Where are they now...The 1999 US Soccer U-17 Residency class...Part 1...

In the spring of 1999, twenty players moved to Florida to go after a dream. In Bradenton, Florida US Soccer was opening a first of its kind facility in the States; a year round soccer training facility to help the development of the US National Team. This group of twenty young soccer players were virtual no names to people like you and me. However, seven years later most of them are well on their way in the professional ranks of the sport.

In this post I’ll check in on each of the players to see what they’ve done since going to Bradenton. Ok, the first thing you’ll notice about the below list is that it isn’t just twenty player, it is twenty three. In between the fall and spring semesters, a couple left and a couple came in. So I’m not trying to intentionally lie to you.

Nelson Akwari – Born and raised in Texas, Nelson “Nelly” Akwari was a hot commodity coming out of the Bradenton program. As a senior he was named the 1999 NSCAA National Player of the Year and was named first-team Parade All-America. UCLA won the services of this up and coming star.

After two years at UCLA, Nelly decided it was time to go pro. He signed with MLS’ P-40 program and was selected by the New York MetroStars in a weighted lottery. After one season with New York, Nelly was traded to Columbus where he became a starter, helping Columbus win the league’s Supporter Shield in 2004. In 2004 Real Salt Lake decided to take Akwari from Columbus and to build their young defense around him. So far this season, Akwari has played in 16 games for Salt Lake.

While he was once an upcoming star in the national scene, and part of the inaugural Bradenton class, Nelly has dropped out of the national picture while he continues a solid MLS career.

DaMarcus Beasley – After the 2002 World Cup, every US Soccer fan knew DaMarcus, or as many of us like to call him Run DMB. Prior to 2002 DMB was causing a stir at the lower national team levels before joining MLS. At the 1999 U-17 World Championship, Beasley earned the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second most valuable player. The player who beat DaMarcus to the Golden Ball? Teammate Landon Donovan.

The year 2000 saw DaMarcus join MLS as a Project 40 player. In his sophomore season Beasley was named to the All-Star game at the age of 19. In 2002 he was one of the young stars of the World Cup, helping the US beat European powers Portugal and regional rival Mexico en route to a Quarter Final match against Germany. Two years after catching the attention of the world in 2002, Beasley made a multi-million dollar move to Dutch powerhouse, PSV Endhoven. Beasley became the first U.S. player to appear in the semifinals of the prestigious UEFA Champions League, playing against Italian greats AC Milan.

Beasley looked tired and played uninspired through much of the disappointing 2006 World Cup. Looking to move on from PSV, Beasley was joined Manchester City in the English Premier League in August of 2006 on a one-year loan, hoping to revive his promising career.

Kyle Beckerman – Beckerman, otherwise known as “Becks” to Rapids fans, made the jump from Residency to MLS in 2000 after signing with Project-40 in the summer of 2000 and bring claimed by the Miami Fusion. He had a promising slow start to his career in Miami getting limited playing time while scoring his first professional goal in the final regular season game. In 2001 his career progress was significantly slowed when he broke his leg while playing with the P-40 team. Later that year Beckerman’s MLS team was contracted and he was claimed by the Colorado Rapids in the dispersal draft.

Becks struggled under Rapids coach Hankinson who tried to keep him playing as a defensive midfielder while Kyle previously played a more attacking role. Before the 2006 season he scored 3 goals while making 12 assists. In 2006 he’s doubled that production becoming one of the leading scorers on the team with 6 goals. Under current Rapids manager, Fernando Clavijo, Beckerman has regained the confidence and qualities that made him a highly rated youth player. Beckerman has missed only one MLS match this season and will no doubt feature heavily going forward.

Danny Bolin – Is the first player on our list who is no longer playing professional soccer. After life at Bradenton, Danny attended Wake Forrest University. However, after one year of limited playing time at Wake, Danny transferred to the US Air Force Academy. He graduated last year and is now attending pilot school at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta, Georgia. (Editors Disclaimer: this information came from Wikipedia, take it for what you will.)

Filippo Chillemi – After leaving Residency, Filippo enrolled at Notre Dame in 2000. After four years he compiled a good enough career to attract the attention of Italian clubs FC Mazzarra, FC Olbia, and Empoli FC, however nagging injuries forced his retirement. (Editors Disclaimer: Again, this is based on information found in Wikipedia)

Jordan Cila – Joined the Duke Blue Devils soccer program in 2000 as a freshman. Over four years he never lived up to the hype created by the Residency title. In 2004 he went undrafted and joined the Colorado Rapids as a trialist. His trial went well and he earned a developmental contract. In his rookie season, Cila impressed coaches and fans, scoring 3 game winning goals.

Cila’s impressive start made him more valuable to the Rapids on the transfer market, and he was traded to rival start-up, Real Salt Lake, where he was reunited with Bradenton coach, John Ellinger. However, the sophomore season wasn’t an easy one and in 2006 he was shipped off the New York, where he is currently playing. This season has seen Cila continue to struggle, playing in only 4 games for the Red Bulls.

To Be Continued With...

Bobby Convey –

D.J. Countess –

Steve Cronin –

Kenny Cutler –

Justin Detter -

Landon Donovan –

Adolfo Gregorio –

Bryan Jackson –

Kellen Kalso –

Greg Martin –

Oguchi Onyewu –

Raul Rivera –

Matt Roberts –

Abe Thompson –

Seth Trembly –

Peter Withers –

Alexander Yi –

Coach John Ellinger –