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US Men's National Team (8 Viewers)
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Just read that he has a chance to go on loan to Rangers this year.El Floppo said:Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
But he scored a goal?
This can really only go two ways. The second division in Scotland is full of players who could not be more opposite of Zelalem.
This is either going to add some steel to his game or he is going to have a Julian Green experience. I don't see a middle ground here.
Rangers just took on one of Spurs better prospects, and the grumbling is about the same - albeit there is a lot of respect for Mark Warburton, so the sense is its a good loan, despite the competition. Good manager + Big home crowds - learning to play in tough environments.
El Floppo
Footballguy
I get Rangers more than I get Scottish 2nd div.
Skinny, skillful kid up against skill-less smash bottles against their heads McGoons.
Oduwa's first game was this weekend
Warburton has defended the move, and seems to be encouraging his players to flash a little skill - so it could be the creative outlet Zelalem needs to gain confidence,
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Gedion needs to play against men. I think Rangers will be fine.
El Floppo
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
keith costigan @KeithCostigan English teams registering interest in Gyasi are in Championship #readingfc #Brighton
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Ignoring his wallet, I don't see this being anything but a lateral move for Zardes in terms of quality and with a greater likelihood of being buried on a bench should his touch let him down at the wrong time.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Some info on U17 WC preparation
==========================================
US Under-17 national team coach Richie Williams has named seven players from MLS clubs and academies to the 20-man roster set to compete in the 2015 U-17 International Youth Tournament of Vaclav Jezek in Pardubice, Czech Republic, this week.
Five of the seven are youth academy players: Defenders Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy Academy), Tanner Dieterich (Real Salt Lake Academy), Matthew Olosunde (New York Red Bulls Academy) and Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union Academy) and striker Pierre da Silva (Orlando City Academy), while midfielders Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls II) and Alex Zendejas (FC Dallas) have already transitioned to the professional level.
The Vaclav Jezek tournament runs from Aug. 14-22, and the US squad begins play on Tuesday with a match against Russia. Williams' side will play Slovenia on Wednesday and will conclude group play on Friday against Slovakia. The opponent for a final placement game, which will be played on Saturday, will be determined following the conclusion of group play.
The US fielded a U-18 team in this event last year and won, defeating Ukraine 1-0 in the final.
This trip is part of the U-17s' preparations for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where the young Yanks have been grouped with Nigeria, Croatia and Chile and kick off group play on Oct. 17.
Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): William Pulisic (Richmond United; Mechanicsville, Va.), Kevin Silva (Players Development Academy; Bethlehem, Pa.)
DEFENDERS (7): Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy Academy; Norwalk, Calif.), Danny Barbir (West Bromwich Albion; Allentown, Pa.), Tanner Dieterich (Real Salt Lake Academy; Nashville, Tenn.), John Nelson (Internationals; Medina, Ohio), Matthew Olosunde (New York Red Bulls Academy; Trenton, N.J.), Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union Academy; Media, Pa.), Alexis Velela (New York Cosmos; San Diego, Calif.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls II; Wappinger Falls, N.Y.), Eric Calvillo (Real So Cal; Palmdale, Calif.), Luca de la Torre (Fulham; San Diego, Calif.), Thomas McCabe (Players Development Academy; South Orange, N.J.), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund; Hershey, Pa.), Alex Zendejas (FC Dallas; El Paso, Texas)
FORWARDS (5): Pierre da Silva (Orlando City Academy; Port Chester, N.Y.), Joe Gallardo (Monterrey; San Diego, Calif.), Josh Perez (unattached; La Habra, Calif.), Brandon Vazquez (Club Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Haji Wright (New York Cosmos; Los Angeles, Calif.)
==========================================
US Under-17 national team coach Richie Williams has named seven players from MLS clubs and academies to the 20-man roster set to compete in the 2015 U-17 International Youth Tournament of Vaclav Jezek in Pardubice, Czech Republic, this week.
Five of the seven are youth academy players: Defenders Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy Academy), Tanner Dieterich (Real Salt Lake Academy), Matthew Olosunde (New York Red Bulls Academy) and Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union Academy) and striker Pierre da Silva (Orlando City Academy), while midfielders Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls II) and Alex Zendejas (FC Dallas) have already transitioned to the professional level.
The Vaclav Jezek tournament runs from Aug. 14-22, and the US squad begins play on Tuesday with a match against Russia. Williams' side will play Slovenia on Wednesday and will conclude group play on Friday against Slovakia. The opponent for a final placement game, which will be played on Saturday, will be determined following the conclusion of group play.
The US fielded a U-18 team in this event last year and won, defeating Ukraine 1-0 in the final.
This trip is part of the U-17s' preparations for the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where the young Yanks have been grouped with Nigeria, Croatia and Chile and kick off group play on Oct. 17.
Roster by Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): William Pulisic (Richmond United; Mechanicsville, Va.), Kevin Silva (Players Development Academy; Bethlehem, Pa.)
DEFENDERS (7): Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy Academy; Norwalk, Calif.), Danny Barbir (West Bromwich Albion; Allentown, Pa.), Tanner Dieterich (Real Salt Lake Academy; Nashville, Tenn.), John Nelson (Internationals; Medina, Ohio), Matthew Olosunde (New York Red Bulls Academy; Trenton, N.J.), Auston Trusty (Philadelphia Union Academy; Media, Pa.), Alexis Velela (New York Cosmos; San Diego, Calif.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls II; Wappinger Falls, N.Y.), Eric Calvillo (Real So Cal; Palmdale, Calif.), Luca de la Torre (Fulham; San Diego, Calif.), Thomas McCabe (Players Development Academy; South Orange, N.J.), Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund; Hershey, Pa.), Alex Zendejas (FC Dallas; El Paso, Texas)
FORWARDS (5): Pierre da Silva (Orlando City Academy; Port Chester, N.Y.), Joe Gallardo (Monterrey; San Diego, Calif.), Josh Perez (unattached; La Habra, Calif.), Brandon Vazquez (Club Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Haji Wright (New York Cosmos; Los Angeles, Calif.)
