US U-20 Finishes Second in Milk Cup...Members of Team Trying Out in Europe...

Well, the Americans couldn't retain the Milk Cup trophy. They lost 2-0 to Paraguay. By the way, Paraguay has won three of the past five Milk Cup trophys, so at least we lost to a strong opponent. I'm not going to try any analysis on this one, they lost, it sucks, I didn't see the game to get any additional insight. There is a link on the US Soccer page I linked to where you can watch the game if you like.

One of the by products of this tournament is always going to be a few young Americans joining the Yanks Abroad list. Word on the street was that Jonathan Villanueva had a trial at Ajax of Amsterdam before the competition. While the coach liked his skills, he isn't getting a deal this time around. I'd love to see him back in the US at the University of Virginia, where he has commited to play if he plays in college, but it seems like he's eager to join a European club before starting college. It sounds as if he has some more trials lined up.

One of the bright spots for the young American side at the Milk Cup was the play of Robbie Rogers. It sounds like this Maryland would be sophomore is going to sign with Dutch side Heerenveen, where Michael Bradley has been playing his club soccer since being sold by MLS in January, 2006. I hope Robbir and Michael like wearing a kit with hearts all over it.

I know a Colorado Rapids fan who loves wearing this kit. Maybe he can add Bradley or Rogers to the back since it doesn't make total sense when an Ajax fan wears a rival Dutch club's kit. BP will figure it out I'm sure.

We'll have to wait and see if the 2006 Milk Cup gets anyone else a European tryout. Personally, I'd like to see the team come back to the States and join the college and MLS ranks. However, I understand there are going to be guys who see the grass as greener over in Europe. Good luck to them.