute, Flores scored a tap-in goal from a Sheanon Williams' mishandled cross. 

 

During the conclusion of the second half, Michael Stephens won a loose ball along the right side, sending it to forward Fuad Ibrahim who carried it to the top of the box dishing it off to Jorge Flores.  Darting into the box, Flores rifled a strike into the near post for a goal in the 83rd minute.

 

 

Lineups:
USA: 24-Brian Perk, 4-Sheanon Williams, 2-Gale Agbossoumonde, 6-Ike Opara, 3-Anthony Wallace; 11-Jorge Flores, 10-Dilly Duka, 19-Dillon Powers, 16-Brian Ownby (8-Michael Stephens, 83); 14-Sam Garza (5-Gerson Mayen, 70), 12-Tony Taylor (9-Fuad Ibrahim, 67)
Subs Not Used: 18-Josh Lambo, 7-Cesar Zamora
Head Coach: Thomas Rongen

Tiro Fed.: 1-Federico Consentino, 2-Eduardo Neumayer, 3-Nicolas Benitez, 4-Ezequiel Benitez, 5-Gonzalo Cozzoni, 6-Franco Lazzaroni, 7-Bernardo Cuesta, 8-Hector Rueda, 9-Leandro LeDesma, 10-Cristian Morales, 11-Damian Navarro
Subs Not Used: 12-Emanuel Erazu, 13-Juan Cassarini, 14-Facundo Fabello, 15-Ezequiel Avila, 16-Emanuel Pajon, 17-Ivan Saucedo, 18-Gaston Pent, 19-Gustavo Bento, Braian Cucco
Head Coach: Jose Preuit

 

 

U-20 USMNT Defeat Uruguay in Penalty Shootout

 Despite playing a man down for over 63 minutes, the US U-20 side held a scoreles draw with Uruguay, resulting in a 5-4 penalty shootout. 

 

Providing a spetacular penalty save against Trinidad & Tobago in the U-20 CONCACAF Qualifiers, keeper Brian Perk denied Uruguay on their fifth attempt. By winning the penalty shoot out,  Thomas Rongen's side earned an additional point for the squad giving them five points in their group.

 

 

U-20 USMNT concedes three goals to Australia in final six minutes

After taking a one goal advantage in the 28th minute, the U-20 USMNT appeared destined to secure a victory against the Socceroos. However, a barrage of goals would witness Australia punish the USA 1-3 in a span of six minutes with the final goal ending in stoppage time.

 

 

What do you think of Flores' production? Will the US U-20 find the same success as the U-20  2007 World Cup? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Jorge Flores scores a brace for US U-20 in Copa Ciudad de Rosario

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U-18 USMNT fall to Portadown FC 0-1 in friendly

Soccer goals: Battling Portadown FC in a friendly warm-up before the commencement of the Milk Cup, U-18 USMNT fell 0-1 from a Portadown FC 77th minute goal. Leading in shots and shots-on-goal categories over the USA, 12 and 5 respectively, Portadown FC took advantage of the US' rustiness.

 

Lineups:
USA: 24-Zachary MacMath (1-Justin Luthy, 41); 8-Kofi Sarkodie, 4-Chad Barson, 15-Zarek Valentin, 2-Paolo Del Piccolo; 13-Jose Altamirano (20-Jossimar Sanchez, 41), 16-Nicholas Millington (23-Harrrison Petts, 41), 5-Amobi Okugo (6-Scott Prozeller, 41), 7-Greg Garza (14-Miles Byass, 41); 11-Dion Acoff (19-Ryan Finley, 41), 9-Will Bates (10-Hasani Sinclair)
Subs not used:
Head Coach: Mike Matkovich

Portadown FC: David Miskelly; Keith O'Hara, Ross Redman, Darren Kelly, John Convery; Wesley Boyle, Ryan McCluskey, Richard Clarke, Gary McCutcheon; Neil Teggart, Tim Mouncey 

 

 

U-18 USMNT shocked by Denmark 1-2 in Northern Ireland Milk Cup

Conceding two early first half goals to Denmark proved to be a insurmountable task, as the U-18 USMNT failed to answer back with two goals. Although the U-18 squad played a Denmark squad comprised of amply developed 1990-born players, while the US boasted more diminutive 1991-born players, Will Bates headed a Jose Altamirano cross into the left post which deflected and was followed up by Bates in the 70th minute.

 

Pressing for another goal in the final minutes, the U-18 squad fell short. “This was a good experience to play an older team at the international level," said Coach Matkovich to US Soccer. "I was pleased with the performance overall, but disappointed as we had more chances than our opponent.”

 

Despite dominating in shots, shots-on-goal, and corner kicks over Denmark, 21, 11, and 11 respectively, the US squad failed to find the equalizer. Denmark demonstrated great efficiency scoring two goals on 8 shots, 6 shots-on-goal, and one corner kick.

 

The U-18 US squad faced Germany on July 29th. News and details of the game will arrive as soon as available.

 

Lineups:
USA: 24-Zachary MacMath; 8-Kofi Sarkodie, 4-Chad Barson (23-Harrison Petts, 85), 15-Zarek Valentin, 2-Paolo Del Piccolo (10-Hasani Sinclair, 65); 5-Scott Prozeller, 16-Nicholas Millington (14-Miles Byass, 39), 5-Amobi Okugo, 7-Greg Garza, 13-Jose Altamirano; 9-Will Bates (19-Ryan Finley, 80)
Subs not used: 1-Justin Luthy, 11-Dion Acoff, 20-Jossimar Sanchez
Head Coach: Mike Matkovich

DEN: 1-Nicklas Wier Højlund, 4-Jacob Albrechtsen, 5-Jesper Bøge Pedersen (3-Alexander Jackson Møller, 87), 6-Anders Christiansen (14-Mikkel Rygaard Jense, 56), 8-Saban Øzdogan; 9-Oliver Feldballe Petersen, 10-Christian Gytkjaer (17-Zakaria Hassan, 77), 11-Simon Christoffersen, 12-Jonas Jacobsen; 15-Michael Sten Jensen, 18-Thomas Asmussen
Subs not used: 2-Jonas S. Thorsen, 7-Mikkel Christensen, 13-Semere Haile, 16-Jens Rinke Kristensen
Head Coach: Keld Bordinggaard

Stats Summary: USA / Denmark
Shots: 21 / 8
Shots on Goal: 11 / 6
Saves: 4 / 10
Corner Kicks: 11 / 1
Fouls: 13 / 17
Offside: 0 / 0

Are you disappointed with the performance? Will the US advance to the knockout stages? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: U-18 USMNT Milk Cup Update - Denmark downs USA

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Soccer goals: If you have not heard of Dillon Power or Ruben Luna, write their names down, as they have been voted the players of their 17/18 and 15/16 age groups, respectively. Thomas Rongen identified Power as an intelligent midfielder with good fitness and soccer acumen. Jumping to the international level will require an adjustment, but Coach Rongen believes that the player possesses the skills that translates on the next level.

 

These Soccer videos features interviews regarding Dillon Power and Coach Oscar Pareja.

 

 

Ruben Luna, FC Dallas U15-16, won player of the year and has signed a letter of intent with SMU. His knack-for-goal was immediately identified by the Development Academy, and Coach Oscar Pareja has mentored the young talent, fostering his improvement.

 

These soccer videos feature U-15 Player of the Year, Ruben Luna and Coach Lars Richter.

 

 

What do you think of Development Academy? Is the USA improving their youth development? Share you thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Development Academy Players and Coaches

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