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The Tyler Adams listed above for the U17's was the same 16 year old kid who scored against Chelsea this summer in a friendly when NYR played all reserves so he got a chance.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
NYCFC seems to have a solid foundation in place but it will take a few years to get the pipeline running I would assume.
You can read about what they have in place here:
http://www.nycfc.com/academy
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ream to Fulhamerica... official?
American defender Tim Ream has passed his medical and agreed a four-year deal at Fulham, sources have told ESPN FC.
Ream will move from Bolton Wanderers after Fulham hijacked his transfer to Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers, sources said.
Ream held talks with QPR officials after they agreed a £1.4 million ($2.19m) fee with Bolton last week, but Fulham moved quickly to match QPR's offer as they battled for the centre-back's signature.
Fulham impressed Ream during talks over the weekend and have persuaded the 27-year-old to move to Craven Cottage ahead of Loftus Road.
Bolton boss Neil Lennon was reluctant to lose Ream with the defender establishing himself as a key man at the club, having won the Player of the Season award for the last two years.
However, because of their financial constraints Bolton have been forced to cash in on Ream to enable them to raise funds to strengthen the squad elsewhere.
Ream is set to finalise his move to Fulham once he sorts out his visa and his arrival will come as a major boost to Kit Symons as he looks to build a side capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League.
The former New York Red Bulls player has made 15 appearances for the United States. He started two games at left-back for the U.S. in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He will join U.S. under-20 captain Emerson Hyndman and under-17 midfielder Luca de la Torre at Fulham as the latest in a long line of Yanks to play for the London club, following in the footsteps of such players as Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra.
American defender Tim Ream has passed his medical and agreed a four-year deal at Fulham, sources have told ESPN FC.
Ream will move from Bolton Wanderers after Fulham hijacked his transfer to Championship rivals Queens Park Rangers, sources said.
Ream held talks with QPR officials after they agreed a £1.4 million ($2.19m) fee with Bolton last week, but Fulham moved quickly to match QPR's offer as they battled for the centre-back's signature.
Fulham impressed Ream during talks over the weekend and have persuaded the 27-year-old to move to Craven Cottage ahead of Loftus Road.
Bolton boss Neil Lennon was reluctant to lose Ream with the defender establishing himself as a key man at the club, having won the Player of the Season award for the last two years.
However, because of their financial constraints Bolton have been forced to cash in on Ream to enable them to raise funds to strengthen the squad elsewhere.
Ream is set to finalise his move to Fulham once he sorts out his visa and his arrival will come as a major boost to Kit Symons as he looks to build a side capable of winning promotion back to the Premier League.
The former New York Red Bulls player has made 15 appearances for the United States. He started two games at left-back for the U.S. in this summer's CONCACAF Gold Cup.
He will join U.S. under-20 captain Emerson Hyndman and under-17 midfielder Luca de la Torre at Fulham as the latest in a long line of Yanks to play for the London club, following in the footsteps of such players as Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying groups are set:
Group A: US Cuba Panama Canada
Group B: Mexico Honduras Haiti and winner of Costa Rica Guat playoff
Top two teams from each group advance to semi finals
Semi final winners advance to the Olympics
Here is the US schedule from ESPN
The U.S. opens the competition with two games in Kansas City, Kansas, against Canada on Oct. 1 followed by Cuba on Oct. 3. The Americans then move to Commerce City, Colorado, on Oct. 6 to face Panama.
Group A: US Cuba Panama Canada
Group B: Mexico Honduras Haiti and winner of Costa Rica Guat playoff
Top two teams from each group advance to semi finals
Semi final winners advance to the Olympics
Here is the US schedule from ESPN
The U.S. opens the competition with two games in Kansas City, Kansas, against Canada on Oct. 1 followed by Cuba on Oct. 3. The Americans then move to Commerce City, Colorado, on Oct. 6 to face Panama.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I just read on twitter the following stats:
Since Jermaine Jones signed with the Revs last year, the team has played 41 total games.
In games where JJ has played, the teams record (W-D-L) is 18-7-3: ~73% of possible points
In games where JJ has missed, the teams record (W-D-L) is 3-4-6: 33% of possible points
That is an incredible difference for one player
Since Jermaine Jones signed with the Revs last year, the team has played 41 total games.
In games where JJ has played, the teams record (W-D-L) is 18-7-3: ~73% of possible points
In games where JJ has missed, the teams record (W-D-L) is 3-4-6: 33% of possible points
That is an incredible difference for one player
Just as a quick follow up - particularly as it relates to Zelalem - Oduwa had his first start for Rangers today, and apparently was being mugged early - drew two yellows in the first half against 3rd tier Ayr United in a Scottish Challenge Cup match.
If Zalalem is looking to add toughness, or a broken leg, this is probably the right place for him.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Article on Olympic qualifying.
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Qualifying for the Olympics will be no sure thing
By Paul Kennedy
Olympic qualifying has been an essential part of the U.S. men's national team program for more than a quarter century.
The two games that jump-started the national team as we know it today were Olympic qualifiers against Canada and El Salvador in 1987.
There were then no restrictions, within Concacaf, on who could play, so the USA was up against Canada a year removed from our friends to the north having played in the World Cup for the first time. The USA's chances of advancing out of the first round of qualifying looked bleak after losing the first leg of a two-game series, 2-0, in Canada. But it rallied to win, 3-0, in the return leg played at the Soccer Park outside St. Louis, its go-to venue at the time, getting two goals from right back Paul Krumpe.
The final round of Olympic qualifying began with a pair of wins against Trinidad & Tobago, but the deciding test came in San Salvador, where the USA prevailed, 4-2, against El Salvador. Lothar Osiander's squad was a rag-tag bunch of indoor veterans and players in or just out of college, but it jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 19 minutes and never looked back.
For many of the U.S. players, it was their first taste of what play on the road is like in Concacaf. Youngsters like Brian Bliss and John Kerr came back with tales of disgruntled fans in the crowd of 45,000 at Cuscatlan Stadium throwing bottles on the field and lighting seat cushions and throwing them from the upper deck.
