Looking Ahead to 2009: The Involvement of College Soccer Players

Hey! I am a new blogger here at FCTP! My name is USvsIreland and I am a student who is a massive fan of US Soccer. Hope you enjoy the first piece.

Looking Ahead to 2009: The Involvement of College Soccer Players

       What went largely unnoticed in the furor of our Olympic exploits (or lack thereof) is that the United States sent a Youth National Team to a tournament without a single non-professional player. This by itself is a huge success and it shows that player development has come a long way in this country. It still has a long way to go, but we are showing progress. The fastest way to success is a large and deep pool of professional players. Can we repeat this feat in 2009 with our U-20's? The 2007 U-20 Side had 7 amateurs, most of which were Defenders or Goalkeepers.

Here is a look at some non-professional players who have a shot at making the U-20 WYC Roster:

Felix Garcia
Club/College: PDL Laredo Heat
Age: 18; July 30, 1990
Position: Forward
Squad Chance: Almost a lock.

Felix Garcia is a wonderkid. He has been a favorite of Thomas Rongen's so far in this cycle. While all reports say he is "raw," he is a 6 footer with a lot of skill that is waiting to be honed in a professional environment. Apparently he is only a senior in HS this fall, so unless he drops out or graduates early he could still be an amateur by Summer 2009. He is reportedly getting looked at by MFL teams and I'm sure Rongen has been called about him by MLS teams.

Sheanon Williams
Club/College: NCAA Div I University of North Carolina
Age: 18; March 17, 1990
Position: Right Back/Midfield
Squad Chance: Lock.

Sheanon is a self-described Right Back, Right Midfielder, and Forward. He has been starting at Right Back for the U20's so far. Formerly at Bradenton, Sheanon already has U-17 WC experience and with a lack of any pro option on the right side of defense, I think we will most likely be seeing Sheanon in Egypt in 2009. Will he stay amateur? He has trialed in Holland, and may be waiting for that GenAd contract in the winter.


Ike Opara
Club/College: NCAA Div I Wake Forest
Age: 19; February 21, 1989
Position: Central Defense
Squad Chance: Lock

Opara got a lot of notice for his important part of the Championship winning Wake Forest defense. He started 23 games including the Championship game. At 6 foot 2, he has a strong powerful presence and is great in the air. He has already won everything there is to be won at the college level and if he performs similarly to 2007 he may find himself contemplating a GenAd contract offer this winter.

Perica Marosevic
Club/College: NCAA Div I University of Michigan
Age: 19; May 5, 1989
Position: Forward
Squad Chance: Good Chances, needs to keep scoring.

Peri Marosevic has a fairly prolific scoring record at YNT level for the US. He was at Bradenton and a longtime U-18 player. In order to keep Rongen's attention, Peri needs to keep scoring at the college level once the season starts. While his college stats may not sound impressive (6 goals in 18 starts last season) he was his school's top scorer by 2 goals. Will he stay an amateur? He has trialed in Germany before and may look there or to MLS if he wants to increase his chances of making this roster. His recent 2 goals against Mexico will not go unnoticed.

Richard Balchan
Club/College: Indiana University
Age: 19; January 18, 1989
Position: Defense/Midfield
Squad Chance: Good Chances

Richard is listed as a midfielder with Indiana but has been playing Central Defense for the U20's during the trip to England and at the Milk Cup. So far I have read mixed reviews, but Rongen obviously sees something in him as his repeated call ups show. Rongen may be hoping to teach Balchan this new position in time for the WYC. I don't see a clamor for his signature this winter, but could be one who will benefit strongly from a good WYC showing a la Wynne and Feilhaber.

Chris Agorsor
Club/College: University of Virginia
Age: 18; January 9, 1990
Position: Forward/Winger
Squad Chances: Good Chances

Rongen made some statements about 2008 Gatorade Player of the Year and USSF Academy Player of the Year Chris lately that I interpreted to mean: You're very talented, but you need to improve and the best way to do that is getting your behind over to Europe. This kid is becoming a bit of an internet legend. He has trialed all over Europe, mostly in England and could be going anywhere after this fall season. He has a great chance to make the squad if he keeps making the headlines. Rongen will definitely be following his every move.

Hope you enjoyed it so far stay tuned for parts 2 and 3.

If you have any questions/comments feel free to post them or E-mail me at USvsIreland AT gmail.com.

Thanks!