US Men's National Team (7 Viewers)

[El Floppo]

Pisces...  also enjoys long walks on the beach...  and tango dancing w/ Putas...  

well that ####### settles it.

 

[El Floppo]

from SB Nation USMNT youth update... some names I haven't heard before, and some I haven't heard in a while.

Germany

Josh Sargent - Striker, Werder Bremen

On Saturday, Werder Bremen played their final preseason match against Premier League club Everton. The 19-year-old came on at halftime and looked quite good in his cameo. He nearly scored after a fine counter attack the Everton keeper, Jordan Pickford, denied his left-footed effort. A few minutes later, he received the ball at midfield and dribbled at the defense before nutmegging star Everton centerback, Michael Keane and drawing a foul on the edge of the penalty area. You can see highlights of his entire outing below (thanks to @USMNTvideos).

Sargent has drawn rave reviews from his coaches this summer. Ian Kohfeldt has been pleased with his efforts in training and looks to have a bigger role in mind for him.

“He’s now started two consecutive matches for the first team at a time when we’re trying to find our rhythm. Those starts weren’t just handed to him; he’s earned it in training. I think Josh will play a bigger role for us this season than he did last year.”

Next week, Werder Bremen takes on Atlas Delmenhorst in the DFB Pokal in the first official match of the season (2:45 PM ET on ESPN3). Then they will turn their attention to the league campaign with a date with Zack Steffen, Alfredo Morales and Fortuna Düsseldorf on August 17th. We’ll see if Sargent’s shown enough to push into the starting lineup. Rating: 9

Sebastian Soto - Striker, Hannover

Soto got his season debut on Saturday. The 18-year-old came off the bench very late with Hannover chasing a winner against Jahn Regensburg. Soto was unable to help them find the winning goal, but it was still good to see him get on the field for the first time this season. Soto has been in the news frequently this summer as he had attempted to force a move out of Hannover. The rumors around him have died down to some extent, but it remains to be seen how happy he’ll be with potentially playing sparingly in the 2. Bundesliga. Rating: 6

Roberto Hategan - Attacking Midfielder, FC Nürnberg

Hategan confirmed he has signed with FC Nürnberg this week. The 18-year-old has joined their U-19’s and will try to work his way closer to the first team as he continues his development. Hategan had previously played for USL club Sacramento FC before he and the club mutually agreed to part ways. Let’s wish him luck as he joins the large contingent of Americans in the U-19 Bundesliga. For those unfamiliar with him, below is a highlight video showing some of his skill. Rating: 1

England

Chituru Odunze - Goalkeeper, Leicester City FC

Odunze has left the Vancouver Whitecaps academy to join Leicester City. Unlike many of the recent deals functioning as free transfers for young Americans when they move to Europe, Vancouver actually sold the 16-year-old and will retain a percentage of any potential transfer fee in the future. Odunze has represented the US at the U-17 level and hopefully will be able to take the next steps in his development in England. Rating: 1

Netherlands

Alex Mendez - Central Midfielder, AFC Ajax

Mendez made the most newsworthy move of the week by signing with Dutch mega club Ajax. The 18-year-old midfielder will start the season with Jong Ajax where he will get the opportunity to play in the second division in Holland while he works his way into the first team picture. Let’s wish Mendez the best of luck as he tries to make it at one of the biggest clubs in Europe. Rating: 6

Haji Wright - Striker, VVV-Venlo

Wright earned the start in VVV-Venlo’s Eredivisie season-opener on Saturday. The 21-year-old missed a golden opportunity to even the score just after halftime but took a heavy touch that ruined the chance. However, he would redeem himself somewhat when he drew a penalty in the 58th minute.

Haji drew a penalty today. 1 assist on the season so far.