The USA qualified for the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the nucleus of that team, mostly the college group, went on to qualify for the 1990 World Cup after U.S. Soccer gave players, who had no way to make a living playing outdoors, stipends to keep the team together.
The USA has qualified for every World Cup since then. It returned to the 1992 Olympics, where future national team stars like Brad Friedel, Alexi Lalas, Claudio Reyna, Joe-Max Moore and Cobi Jones all played. The USA hosted in 1996, where its only loss was to eventual silver-medalist Argentina, and finished fourth in 2000 with a team coached by the late Clive Charles.
Since then, it has been hit or miss. The USA failed to qualify for two of the last three tournaments, and its first-round exit in 2012 qualifying on a stoppage-time goal Sean Johnson allowed after letting a long-range shot slip through his hands ranks as one of the low moments of the modern era for the men's program.
Jurgen Klinsmann, for whom 2012 Olympic qualifying was his first test as the big boss of the men's program, vowed that what happened in Nashville, where the USA exited after losing to Canada, 2-0, and tying El Salvador, 3-3, would never happen again. His No. 2 man, Andi Herzog, was appointed to coach the U-23s, who have gathered off and on for camps, games and tournaments for more than a year.
The USA will get another chance at qualifying for the Rio Olympics when it again hosts the Concacaf qualifying tournament Oct. 1-13. But advancing will be no sure thing.
The basis for the under-23 team is the last two U-20 teams, both of which went to world championships. But from the older group that Tab Ramos took to Turkey two years ago, just two players can be sure that they'll find their name penciled into their first team's starting lineup: Kellyn Acosta and Wil Trapp.
Acosta also played on the team that reached the quarterfinals this June in New Zealand -- his tournament ended with a red card in the round-of-16 win over Colombia -- and returned to regain his starting job in midfield on one of MLS's best teams, FC Dallas. Matt Miazga continues to grow with each game on the New York Red Bulls and could be the best national team prospect ever at center back, while Marky Delgado has won a starting job at Toronto FC.
But breaking into first teams remains very difficult for young Americans. Just eight Americans with U-23 eligibility started their MLS team's last game: Connor Hallisey, Eric Miller, Tim Parker and Tyler Turner, along with Acosta, Trapp, Miazga and Delgado. That's a lot less than, say, English or German players of the same age in the Premier League or Bundesliga. Last weekend, 15 Englishmen and 15 Germans from the same '93 and younger age group started in the Premier League and Bundesliga, respectively.
Of the 12 players from Ramos' 2015 U-20 team playing abroad, most are unsettled. Encouraging has been the play of Paul Arriola at Tijuana after an unhappy second season, but both Emerson Hyndman and Rubin Rubio has seen their roles reduced at Fulham and FC Utrecht after promising starts a year ago.
The national team program does not operate in a vacuum. As its development program moves forward in fits and starts, other Concacaf programs are moving forward. It's easy to say the USA should finish in the top two in a group that also includes Canada, Cuba and Panama, but in Nashville it was placed in a very similar group with Canada, Cuba and El Salvador and paid dearly for underestimating the opposition.
Canada returns Samuel Piette from the U-23 team that beat the USA in 2012 and its squad includes MLS Rookie of the Year favorite Cyle Larin, an out-and-out target man better than anyone the USA can put out. Cuba reached the final eight thanks to a 2-1 win over a very strong Jamaica team in Caribbean qualifying. The goals came from Arichel Hernandez and Maykel Reyes, among six U-23s listed on Cuba's Gold Cup roster.
Perhaps Panama offers the strongest case yet that other Concacaf teams aren't sitting still. The Canaleros can bring in four players for qualifying who played against the USA when they won the third-place game at the Gold Cup: Miguel Camargo, Alfredo Stephens, Darwin Pinzon and Abdiel Arroyo.
Panama's coach is Leonardo Pipino, who also led the U-20s to the group title in Concacaf qualifying, beating the USA, 1-0, in a match they were the much better team. Pipino can choose from five player named to the Concacaf U-20 Best XI. Perhaps the biggest news at last week's Central American under-23 qualifying tournament was the return of Roberto Chen, who starred on Panama's 2013 Gold Cup runner-up team but missed this summer's Gold Cup.
Would failing to qualify for the Rio Olympics be a missed opportunity, as Klinsmann termed missing out on the London Olympics? For sure. But Olympic qualifying no longer is the be-all, end-all it was in 1988 or 1992.
It will be much more important, for example, how Miazga does in leading the Red Bulls deep into the MLS playoffs or whether Hyndman and Rubio can grab first-team jobs in Europe than whether they lead the USA to Rio.
====================================================================
Qualifying for the Olympics will be no sure thing
By Paul Kennedy
Olympic qualifying has been an essential part of the U.S. men's national team program for more than a quarter century.
The two games that jump-started the national team as we know it today were Olympic qualifiers against Canada and El Salvador in 1987.
There were then no restrictions, within Concacaf, on who could play, so the USA was up against Canada a year removed from our friends to the north having played in the World Cup for the first time. The USA's chances of advancing out of the first round of qualifying looked bleak after losing the first leg of a two-game series, 2-0, in Canada. But it rallied to win, 3-0, in the return leg played at the Soccer Park outside St. Louis, its go-to venue at the time, getting two goals from right back Paul Krumpe.
The final round of Olympic qualifying began with a pair of wins against Trinidad & Tobago, but the deciding test came in San Salvador, where the USA prevailed, 4-2, against El Salvador. Lothar Osiander's squad was a rag-tag bunch of indoor veterans and players in or just out of college, but it jumped out to a 3-0 lead after 19 minutes and never looked back.
For many of the U.S. players, it was their first taste of what play on the road is like in Concacaf. Youngsters like Brian Bliss and John Kerr came back with tales of disgruntled fans in the crowd of 45,000 at Cuscatlan Stadium throwing bottles on the field and lighting seat cushions and throwing them from the upper deck.
The USA qualified for the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the nucleus of that team, mostly the college group, went on to qualify for the 1990 World Cup after U.S. Soccer gave players, who had no way to make a living playing outdoors, stipends to keep the team together.
