Posts written by Brent

United States

Opara Scores as U-23s Beat FC Dallas

The U.S. U-23s got a pretty good result Wednesday in the first scrimmage of their February camp, edging a close to first choice FC Dallas side 2-1, despite finishing the game with nine men.

I had some original thoughts on the camp the other day at ESPN. Here are some quick observations from today’s match:

  • This was still not a full strength American team, missing all of the European contingent that will join up when the FIFA break starts after the weekend. That meant a number of second choice starters, including outside backs Kofi Sarkodie and Jorge Villafana.  The defense still held up, which is great news. It will only get better when Alfredo Morales and Greg Garza join the team. (more…)
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United States

Donovan Looking to Play a Part in Olympics

For those wondering whether the U.S. will send the best players it can to the Olympics, should it qualify this spring, Jurgen Klinsmann says yes, definitely.

The likes of Altidore, Williams, Chandler and Shea would all be part of the squad, hopefully. And Landon Donovan says he wants in, too.

Donovan, whose attack heavy age group missed out on the Athens Olympics in 2004 when they lost to Mexico in the one-off semifinal in qualifiers, tells ESPN he wants to play in London this summer, just like LA Galaxy teammate David Beckham.

As one of three overage players, he would certainly be a great addition. And he has the right to taste Olympic glory again (Donovan was a young part of the team that placed fourth in 2000).

But this is an attack heavy team that needs some defensive help, so he might not be the best fit. What do you think?

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Featured, United States

Gyau on Verge of German Debut

Joe Gyau’s German debut could come as soon as Wednesday, when Hoffenheim squares off against Furth in the German Cup. The chance to rest some regulars as Hoffenheim fights its way into the top half of the Bundesliga table may mean a chance for the young American.

Whether he sees the field or not on Wednesday, though, Gyau’s rapid rise to the first team has been nothing short of spectacular.  Just 19, Gyau is proving to be a rare American prospect who looks capable of living up to the expectations around him.

Gyau left U-17 residency in 2009 to head for Germany, by way of Vancouver. He played with the Whitecaps’ academy, alongside fellow youth prodigy Charles Renken, until he reached 18 and became eligible for the move overseas.

“When I was in residency I was getting a couple offers, but it was the Spain trip where there was a scout there from Hoffenheim,” Gyau revealed. “He contacted my agent and they worked something out where I would train in Vancouver for a year, because I wasn’t able to transfer at such a young age, and then I went over to Hoffenheim.” (more…)

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Featured, United States

Dynamo Kiev in Stealth Shea Bid?

A source with knowledge of the dealings told 10Kit Thursday that FC Dallas winger Brek Shea is in the sites of Ukrainian outfit Dynamo Kiev.

The perennial Champions League also-rans are supposedly prepared to pay $10 million for the Hoops star, but Shea’s camp isn’t convinced by the idea of going to Eastern Europe, and seems to think they can negotiate a better deal elsewhere, the source said.

A $10 million fee would match the most paid for an MLS player, dished out when Villarreal purchased Jozy Altidore from NY Red Bull. (more…)

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Featured

Hyndman Learning the Ropes at Fulham

Still just 16, it’s no wonder Texas native Emerson Hyndman is fearless. Somewhat undersized on the field, he comes from an international soccer tradition that has opened doors for him from a young age. Now in England with Fulham’s youth academy, the technically gifted young American looks to have a bright future.

“Emerson since the age of 12 has been recognized as a very technical player and excelled in some areas,” said FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman, also Emerson’s grandfather. “The thing that’s always been kind of a hamper to it all is that much like his grandfather, he just grew slowly. Just more immature for the age and the body.”

As the photo at left (from www.texasfutgol.com) proves, Hyndman had plenty of growing to do a few years back when he was already training occasionally with FC Dallas’ full team as a member of the Hoops academy. But mentally, the soon-to-be 17-year-old was looking for bigger adventures. (more…)

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United States

News and Views for Monday, Jan 16th

Wondering how loan signing George John will fit in at West Ham? Greg Seltzer from MLSsoccer.com has some views.

Edgar Castillo is up and rearing to go in Tijuana, and may just play his way back onto Jurgen Klinsmann’s radar. Doesn’t hurt that he’s got a little competition from co-U.S. international Greg Garza – seems like a no-lose situation for the Americans there.

Don’t miss these highlights from the U.S. full team scrimmage with the U-23s. There’s some focus on Freddy Adu, who looks sharp in limited footage.

GLOBAL

You should read up on India’s attempt to start a for-real soccer league, modeled after MLS. (more…)

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Featured, United States

Orozco Continues Battle for Tigres First Team

Earlier today at ESPN.com, I reflected on the paucity of Mexico-based Americans in contention for the Olympic team. There are plenty of U-20s who looked very promising during the last U-20 cycle, but haven’t taken a step forward the way MLS-based U-23s like Perry Kitchen, Zarek Valentin, and Ethan White have over the past year.

Along with several others, Moises Orozco is a promising young American on the roster at Mexican champion Tigres. But the quality at Mexico’s latest top team has been barrier to the half dozen or so American in the youth ranks in Monterrey, and Orozco seems to be on the outside looking in to America’s U-23 team, like fellow Mexican-Americans Adrian Ruelas, Ernest Nungaray, and Victor Garza, among others. (more…)

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United States

News and Views for Monday, Jan 9th

U.S. fans won’t have to wait long after these January friendlies for some more action. The U.S. will take advanatge of the extra day this year to face Italy in Genoa on Feb. 29th, U.S. soccer confirmed today.

The MLS Insiders take us to the 2012 Combine, day 3, where our man Travis Clark is busy prognosticating the draft.

Global

Looking older but no less heroic, Thierry Henry went ahead and scored the winner for Arsenal in his re-debut in a 1-0 FA Cup win over Leeds.

10 Kit Originals

Don’t miss the latest 10Kit podcast! We kick off 2012 with some predictions.

In Arizona, Jon spoke with Brek Shea and Juan Agudelo about the hardest parts of training camp.

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Featured

Does Cabrera’s Departure Signal Nail in Coffin for Bradenton?

It’s always an odd thing for a coach who by all reports is doing well to depart mid-cycle. The U.S. U-17s seem to be on the up, having samba’d around Brazil to win the Nike Friendlies last month playing a brand of soccer that can only be described as aggressive and attractive.

Cabrera could be edgy and had his detractors, but by most accounts was doing a pretty good job. Now he’s out mid-cycle, reportedly by mutual agreement.

Put the pieces together and it likely means Bradenton’s done after this cycle.

The rumblings have been making the rounds inside the USSF for some time. Though officials won’t say it — Sunil Gulati staunchly maintained that there is no specific date to get rid of the program when I spoke with him last summer — you’d have to think at this point the deal is done. (more…)

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