The ensuing goal gave them the lead and they would go on to win 3-1. While Wright certainly showed some stuggles in his debut, it was good to see him get on the field and making his presence felt. Hopefully he keeps it up. Rating: 5

Denmark

Yosef Samuel - Striker, Hobro IK

Samuel has joined Emmanuel Sabbi and Christian Cappis and signed a contract with Danish Superliga club, Hobro IK. The 22-year-old most recently played for Atlanta United’s reserves before leaving the MLS club. On Friday, Samuel came off the bench in the 62nd minute to make his Danish Superliga debut. Hobro would hold on for a 3-2 victory and their first win of the year. Let’s hope he can take advantage of this new opportunity. Rating: 3

Scotland

Cameron Harper - Winger/Striker, Celtic FC

Harper has gone under the radar a bit, but it seems as though he’s making some headway with the Scottish giants. This week, the 18-year-old trained with the first team for the first time. Harper has been a regular for the their U-18’s and is continuing to push through. Let’s see if he can continue his rise. Rating: 2

Argentina

Joel Soñora - Attacking Midfielder CA Talleres Cordoba (On Loan at Arsenal FC) - Youth Update Curtain Call

Soñora is headed on loan to Argentine Superliga club Arsenal FC. The 22-year-old appeared sparingly for Talleres last season and had uneven performances when he did play. We’ll see if he can earn regular playing time and show that he belongs while on loan. Please note that this will be the last Youth Update on the elder Soñora brother because he will turn 23 next month. Rating: 3

United States

George Bello - Left Back, Atlanta United

We finally have some good news regarding George Bello. The 17-year-old made his return from injury for Atlanta United’s reserves this weekend. Atlanta head coach Frank de Boer is being cautious with his recovery and will only bring him back to the first team when he’s at full fitness. Still, it’s great to see him back on the field and it shouldn’t be much longer before he’s back with the first team. Rating: 4

Andrew Gutman - Left Back, Celtic FC (On Loan at FC Cincinnati)

Gutman is on the move. The 22-year-old is headed to FC Cincinnati on loan for the remainder of the year. Gutman had previously been on loan in the USL and was dominating before Celtic recalled him early. Gutman spent some time with the Celtic first team this preseason and impressed in a couple outings, but it wasn’t enough to convince the coaches that he should stay and fight for more opportunities at this time. So we’ll see if he can help the worst team in MLS have some success to finish out their season. Rating: 4

Donovan Pines - Centerback, DC United

Pines is having a nice breakout year for DC United. Following a knee injury that kept him out for a significant chunk of the season, Pines has returned to the starting lineup and is succeeding in his outings. Pines started four consecutive games heading into Sunday, and DC’s only loss came at the hands of Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta United. If Pines can show consistency, he’ll have to start garnering some attention from US Soccer. Look for Pines to play a part in Olympic qualifying next March. Rating: 5

 

[NewlyRetired]

Dest is on Ajax's Champions League roster.

 

[El Floppo]

Dest is on Ajax's Champions League roster.

cap qualifying game can't get here soon enough.

 

[NewlyRetired]

cap qualifying game can't get here soon enough.

I am so shell shocked I fear these games because I can't get past the idea that US Soccer/GGG won't call them.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Future USMNT

Feel like all I do these days is tweet about this guy, but congrats to Matthew Hoppe for winning the Golden Boot at the U19 Oberndorf Turnier. Hoppe scored 3 times in 4 games as Schalke made it to the semifinals. Goals were against Freiburg, Liverpool, and champions Midtjylland

 

[NewlyRetired]

Various reports from both Germany and Holland say that Gloster is moving to PSV, as has been rumored for a while.  Nothing official yet though from what I can see.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Schalke was suppose to play Liverpool today but it looks like it has been cancelled.  They will try again next summer.  Liverpool starts league play on Friday and they likely considered this way too much fixture congestion.   I have no idea why it was scheduled to begin with.

 

[blend]

I am so shell shocked I fear these games because I can't get past the idea that US Soccer/GGG won't call them.

i'm actually at the point where I'd be surprised if he does call him in.  