The USA has qualified for every World Cup since then. It returned to the 1992 Olympics, where future national team stars like Brad Friedel, Alexi Lalas, Claudio Reyna, Joe-Max Moore and Cobi Jones all played. The USA hosted in 1996, where its only loss was to eventual silver-medalist Argentina, and finished fourth in 2000 with a team coached by the late Clive Charles.
Since then, it has been hit or miss. The USA failed to qualify for two of the last three tournaments, and its first-round exit in 2012 qualifying on a stoppage-time goal Sean Johnson allowed after letting a long-range shot slip through his hands ranks as one of the low moments of the modern era for the men's program.
Jurgen Klinsmann, for whom 2012 Olympic qualifying was his first test as the big boss of the men's program, vowed that what happened in Nashville, where the USA exited after losing to Canada, 2-0, and tying El Salvador, 3-3, would never happen again. His No. 2 man, Andi Herzog, was appointed to coach the U-23s, who have gathered off and on for camps, games and tournaments for more than a year.
The USA will get another chance at qualifying for the Rio Olympics when it again hosts the Concacaf qualifying tournament Oct. 1-13. But advancing will be no sure thing.
The basis for the under-23 team is the last two U-20 teams, both of which went to world championships. But from the older group that Tab Ramos took to Turkey two years ago, just two players can be sure that they'll find their name penciled into their first team's starting lineup: Kellyn Acosta and Wil Trapp.
Acosta also played on the team that reached the quarterfinals this June in New Zealand -- his tournament ended with a red card in the round-of-16 win over Colombia -- and returned to regain his starting job in midfield on one of MLS's best teams, FC Dallas. Matt Miazga continues to grow with each game on the New York Red Bulls and could be the best national team prospect ever at center back, while Marky Delgado has won a starting job at Toronto FC.
But breaking into first teams remains very difficult for young Americans. Just eight Americans with U-23 eligibility started their MLS team's last game: Connor Hallisey, Eric Miller, Tim Parker and Tyler Turner, along with Acosta, Trapp, Miazga and Delgado. That's a lot less than, say, English or German players of the same age in the Premier League or Bundesliga. Last weekend, 15 Englishmen and 15 Germans from the same '93 and younger age group started in the Premier League and Bundesliga, respectively.
Of the 12 players from Ramos' 2015 U-20 team playing abroad, most are unsettled. Encouraging has been the play of Paul Arriola at Tijuana after an unhappy second season, but both Emerson Hyndman and Rubin Rubio has seen their roles reduced at Fulham and FC Utrecht after promising starts a year ago.
The national team program does not operate in a vacuum. As its development program moves forward in fits and starts, other Concacaf programs are moving forward. It's easy to say the USA should finish in the top two in a group that also includes Canada, Cuba and Panama, but in Nashville it was placed in a very similar group with Canada, Cuba and El Salvador and paid dearly for underestimating the opposition.
Canada returns Samuel Piette from the U-23 team that beat the USA in 2012 and its squad includes MLS Rookie of the Year favorite Cyle Larin, an out-and-out target man better than anyone the USA can put out. Cuba reached the final eight thanks to a 2-1 win over a very strong Jamaica team in Caribbean qualifying. The goals came from Arichel Hernandez and Maykel Reyes, among six U-23s listed on Cuba's Gold Cup roster.
Perhaps Panama offers the strongest case yet that other Concacaf teams aren't sitting still. The Canaleros can bring in four players for qualifying who played against the USA when they won the third-place game at the Gold Cup: Miguel Camargo, Alfredo Stephens, Darwin Pinzon and Abdiel Arroyo.
Panama's coach is Leonardo Pipino, who also led the U-20s to the group title in Concacaf qualifying, beating the USA, 1-0, in a match they were the much better team. Pipino can choose from five player named to the Concacaf U-20 Best XI. Perhaps the biggest news at last week's Central American under-23 qualifying tournament was the return of Roberto Chen, who starred on Panama's 2013 Gold Cup runner-up team but missed this summer's Gold Cup.
Would failing to qualify for the Rio Olympics be a missed opportunity, as Klinsmann termed missing out on the London Olympics? For sure. But Olympic qualifying no longer is the be-all, end-all it was in 1988 or 1992.
It will be much more important, for example, how Miazga does in leading the Red Bulls deep into the MLS playoffs or whether Hyndman and Rubio can grab first-team jobs in Europe than whether they lead the USA to Rio.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
What do you guys think of Poku on NYCFC? Every time see Kwadwo Poku play, I have been impressed with him.
I know he is not American but he has been in the US since he was a kid and is married to an American and has a green card. There seems to be some discrepancy on when he would be eligible but it looks like it could be 2017.
It was Wynalda who first started mentioning this kid when he was Atlanta's manager. Here is Waldo's original comment:
"My argument is, instead of looking oversees to see what players we can find, it might be more advantageous to start looking into some backyards here in America. There are a lot of possibilities we’re overlooking on a continual basis. I’ve got a kid on my team (Atlanta Silverbacks) right now, and I’m not afraid to talk about him. His name is Poku and he’s from Ghana and he got married to an American girl. Poku is American. He’s 21, 6’1”, and he’s one of the best soccer players, obviously in this league (NASL), but he might be too good for the MLS too. He can play anywhere. He literally lives down the street in Atlanta. He happens to be living here because he had a school visa that expired and he had to figure out a way to stay in this country. Now he’s here, and he’s legal, and he’s good.
I know he is not American but he has been in the US since he was a kid and is married to an American and has a green card. There seems to be some discrepancy on when he would be eligible but it looks like it could be 2017.
It was Wynalda who first started mentioning this kid when he was Atlanta's manager. Here is Waldo's original comment:
"My argument is, instead of looking oversees to see what players we can find, it might be more advantageous to start looking into some backyards here in America. There are a lot of possibilities we’re overlooking on a continual basis. I’ve got a kid on my team (Atlanta Silverbacks) right now, and I’m not afraid to talk about him. His name is Poku and he’s from Ghana and he got married to an American girl. Poku is American. He’s 21, 6’1”, and he’s one of the best soccer players, obviously in this league (NASL), but he might be too good for the MLS too. He can play anywhere. He literally lives down the street in Atlanta. He happens to be living here because he had a school visa that expired and he had to figure out a way to stay in this country. Now he’s here, and he’s legal, and he’s good.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Poku is awesome, but of course he makes NYFC's midfield shape a shambles when playing with Pirlo and Mix. Not a lot of defensive commitment there. But he reminds me of what everyone tells me Nagbe is.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
He seems like he would have the ability to play higher up the field as more of a striker. Last night he played just off of Villa and scored twice.
