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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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