 

[NewlyRetired]

Various reports from both Germany and Holland say that Gloster is moving to PSV, as has been rumored for a while.  Nothing official yet though from what I can see.

USMNT Only

Chris Gloster's agent confirms the move to PSV - expects it to be official in two days.

 

[Scienceguy]

USMNT Only

Chris Gloster's agent confirms the move to PSV - expects it to be official in two days.

Read somewhere that he’s the 3rd lb they’ve brought in this summer. Hope he gets some time, but it sounds like the plan is for him to marinate this year and get a real crack at the job next season. 

 

[El Floppo]

re: that list of yutes I posted above, anybody tell me more about DCU's Pines? 

also curious to see how Gutman does for Cincy **LB ALERT**

and also curious about the other Celtic winger/forward kid- Harper, as well as the other attacking player listed- Hategan (nurnberg).

I guess Sonora didn't pan out.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I guess Sonora didn't pan out.

At least he got off to a positive start at his new team

https://twitter.com/MLS_Buzz/status/1158707062349664256?s=20

 

[NewlyRetired]

hopefully this is a short stop before he goes to Holland and Germany and talks to some US players face to face

USMNT Only

Gregg Berhalter was reportedly present and observing Sevilla's training. Sevilla is managed by Julen Lopetegui, who at one point, reportedly approached U.S. Soccer for the USMNT job.

 

[El Floppo]

hopefully this is a short stop before he goes to Spain and Germany and talks to some US players face to face

USMNT Only

Gregg Berhalter was reportedly present and observing Sevilla's training. Sevilla is managed by Julen Lopetegui, who at one point, reportedly approached U.S. Soccer for the USMNT job.

sevillamerica, imo. lots of yanks there to inspect.

I mean, must be... right? 

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

Uh, WTH is this kid?  

 

[Charlie Steiner]

Uh, WTH is this kid?  

I seem to remember a link to him in action earlier in this thread, circa the last WC qualifying cycle.  I kept confusing him with Pomykal because of his last name. TBH I'm surprised he hasn't been higher profile since then.

 

[Ned]

If you have the time, this is a nice mini doc (17 minutes) on one of the best US prospects that is a bit off the grid in Joshua Pynadath.  I learned a lot from watching this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Kj_OqYK8Fca

@Dinsy Ejotuz

 

[Ramsay Hunt Experience]

I seem to remember a link to him in action earlier in this thread, circa the last WC qualifying cycle.  I kept confusing him with Pomykal because of his last name. TBH I'm surprised he hasn't been higher profile since then.

We had links to him absolutely slaying guys as a 13 year-old when he tried out for Madrid.  My understanding is that he hasn't been able to stay healthy for the Ajax youth teams, but his on-ball skills are insane.

 

[Scienceguy]

We had links to him absolutely slaying guys as a 13 year-old when he tried out for Madrid.  My understanding is that he hasn't been able to stay healthy for the Ajax youth teams, but his on-ball skills are insane.

They discussed Pynadath on the most recent Scuffed podcast. Apparently his body hasn’t caught up to his technique yet. They were saying he is so little he gets pushed around too much and hasn’t learned to deal with it yet. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

Emmy scored to help Atlanta into the US Open Cup finals

https://twitter.com/FutureUsmnt/status/1158915982141902848?s=20

 

[TwinTurbo]

They discussed Pynadath on the most recent Scuffed podcast. Apparently his body hasn’t caught up to his technique yet. They were saying he is so little he gets pushed around too much and hasn’t learned to deal with it yet. 

Yeah I hope he can continue to develop. It would be nice to have at least one player who can actually beat a defender off the dribble. 

 

[NewlyRetired]

Yeah I hope he can continue to develop. It would be nice to have at least one player who can actually beat a defender off the dribble. 

You mean one other player?  Dribbling is Pulisic's main strength as a player.