He is a very different player from Nagbe from what I have seen.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
from ESPN
==============================================
U.S. men's team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has confirmed that veterans Tim Howard and DaMarcus Beasley will be included on the U.S. team for September friendlies heading into the Oct. 10 Confederations Cup playoff vs. Mexico.
The full squad will be named on Aug. 30, U.S. Soccer confirmed on Thursday.
Klinsmann said Howard will back up Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan for now:
"He knew it was not going to be easy to come back because obviously Brad Guzan established himself as the No. 1 and played a very good tournament and the whole year he really did a good job," Klinsmann told U.S. Soccer. "Tim has accepted for the time being to be the number two, and then down the road there will be a fight for the No. 1 spot like in every position.
"He accepted that, and we are really happy to have him back on board because of who he is and what he has done for us."
Beasley retired from international play last December, but returned to the squad for the Gold Cup knockout stage last month. He was injured in the first training session, but played in the loss against Panama in the third-place match.
The 33-year-old made his senior team debut as an 18-year-old in 2001. He became the only American to participate in four World Cups last summer, starting all four games at left-back for the Americans and helping them reach the knockout stage at Brazil 2014.
Before joining the senior side, the wiry, left-footed native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, played with various youth national teams, helping the under-17s reach the semifinals of the 1999 U-17 World Cup, where he won the silver ball as the tournament's second-best player.
Everton goalkeeper Howard hasn't played for the American squad in more than a year, since his famous performance in the Americans' 2-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 last summer in the 2014 World Cup.
After the tournament, Howard announced that he -- with Klinsmann's blessing -- would take a one-year hiatus from international play to spend more time his children.
Last month, Howard confirmed that he would make himself available for the Yanks' high-profile September friendlies against Peru and Brazil.
The Americans, the 2013 Gold Cup winners will face Mexico, the 2015 Gold Cup champions in a one-game playoff for the lone CONCACAF berth in the 2017 Confederations Cup on Oct. 10.
The grudge match will be played at the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena, California.
The United States missed a chance to qualify directly for the CONCACAF region's berth after being eliminated in Gold Cup semifinals last month. The 2017 Confederations Cup will be played in Russia.
==============================================
U.S. men's team coach Jurgen Klinsmann has confirmed that veterans Tim Howard and DaMarcus Beasley will be included on the U.S. team for September friendlies heading into the Oct. 10 Confederations Cup playoff vs. Mexico.
The full squad will be named on Aug. 30, U.S. Soccer confirmed on Thursday.
Klinsmann said Howard will back up Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan for now:
"He knew it was not going to be easy to come back because obviously Brad Guzan established himself as the No. 1 and played a very good tournament and the whole year he really did a good job," Klinsmann told U.S. Soccer. "Tim has accepted for the time being to be the number two, and then down the road there will be a fight for the No. 1 spot like in every position.
"He accepted that, and we are really happy to have him back on board because of who he is and what he has done for us."
Beasley retired from international play last December, but returned to the squad for the Gold Cup knockout stage last month. He was injured in the first training session, but played in the loss against Panama in the third-place match.
The 33-year-old made his senior team debut as an 18-year-old in 2001. He became the only American to participate in four World Cups last summer, starting all four games at left-back for the Americans and helping them reach the knockout stage at Brazil 2014.
Before joining the senior side, the wiry, left-footed native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, played with various youth national teams, helping the under-17s reach the semifinals of the 1999 U-17 World Cup, where he won the silver ball as the tournament's second-best player.
Everton goalkeeper Howard hasn't played for the American squad in more than a year, since his famous performance in the Americans' 2-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16 last summer in the 2014 World Cup.
After the tournament, Howard announced that he -- with Klinsmann's blessing -- would take a one-year hiatus from international play to spend more time his children.
Last month, Howard confirmed that he would make himself available for the Yanks' high-profile September friendlies against Peru and Brazil.
The Americans, the 2013 Gold Cup winners will face Mexico, the 2015 Gold Cup champions in a one-game playoff for the lone CONCACAF berth in the 2017 Confederations Cup on Oct. 10.
The grudge match will be played at the Rose Bowl, in Pasadena, California.
The United States missed a chance to qualify directly for the CONCACAF region's berth after being eliminated in Gold Cup semifinals last month. The 2017 Confederations Cup will be played in Russia.
El Floppo
Footballguy
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Did Mexico pick a coach yet?
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Nope. Bielsa, Ricardo La Volpe, and Ricardo Ferretti appear to be the top 3 candidates.
El Floppo
Footballguy
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
I always wonder about these quotes. This one seems particularly silly because I watched the Under 20 World Cup and Zelalem was about as much of a two-footed player as I am. It doesn't help that every time I read a quote from an American player in a British article the quote reads as if was made by Prince Charles trying to approximate what an American sounds like.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Toronto has made a request to US Soccer to allow Jozy and Bradley to skip the Peru friendly and then be released after for the Brazil friendly.
US Soccer and JK are under no obligation to agree to the request since the Peru game falls on an International date.
To be honest, I am not even sure Jozy would be in JK's plans while obviously Bradley is a first choice starter for him.
US Soccer and JK are under no obligation to agree to the request since the Peru game falls on an International date.
To be honest, I am not even sure Jozy would be in JK's plans while obviously Bradley is a first choice starter for him.
TLEF316
Footballguy
#### Toronto. We need to get the squad as fine-tuned as possible for the Mexico game. Bradley needs to be there.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
This is 85% MLS problem and 15% US Soccer problem IMO.
Don't forget that US Soccer schedules games that are not on international breaks and still gets players from MLS during those time when no other teams would release them.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The Mexican Football Federation has named Ricardo Ferretti as their temporary coach.
