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Soccer Goals: Like a kid in a candy store or a young boy anxious for Christmas to arrive to discover a new bike or a toy rifle, the Nike Friendlies offered a glimpse of the future of the USMNT pipeline. When the US debuted against Portugal, I was that kid.

 

But, like many kids during the Christmas celebration, unwrapping gifts can end in disappointment, you know that gift that you received as a child when your Aunt Bertha gave you the attrocious shirt or the cologne that smells worse than a stadium bathroom. 

 

Soccer videos: USA vs Portugal highlights

 

 

After watching the first 20 minutes of the new generation, I grew more frustrated at that fact that this is the best that the USA offers. Although many have annoited Coach Wilmer Cabrera, the up-and-coming, creative and progressive coach, comparisons should not be concluded that the new U-17 leader has lead the charge in a possession based style.

 

For example, the younger generations have proven that they are more apt to playing a fluid passing style, able to maintain possession under pressure. Although the recent U-20's demonstrated poor form, partly due to poor tactics and lack of talent, the 2007 U-20's provided a glimpse of what the USMNT will be capable of in years to come.

 

Blessed with arguably the best U-17 crop that featured Charles Renken, Sebastian Llegett, Joseph Gyau, and Luis Gil, Cabrera's transition to a passsing and attacking style would be a more seamless process than in previous cycles. Shocking many during the 2007 friendlies by defeating Brazil 2-0, the 2007 cycle provide hope for the 2009 U-17 World Cup chances.

 

After breezing through the CONCACAF qualification with splendid goals and strong play, the U-17 appeared to be a team on the rise. However, three key offensive players (Gyau, Renken, and Lleguet) would not make the trip due to injuries, club commitments, or personal reasons.

 

Their absence became evident in the first game where Spain down a man controlled the pace of the game by defending and counterattacking with style and grace. Despite outpossessing each team from their group, the US struggled to finish goals when it counted. Advancing to the knockout stages, the Italians demonstrated an inferiority in their possession game by closing down space, causing errant finishing, advancing with a 2-1 victory.

 

While I still rode the fence on whether Cabrera has created a new soccer philosopy in the US Soccer Federation, converting US Soccer Federation powers into believers in the same manner Kaballah captivated Madonna, it is apparent that amongst most fans the two groups seem to be split down the middle.

 

But after watching all three friendlies, it seems that the 4-5-1 formation, which has been built around one player, Irvin Gijon, produced little in possession and the attack. Although he did exhibit talent and creative mind, his fading presence would stifle the US attack, leaving the squad in a vulnerable state forced to move the ball upfield under extreme duress and pressure. Little effort was made to help other teammates, while their opponents were applying pressure causing multiple turnovers and errant passess. If this generation symbolizes our best players in the system, I have reasons for concern.

 

If I were to compare the 2007 squad to the 2009 edition, the player-vs-player analysis would favor the 2007 squad, like the odds favoring Brazil to win the World Cup over of New Zealand . Perhaps my anticipation of upcoming generations must be tempered, but it is hard for me to believe that these are the best 40 players in the U-17 demographic.

 

Entitlement and coddling of players seems to have taken some of the heart and drive out of the players, as they have been proclaimed the best thing since slice bread. Although the Residency has produced great players and allowed for greater devolplement, perhaps the program has reached a point of diminishing returns. Coaches, players, and federation executives must be held accountable for the on-field product. Casting a bigger net and broadening the scope will give others who could excell at the top level.

 

Adding regional competive training grounds with an opportunity for relegation and promotion will keep those Residency players on their toes, while giving hope to players to make a case for a potential Residency scholarship.

 

Charlie Davies, Stuart Holden, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, and Jose Francisco Torres are players that were overlooked but made their case for the USMNT. It is time that we reevaluate players coming into our system. If they rest on their laurels once they earn their residency spot because competition does not drive this model, the USMNT will continue to plateau at the international level.

 

It is time for accountability.

 

Part Two will examine the new crop of players and their performances in the Nike Friendlies.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: Nike U-17 Friendlies debut new residency team

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