 

[El Floppo]

You mean one other player?  Dribbling is Pulisic's main strength as a player.

gio doesn't seem to have much problem with it either. a couple of the other yutes as well. konrad, dual mex kids, etc.

 

[El Floppo]

Emmy scored to help Atlanta into the US Open Cup finals

https://twitter.com/FutureUsmnt/status/1158915982141902848?s=20

has he been playing regularly for them? I forgot he was in ATL and to keep an eye open for him when watching over the weekend

 

[Ned]

has he been playing regularly for them? I forgot he was in ATL and to keep an eye open for him when watching over the weekend

He's been in/out of the starting lineup from the little I've seen.

Put me in the unimpressed camp - just seems....... underwhelming to me.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Future USMNT

Tyler Adams completed much of Leipzig’s training session with the team. That’s good news for Adams, who’s been training mostly on an individual basis since suffering an abductor injury late last season

 

[NewlyRetired]

Jeff Carlisle

Can confirm that terms have been agreed for Chris Gloster to be transferred from Hannover 96 to PSV Eindhoven. He'll have a medical on Thursday and if all goes well, sign his contract on Friday

 

[El Floppo]

He's been in/out of the starting lineup from the little I've seen.

Put me in the unimpressed camp - just seems....... underwhelming to me.

I still think of what he brought at the youth level, and had occasional flashes of in europe- sparkplug offensive player with good ability to beat a player or team on the dribble, shot or pass. but the rest of it as a growed up guy has been underwhelming as you say. I'm still hoping that he can play to his strength and do it more consistently. he really was one of the brightest players of his age group.

 

[El Floppo]

Future USMNT

Tyler Adams completed much of Leipzig’s training session with the team. That’s good news for Adams, who’s been training mostly on an individual basis since suffering an abductor injury late last season

no whammies. 

 

[BassNBrew]

You mean one other player?  Dribbling is Pulisic's main strength as a player.

No. I’m the Pulisic fan here. Everyone else thinks he sucks and can stay off the bandwagon 

 

[El Floppo]

He's been in/out of the starting lineup from the little I've seen.

Put me in the unimpressed camp - just seems....... underwhelming to me.

I still think of what he brought at the youth level, and had occasional flashes of in europe- sparkplug offensive player with good ability to beat a player or team on the dribble, shot or pass. but the rest of it as a growed up guy has been underwhelming as you say. I'm still hoping that he can play to his strength and do it more consistently. he really was one of the brightest players of his age group.

btw- scanning the ESPN site, I saw a pic of Emmy celebrating his goal (I guess it was US open Cup) with... Carleton! would be great to get that kid on track finally- speaking of young talented attacking players.

 

[Ned]

btw- scanning the ESPN site, I saw a pic of Emmy celebrating his goal (I guess it was US open Cup) with... Carleton! would be great to get that kid on track finally- speaking of young talented attacking players.

Needs to lose the man bun. 

 

[El Floppo]

Needs to lose the man bun. 

Just awful

 

[El Floppo]

Horvath's  manager on the transfer

======

USMNT Only

"A goalkeeper was not really high on my wish list, because I have a lot of faith in Ethan Horvath. He can still grow enormously. But these are different circumstances and Simon was an opportunity. At a certain point you have to make the decision also done." - Club Brugge's manager

sounds like manager-speak. reality is native international mignolet slots immediately into the starting spot and horvath will be fighting for scraps until injury, transfer or retirement.

Guess who started for Brugges today vs Kiev in CL qualifying? Name does not rhyme with whorebath.

 

[gianmarco]

Guess who started for Brugges today vs Kiev in CL qualifying? Name does not rhyme with whorebath.

So not your mom.