He will continue as the head coach of Tigres and coach Mexico for up to 4 games (which would include the US game).
If results are positive, he will be considered for a permanent role.
He will continue as the head coach of Tigres and coach Mexico for up to 4 games (which would include the US game).
If results are positive, he will be considered for a permanent role.
Ramsay Hunt Experience
Footballguy
Twitters saying that Lederman has been released from La Masia.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Better now than later.
I don't think he has been allowed to practice since the ruling came down on Barca.
Any word on where he intends to go? The whole family chased his dream there. This has to suck.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
JK on Yedlin's need for minutes
======================
“There are some rumours of DeAndre Yedlin possibly going on loan for a year to another good club where he’ll get playing time, which is very important for him and for us that he’s playing week in and week out,” said the former Spurs striker. “Maybe some other things will still happen because the deadline for the transfer window is August 31, so that will be interesting.”
======================
“There are some rumours of DeAndre Yedlin possibly going on loan for a year to another good club where he’ll get playing time, which is very important for him and for us that he’s playing week in and week out,” said the former Spurs striker. “Maybe some other things will still happen because the deadline for the transfer window is August 31, so that will be interesting.”
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Oh and speaking of Yedlin, some one on BS mentioned he might be suspended for the US Mexico game. I have not seen official word on this yet
==========================================================================
Yedlin received a yellow card vs Jamaica in the semi and vs Panama in the third/fourth place game.
2015 Gold Cup regulations as follows:
Two cautions received in different games in the Knock Out Stages of the Final Competition shall result in automatic suspension from the next game in the competition
Further:
Unserved suspensions outstanding at the end of a team's participation in the competition will be carried over to the next official match of the player's National Team per the FIFA disciplinary code....
==========================================================================
Yedlin received a yellow card vs Jamaica in the semi and vs Panama in the third/fourth place game.
2015 Gold Cup regulations as follows:
Two cautions received in different games in the Knock Out Stages of the Final Competition shall result in automatic suspension from the next game in the competition
Further:
Unserved suspensions outstanding at the end of a team's participation in the competition will be carried over to the next official match of the player's National Team per the FIFA disciplinary code....
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Jozy was benched tonight by TFC which is obviously concerning considering how bad things have to be going for him when he is benched carrying such a huge salary.
He did sub in late in the second half and scored twice (a pk and a tap in) so hopefully that can get him started.
Bradley had two very nice assists in the 5-0 win.
He did sub in late in the second half and scored twice (a pk and a tap in) so hopefully that can get him started.
Bradley had two very nice assists in the 5-0 win.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
The defense is going to be interesting for JK to manage.
Up till now, it appears he has preferred the following back 4
Chandler.....Alvarado.......Brooks.........Fab
Fab is hurt and none of the other 3 are starters any more for their club (at least so far in the early season). Chandler did get a full 45 minute shift in this weekend though.
Up till now, it appears he has preferred the following back 4
Chandler.....Alvarado.......Brooks.........Fab
Fab is hurt and none of the other 3 are starters any more for their club (at least so far in the early season). Chandler did get a full 45 minute shift in this weekend though.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Beautiful goal by Zusi last night
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-08-22-columbus-crew-sc-vs-sporting-kansas-city/details/video/47749
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-08-22-columbus-crew-sc-vs-sporting-kansas-city/details/video/47749
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I believe we talked about him a bit last year but he is worth bringing up again.
One of the best young players in MLS this year is Kekuta Manneh. He is a 20 year old striker for Vancouver who are at the top of the Supporter Shield standings.
He was born in Gambia, but has lived in the US since he was a teenager. He holds a green card and expects his citizenship by August of 2016. But his solid play has also been recognized by Gambia who in the past have called him up to their U20 squad but he did not play due to injury.
He looks to be leaving both doors open as he should
"If I have the chance, I would definitely want to play for the US, I definitely want to represent them," Manneh said in the interview. "I haven't decided if I want to play for the US or if I want to play for Gambia yet. It's a dream up there. But either choice would be great for me. I have family here, I have family in Gambia as well, so it would be great."
One of the best young players in MLS this year is Kekuta Manneh. He is a 20 year old striker for Vancouver who are at the top of the Supporter Shield standings.
He was born in Gambia, but has lived in the US since he was a teenager. He holds a green card and expects his citizenship by August of 2016. But his solid play has also been recognized by Gambia who in the past have called him up to their U20 squad but he did not play due to injury.
He looks to be leaving both doors open as he should
"If I have the chance, I would definitely want to play for the US, I definitely want to represent them," Manneh said in the interview. "I haven't decided if I want to play for the US or if I want to play for Gambia yet. It's a dream up there. But either choice would be great for me. I have family here, I have family in Gambia as well, so it would be great."
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Here is Bradley's impressive assist last night. Also the goal scorer is 20 year old Marco Delgado who has represented the US at U17, U18, and U20 levels and has found a starting spot with Toronto this year.
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-08-22-toronto-fc-vs-orlando-city-sc/details/video/47667
http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-08-22-toronto-fc-vs-orlando-city-sc/details/video/47667
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Alvarado returned to the starting line neup for Club America this weekend
Here is the round up from Soccer America
========================================
Only four of the 12 Americans who played in the Gold Cup and are playing for foreign teams started over the weekend. They included Aron Johannsson, who made his first start for German Bundesliga club Werder Bremen.
Floridian Shawn Barry, who spent five seasons in Austria with LASK Linz before moving to Germany this season, made his debut for FSV Frankfurt, starting and picking up an assist in a 2-0 victory at Greuther Fuerth in the second division.
