Soccer Goals: Just as the USMNT left back options have produced a disgraceful pile of poor showing in recent qualifiers, hope and a possible remedy could be brewing south of the border in Mexico, where Michael Orozco scored a goal against Chivas de Guadalajara in a 4-0 route. His speedy Mexican counterpart, Edgar Castillo, earned a full 90 in a 2-1 loss to Morelia on Sunday.
Out-of-favor and out-of-form left back, HeathPearce found redemption and a club, signing a deal withFC Dallas for the remainder of the season, after a promising deal fell through withTurkish side, Bursaspor. Tempted to bring him in for the Galaxy match, Coach Schellas Hyndman though twice, using his common sense, as the Hoops dismantled the Galaxy 6-3. His move to FC Dallas will pull him out of the fiery flames of the relegated players list, at least, for now.
In England's League One, Mike Grella, Jemal Johnson, and Jon-Paul Pittman scored over the past 13 days. Alta IF defender Jay Needham scored an equalized at Sparta Sarpsborg in Norway's first division. All in all it was a poor week for the American's Abroad in the top leagues. The Yanks abroad in Mexico made the biggest statement.
Without further Adu, Soccer Addict News presents to you who impressed and did not dress in the American's Abroad Top Five September 1-13th - Michael Orozco scores in a route.
1. Michael Orozco (San Luis - Mexico): Playing a full 90 minutes last Saturday and holding a scoreless sheet against the explosive Atlas, Michael Orozco scored his first goal of the season against Chivas deGuadalajara, winning 4-0. Withan ability to distribute, strong defensive attributes and versatility to play centrally and out-wide at left back, coupled with his playing time in the competitive Mexican Primera Division, it would be suggestible that Coach Bradley call him up for upcoming friendlies or January camp.
If Coach Bradley is willing to play Carlos Bocanegra at left back, the California native would be an additional option who possesses strong distribution and defensive tenacity. In short, he would be Bocanegra 2.0, a potential upgrade at left back.
2. Edgar Castillo (UNAL Tigres - Mexico): Playing a full 90 minutes against a America in a 1-1 draw and a 90 minute performance the following week in a 2-1 loss to Morelia, coupled with Jonathan Bornstein's very poor USMNT performances, the New Mexico native has been spotted on the radar at Camp Bradley. With the USA needing a victory against Honduras, will Coach Bradley call him to camp and would he consider deploying him on the left against Honduras? His speed would pose match up problems, but his defense could open cracks for the Honduran attack.
3. Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC): After playing two exhausting qualifiers against El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago, scoring a goal, the Deuce returned to London to face his Everton goal keeping buddy, Tim Howard. Playing withpassion and plenty of work rate, the creative midfielder willed his team to a 2-1 victory with a 90 minute performance. Although he has performed inconsistently for the USMNT, delivering moments of brilliance and head scratchers at the same time, Dempsey proved his worth with a tidy effort that saw his normal edition of tricks, 1v1 attacking, and solid possession, while mustering enough energy for some defense.
4. Alejandro Bedoya (Obrero SK -Sweeden): Starting and playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Charlie Davies' former team, Hammarby, would have been a joy to watch, but Davies has moved to greener Pasteur, while Alejandro Bedoya has represented America's presence in Sweeden very admirably. After scoring two goals as a substitute back in July, Alejandro Bedoya has been earning consistent playing time for his team. His decision to bypass MLS and move to Europe is now paying dividends.
5. Mike Grella (Leeds United - Englands League One): Opened his scoring account in league play, netting the game winner against Stockport on September 5th. On Saturday, he came off the bench and played eight minutes in a 0-0 draw against Southend.
Add A Comment