 

[NewlyRetired]

Brian Sciaretta‏ @BrianSciaretta

New Jersey’s own Mason Toye, 20, is the most in-form young American forward at the moment. In his last 7 games (5 league, 2 #usoc2019) Toye has 5 goals & 2 assists over just 192 minutes. Tonight was a stoppage time winner

He had a well taken goal tonight to put Minnesota into the US Open Cup finals

https://streamja.com/5P42

 

[NewlyRetired]

Guess who started for Brugges today vs Kiev in CL qualifying? Name does not rhyme with whorebath.

=========

"I was not surprised, but bringing something like this into reality is something else," said the coach, who also immediately mentioned the downside of Mignolet's arrival. “The first thing I did was call Horvath. Because such a transfer has two stories: someone who really likes to come to Club, and a player who will be very disappointed. Ethan has responded extremely professionally to both his colleagues and the board. That is why he is so appreciated here. But this is simply professional football. "

There is no doubt that Mignolet immediately becomes a holder. “Whether Ethan can accept a substitute role? We are going to give him a few days to let this sink. Emotionally reacting is not the best solution now. He has to take his time, but I know I can count on Ethan. "

Clement also indicated that a new goalkeeper was not really a priority. “Mignolet was an opportunity on the market. Such a transfer depends on a number of factors that have been in our favor lately. And then you have to act quickly. "

 

[NewlyRetired]

If he could play like this against Concacaf level opponents it would be such an improvement over what we have seen.  There is a lot to like here if you believe fullbacks should not be planted in the defensive 3rd.

https://twitter.com/USMNTvideos/status/1159273975131910145?s=20 

 

[encaitar]

If he could play like this against Concacaf level opponents it would be such an improvement over what we have seen.  There is a lot to like here if you believe fullbacks should not be planted in the defensive 3rd.

https://twitter.com/USMNTvideos/status/1159273975131910145?s=20 

He offers so much more than Ream.  It's a shame Berhalter wanted to play so conservatively.

 

[Moe.]

Guess who started for Brugges today vs Kiev in CL qualifying? Name does not rhyme with whorebath.

Like you said - his quote says it all. They weren't really looking for a keeper but Mignolet fell into their lap and he's obviously going to be #1. Sucks for Horvath but maybe he'll get some learnin'. 

edit: just saw andy's follow-up quote, looks like he elaborated and said exactly what we all thought. Good to see that Horvath took it like a pro. 

If he could play like this against Concacaf level opponents it would be such an improvement over what we have seen.  There is a lot to like here if you believe fullbacks should not be planted in the defensive 3rd.

https://twitter.com/USMNTvideos/status/1159273975131910145?s=20 

I've lost track - what's up with Fab and Chandler? Are we just done with them?

 

[NewlyRetired]

CCV will be with Stoke for the year on loan.

Cincy has signed Joe Gyau.

Newcastle as signed Emil Krafth which is likely bad news for Yedlin.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I've lost track - what's up with Fab and Chandler? Are we just done with them?

Both are still in the Bundesliga.  Johnson was not a full time starter last year.   Chandler still gets a lot of minutes

Fab will be 32 in December

Neither has been called by any US coach this cycle.  Until that happens, I think they are out of the picture.

 

[NewlyRetired]

CCV will be with Stoke for the year on loan..

We might have to change CCV's nickname from The Old Man to Mr Championship.

For the 4th year in a row he will be playing for a different Championship team (Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Swansea and now Stoke).  And he is still only 21.

 

[El Floppo]

We might have to change CCV's nickname from The Old Man to Mr Championship.

For the 4th year in a row he will be playing for a different Championship team (Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Swansea and now Stoke).  And he is still only 21.

I'm never clear on how loans work so I could be way off- but on face-value, it's a little troubling nobody's wanted him enough to bring him back in or make an offer to make the loan permanent.

 

[NewlyRetired]

I'm never clear on how loans work so I could be way off- but on face-value, it's a little troubling nobody's wanted him enough to bring him back in or make an offer to make the loan permanent.

I was thinking the same thing.  I can't imagine Tottenham have his fee anything more than nominal so that is not blocking him.

