From College...To the Pros...To The US National Team...
The US National Team is gearing up for a friendly against Switzerland on October 17, 2007 and coach Bob Bradley has released his roster. First some high level comments:
1. MLS players in the midst of a playoff race were not included. No Pablo, no Landycakes, no Jozy Altidore.
2. Look how young this team is. Bradley has officially started the WC 2010 discovery period. The oldest guy is Marcus Hahnemann at 35 years old. The youngest is Freddy Adu at 18 years old. Only 2 guys over 30 (Hahnemann & Lewis). Only 5 guys born in the 70's. A majority of players born since 1985.
3. Some first timers on the list: Steve Purdy, Tally Hall, Robbie Findley, Maurice Edu, Chris Seitz, Danny Szetela & Preston Zimmerman are all here without any caps.
See, it is audition time people. Should any of these guys star against Switzerland they'll be included in the next friendly and then they'll be looking like Eddie Johnson in a WC qualifier. This call up is exciting for all of the young guys but let's specifically focus on our MLS rookies who were included.
Chris Seitz - GK - Real Salt Lake: Since leaving the University of Maryland Seitz has earned 3 starts in goal for Real Salt Lake and has played in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Seitz is a large keeper at 6'-4", 210 lbs and has improved his awareness through his first professional season. There is little doubt this guy will be fighting for a spot on the 2010 WC roster. However, the US has always been deep at keeper and Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Guzan are going to have something to say about his inclusion.
Maurice Edu - M - Toronto FC: Edu is the front runner for 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year according to just about everyone. In 24 games he has marshaled the Toronto midfield, looking like a veteran. In fact, should Toronto sign a quality complimentary midfielder to pair with Edu in central midfield in the off-season, FC Toronto should move up the eastern conference in 2008. Edu will have a chance to replace aging Pablo Mastroeni on the National Team.
Robbie Findley - F - Real Salt Lake: For me, Findley was the steal of the draft for LA. Then they traded him to Salt Lake. Hugghhhh? Findley has won a couple games for the woeful Salt Lake. In 2008 I'm sure Jason Kreis will find someone to take the pressure off the youngster, because Chris Brown ain't doing it. Under Kreis' tutelage Findley will thrive and challenge Altidore, Donovan, Beasley and Dempsey for time at forward in the future.
At this time last year these guys were in the midst of a college soccer season and mid-terms. Now, they're going to Europe to play for their country. What a difference a year makes. Good luck guys!
1. MLS players in the midst of a playoff race were not included. No Pablo, no Landycakes, no Jozy Altidore.
2. Look how young this team is. Bradley has officially started the WC 2010 discovery period. The oldest guy is Marcus Hahnemann at 35 years old. The youngest is Freddy Adu at 18 years old. Only 2 guys over 30 (Hahnemann & Lewis). Only 5 guys born in the 70's. A majority of players born since 1985.
3. Some first timers on the list: Steve Purdy, Tally Hall, Robbie Findley, Maurice Edu, Chris Seitz, Danny Szetela & Preston Zimmerman are all here without any caps.
See, it is audition time people. Should any of these guys star against Switzerland they'll be included in the next friendly and then they'll be looking like Eddie Johnson in a WC qualifier. This call up is exciting for all of the young guys but let's specifically focus on our MLS rookies who were included.
Chris Seitz - GK - Real Salt Lake: Since leaving the University of Maryland Seitz has earned 3 starts in goal for Real Salt Lake and has played in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Seitz is a large keeper at 6'-4", 210 lbs and has improved his awareness through his first professional season. There is little doubt this guy will be fighting for a spot on the 2010 WC roster. However, the US has always been deep at keeper and Tim Howard, Marcus Hahnemann and Brad Guzan are going to have something to say about his inclusion.
Maurice Edu - M - Toronto FC: Edu is the front runner for 2007 MLS Rookie of the Year according to just about everyone. In 24 games he has marshaled the Toronto midfield, looking like a veteran. In fact, should Toronto sign a quality complimentary midfielder to pair with Edu in central midfield in the off-season, FC Toronto should move up the eastern conference in 2008. Edu will have a chance to replace aging Pablo Mastroeni on the National Team.
Robbie Findley - F - Real Salt Lake: For me, Findley was the steal of the draft for LA. Then they traded him to Salt Lake. Hugghhhh? Findley has won a couple games for the woeful Salt Lake. In 2008 I'm sure Jason Kreis will find someone to take the pressure off the youngster, because Chris Brown ain't doing it. Under Kreis' tutelage Findley will thrive and challenge Altidore, Donovan, Beasley and Dempsey for time at forward in the future.
At this time last year these guys were in the midst of a college soccer season and mid-terms. Now, they're going to Europe to play for their country. What a difference a year makes. Good luck guys!
posted by Bonji at
4:33 PM
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