*U.S. Abroad
GOALKEEPERS:
GC=Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/ENG), 90 minutes, 1-2 at Crystal Palace
Tim Howard (Everton/ENG), 90 minutes, 0-2 vs. Manchester City
William Yarbrough (Leon/MEX), DNP, 1-0 vs. Guadalajara
DEFENDERS:
GC=Ventura Alvarado (Club America/MEX), 90 minutes, 3-1 vs. Veracruz
GC=John Brooks (Hertha Berlin/GER), sub: 2 minutes, 1-1 draw vs. Werder Bremen
Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG), 90 minutes, 1-1 at Norwich City
Edgar Castillo (Monterrey/MEX), 90 minutes, 1-1 vs. Santos
GC=Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), sub: 45 minutes, 1-1 vs. Augsburg
GC=Greg Garza (Atlas/MEX), DNP, 1-2 vs. Toluca
GC=Fabian Johnson (Bor. Moenchengladbach/GER), DNP, 1-2 at Mainz
Michael Orozco (Tijuana/MEX), 90 minutes, 1-2 vs. Tigres
GC=Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG D2), DNP, 1-1 vs. Huddersfield Town
GC=DeAndre Yedlin (Tottenham/ENG), DNP, 1-1 at Leicester City
MIDFIELDERS:
GC=Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes/FRA), sub: 27 minutes, 1-0 vs. Reims
GC=Joe Corona (Veracruz/MEX), 35 minutes 1-3 at Club America
Joseph Gyau (Borussia Dortmund), rehabbing.
Emerson Hyndman (Fulham U-21s/ENG), 90 minutes, 0-3 at Wolves U-21s
Miguel Ibarra (Leon/MEX), sub: 4 minutes, 1-0 vs. Guadalajara
GC=Alfredo Morales (FC Ingolstadt/GER), 90 minutes, 0-4 vs. Borussia Dortmund
Danny Williams (Reading/ENG D2), 90 minutes, 0-0 vs. MK Dons
FORWARDS:
GC=Aron Johannsson (Werder Bremen/GER), 80 minutes, 1-1 at Hertha Berlin
Rubio Rubin (FC Utrecht/NED), subs: 14 minutes, 1-1 at ADO Den Haag
Bobby Wood (Union Berlin/GER D2), 65 minutes, 0-0 at 1860 Munich
*Players who have represented USA in the last 15 months.
GC=played in 2015 Gold Cup.
Here is the round up from Soccer America
========================================
Only four of the 12 Americans who played in the Gold Cup and are playing for foreign teams started over the weekend. They included Aron Johannsson, who made his first start for German Bundesliga club Werder Bremen.
Floridian Shawn Barry, who spent five seasons in Austria with LASK Linz before moving to Germany this season, made his debut for FSV Frankfurt, starting and picking up an assist in a 2-0 victory at Greuther Fuerth in the second division.
*U.S. Abroad
GOALKEEPERS:
GC=Brad Guzan (Aston Villa/ENG), 90 minutes, 1-2 at Crystal Palace
Tim Howard (Everton/ENG), 90 minutes, 0-2 vs. Manchester City
William Yarbrough (Leon/MEX), DNP, 1-0 vs. Guadalajara
DEFENDERS:
GC=Ventura Alvarado (Club America/MEX), 90 minutes, 3-1 vs. Veracruz
GC=John Brooks (Hertha Berlin/GER), sub: 2 minutes, 1-1 draw vs. Werder Bremen
Geoff Cameron (Stoke City/ENG), 90 minutes, 1-1 at Norwich City
Edgar Castillo (Monterrey/MEX), 90 minutes, 1-1 vs. Santos
GC=Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), sub: 45 minutes, 1-1 vs. Augsburg
GC=Greg Garza (Atlas/MEX), DNP, 1-2 vs. Toluca
GC=Fabian Johnson (Bor. Moenchengladbach/GER), DNP, 1-2 at Mainz
Michael Orozco (Tijuana/MEX), 90 minutes, 1-2 vs. Tigres
GC=Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG D2), DNP, 1-1 vs. Huddersfield Town
GC=DeAndre Yedlin (Tottenham/ENG), DNP, 1-1 at Leicester City
MIDFIELDERS:
GC=Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes/FRA), sub: 27 minutes, 1-0 vs. Reims
GC=Joe Corona (Veracruz/MEX), 35 minutes 1-3 at Club America
Joseph Gyau (Borussia Dortmund), rehabbing.
Emerson Hyndman (Fulham U-21s/ENG), 90 minutes, 0-3 at Wolves U-21s
Miguel Ibarra (Leon/MEX), sub: 4 minutes, 1-0 vs. Guadalajara
GC=Alfredo Morales (FC Ingolstadt/GER), 90 minutes, 0-4 vs. Borussia Dortmund
Danny Williams (Reading/ENG D2), 90 minutes, 0-0 vs. MK Dons
FORWARDS:
GC=Aron Johannsson (Werder Bremen/GER), 80 minutes, 1-1 at Hertha Berlin
Rubio Rubin (FC Utrecht/NED), subs: 14 minutes, 1-1 at ADO Den Haag
Bobby Wood (Union Berlin/GER D2), 65 minutes, 0-0 at 1860 Munich
*Players who have represented USA in the last 15 months.
GC=played in 2015 Gold Cup.
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Sammy mentioned this in the main thread.
=======================================================================================
Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem has joined Scottish Championship side Rangers on loan until January, both clubs have announced.
Zelalem, 18, is a United States under-20 international and made two appearances for Arsenal's senior squad in 2014: his first in the FA Cup in January and the second in the Champions League in December.
A statement on Rangers' website from boss Mark Warburton read: "It's nice to have him on board and a lot of work has been done. I'm thankful to some really good people at Arsenal and the work done by people here at Rangers.
"There is no doubt he is a very talented young player and I'm sure he'll have an impact for us."
Born in Germany but raised in the U.S., Zelalem played for the Americans in the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year after receiving clearance from FIFA.
Rangers FCVerified account @RangersFC
Rangers can today confirm the signing of @Arsenal and @ussoccer youngster Gedion Zelalem on a loan deal until January
=======================================================================================
Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem has joined Scottish Championship side Rangers on loan until January, both clubs have announced.
Zelalem, 18, is a United States under-20 international and made two appearances for Arsenal's senior squad in 2014: his first in the FA Cup in January and the second in the Champions League in December.
A statement on Rangers' website from boss Mark Warburton read: "It's nice to have him on board and a lot of work has been done. I'm thankful to some really good people at Arsenal and the work done by people here at Rangers.