On the plus side, other teams play against him in the Championship and they seem to be impressed enough to give him a chance, so he can't be a total mess.   From everything we read he played very well for Swansea last season.

 

[El Floppo]

I was thinking the same thing.  I can't imagine Tottenham have his fee anything more than nominal so that is not blocking him.

On the plus side, other teams play against him in the Championship and they seem to be impressed enough to give him a chance, so he can't be a total mess.   From everything we read he played very well for Swansea last season.

all true. but at 21, the way it's reading and the way you've painted it there- he's become a sort of journeyman plug-and-play guy... at the ripe old age of 21. would be good for his career growth to get rooted to a place for a bit, IMO. but I guess if he's playing, we can't really argue with it.

 

[NewlyRetired]

:(   I wonder if some of this is due to feeling they WAY undersold Adams last winter?

===============================

Tom Bogert

I'm hearing the Red Bulls rejected an offer from a French club for Aaron Long that would have equaled the MLS record transfer fee for a defender Obviously no move to West Ham will happen with the PL deadline today, but some possibility remains for elsewhere in Europe

 

[encaitar]

all true. but at 21, the way it's reading and the way you've painted it there- he's become a sort of journeyman plug-and-play guy... at the ripe old age of 21. would be good for his career growth to get rooted to a place for a bit, IMO. but I guess if he's playing, we can't really argue with it.

I think a lot of that is due to his salary/transfer fee.  It's pretty clear that he's a Championship level CB, but there are cheaper options that are of a similar skill level to be had.  He's a UFA next summer though and I expect he'll figure into the long term plans of a Championship side then.

 

[NewlyRetired]

All time US best team?

Rules:

1) Formation is a 4-2-3-1

2) Players are all considered in their prime but not allowed to project anyone forward (Adams, Swag etc).  Has to be based on body of work.

3) Can not cherry pick players who shined very bright for a nano second and then got hurt (Obie, Holden etc)

4) Can not project backwards (players like Wegerle, Preki and Dooley, whom played for the US slightly past their prime.  Only their time when playing for US will be considered).

Goalkeepeer: A near impossible choice.   Has to be one of Keller, Friedel, or Howard.  Valid arguments can be made for all 3

RB:  This one has to be Cherundolo, for quality and longevity.  No one really comes close

RCB: Some interesting choices here.  Gooch blowing out his knee though makes Pope an easier choice for me.  I considered Balboa as well.

LCB: This probably comes down to Boca vs Brooks.   I can't decide.

LB: ####.    Seriously, which non  full time LB do we choose?  Fab, DMB, Lewis, Caliguiri, Frankie...........?

CM: Germany Jones.  He came to the US a little later but he made his mark.  He gets the nod over Dooley simply because he was closer to his prime when he played for the US than Dooley was.

CM: Bradley.   I feel like Adams will supplant him but when Mikey was in his prime and still had his legs, the kid could play.

RW: I have to give this to Donovan but damn it hurts to keep Tab out.

LW: Even at only 20, this has to be Pulisic.   He is already better than Cobi or DMB were at that spot at their peaks.

AM: Dempsey.  Remember this is in their prime.  Dempsey seemed like a plodder at the end but when he was young he could crash the box as well as any midfielder.

St: Jozy, McBride, Wynalda and Joe Max were the 4 I considered.   If this was to be a true team, I would start McBride.  With Dempsey, Donovan and Pulisic all on the field together, McBride's intangibles would win out for me.

Coach:  I thought about Bradley and Arena.  I went with Bradley.  I think his results were extremely solid when he was in charge.  He got fired for a result that both JK and Berhalter did not.  Arena certainly brought the team to its peak in 2002 but hidden in that was that the team barely qualified for 2002, coming down to the last game.    When I couple that with the disappointing 2006 campaign and the never to be forgotten wet and bumpy, I give the nod to Bradley.