"There is no doubt he is a very talented young player and I'm sure he'll have an impact for us."
Born in Germany but raised in the U.S., Zelalem played for the Americans in the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year after receiving clearance from FIFA.
Rangers FCVerified account @RangersFC
Rangers can today confirm the signing of @Arsenal and @ussoccer youngster Gedion Zelalem on a loan deal until January
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
I know last week people were upset that TFC asked US Soccer to not take Jozy and Bradley to the first friendly that was scheduled on an international date.
But this is why the issue is not so black and white. JK is now in the position of having to ask clubs to release players for Olympic Qualification which occurs outside of a international window. These are JK's words from an interview yesterday:
==================================
“We need help from the clubs overseas, we need help from the clubs here in MLS, in order to get the players released, especially [since] the Olympic qualifiers start outside of the release dates, so we badly need those players in order to qualify for Rio de Janeiro. Hopefully we get the support by all the clubs to get the players in.”
=====================================
Here is some more info from NBC Sports
The tournament is scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, when the Yanks will face Canada at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., and that’s a problem, because the international window for early October doesn’t begin until Monday, Oct. 5. The US U-23 squad will play its three games in Group A on Oct. 1, 3 and 6. Two teams advance from each four-team group. The two semifinals winners advance to the final and automatically qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
Regarding players likely to be called up to the Olympic qualifying team, the following players’ club teams have league games that will conflict with Klinsmann’s request to release them for the start of the tournament:
Perhaps breaking apart the “tournament” and spreading it out over the September and October international dates would have better suited Klinsmann and the US U-23 team, but contrary to popular belief, CONCACAF doesn’t exist simply to cater to the US and Mexican federations on any and all matters.
Qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio is by no means a foregone conclusion for the American men (remember the 2012 qualifying debacle?), and potentially being forced to begin their quest without a number of their best players will only make it more of a challenge and require the group’s depth to exceed expectations.
But this is why the issue is not so black and white. JK is now in the position of having to ask clubs to release players for Olympic Qualification which occurs outside of a international window. These are JK's words from an interview yesterday:
==================================
“We need help from the clubs overseas, we need help from the clubs here in MLS, in order to get the players released, especially [since] the Olympic qualifiers start outside of the release dates, so we badly need those players in order to qualify for Rio de Janeiro. Hopefully we get the support by all the clubs to get the players in.”
=====================================
Here is some more info from NBC Sports
The tournament is scheduled to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, when the Yanks will face Canada at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., and that’s a problem, because the international window for early October doesn’t begin until Monday, Oct. 5. The US U-23 squad will play its three games in Group A on Oct. 1, 3 and 6. Two teams advance from each four-team group. The two semifinals winners advance to the final and automatically qualify for the 2016 Olympics.
Regarding players likely to be called up to the Olympic qualifying team, the following players’ club teams have league games that will conflict with Klinsmann’s request to release them for the start of the tournament:
- Wil Trapp, Columbus Crew SC — Saturday, Oct. 3, vs. New York Red Bulls
- Rubio Rubin, FC Utrecht — Oct. 3, vs. Excelsior
- Matt Miazga, New York Red Bulls — Oct. 3, vs. Columbus Crew SC
- Gedion Zelalem, Rangers (on loan) — Oct. 3, vs. Falkirk
- Kellyn Acosta, FC Dallas — Oct. 4, vs. Houston Dynamo
- Tommy Thompson, San Jose Earthquakes — Oct. 4, vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Luis Gil, Real Salt Lake — Sunday, Oct. 4, vs. Colorado Rapids
- Jose Villarreal, LA Galaxy — Oct. 4, vs. Seattle Sounders
- Dillon Serna, Colorado Rapids — Oct. 4, vs. Real Salt Lake
- Fatai Alashe, San Jose Earthquakes — Oct. 4, vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Tyler Turner, Orlando City SC — Oct. 3, vs. Montreal Impact
- Christian Dean, Vancouver Whitecaps — Oct. 3, vs. San Jose Earthquakes
- Emerson Hyndman, Fulham — currently playing for U-21 side
- Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tottenham Hotspur — currently playing for U-21 side
- Paul Arriola, Club Tijuana — currently a bench player
Perhaps breaking apart the “tournament” and spreading it out over the September and October international dates would have better suited Klinsmann and the US U-23 team, but contrary to popular belief, CONCACAF doesn’t exist simply to cater to the US and Mexican federations on any and all matters.
Qualifying for the 2016 Olympics in Rio is by no means a foregone conclusion for the American men (remember the 2012 qualifying debacle?), and potentially being forced to begin their quest without a number of their best players will only make it more of a challenge and require the group’s depth to exceed expectations.
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NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Article talking about Gerrards views on the latest flavor of the month, Lletget. The article has a small mention of the national team with Arena's comments
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/08/24/steven-gerrard-impressed-by-la-galaxys-former-west-ham-youngster/
=======================================================================
Dazzling with his skill and drive in the attacking third, there is even talk now that he could bet set to earn a first senior international call-up next month – a question which was put to LA head coach and former USA boss Bruce Arena after the home win over NYCFC.
“I used to be the national team coach and they don’t need anyone’s recommendations,” Arena said at his post-match press conference. “That is their job, and I’m sure he [Jugen Klinsmann] gets plenty of recommendations. He’s still young and he’s growing and we need to give it a little bit of time, but those are decisions they are going to make.”
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2015/08/24/steven-gerrard-impressed-by-la-galaxys-former-west-ham-youngster/
=======================================================================
Dazzling with his skill and drive in the attacking third, there is even talk now that he could bet set to earn a first senior international call-up next month – a question which was put to LA head coach and former USA boss Bruce Arena after the home win over NYCFC.
“I used to be the national team coach and they don’t need anyone’s recommendations,” Arena said at his post-match press conference. “That is their job, and I’m sure he [Jugen Klinsmann] gets plenty of recommendations. He’s still young and he’s growing and we need to give it a little bit of time, but those are decisions they are going to make.”
NewlyRetired
Footballguy
Looks like Poku may be off the table for the US future. He said in an interview he is hoping and expecting a call up from Ghana soon.
