“I definitely miss playing in Europe,” Adu said via phone from Madrid. “I always said that when I went back to MLS, I wanted stability, and that I wouldn’t go back until I could play for a top-five league. But if I did get the chance, I’d have to pursue it.”-Arch Bell ESPN
A lot has been made of the training stint with Rayo Vallecano, but I really can’t see Freddy going anywhere yet. Then again I couldn’t understand why Sochaux would take back Charlie Davies when DC United didn’t even want him. MLS is a proving grounds for Europe. You can’t just be a name to get into a top league, you have to prove something. Adu had a great Gold Cup and if he has another good run for the national team in the Olympics, I could see him moving quickly to Europe. He hasn’t done that. As much as Rayo Vallecano has asked about bringing Freddy to MadrI can’t believe its serious enough to pay what MLS would be asking to let him go. MLS rates Adu as absolutely key, not only to the Union (which hopefully he can become next year) but to the league as a whole. He may not bring people in to the seats like Beckham, but there are a lot of people who would like to see Freddy Adu, the superstar. Europe won’t do that and therefore won’t offer them the kind of deal it would take.
It’s possible and there’s apparently interest on both sides, but I don’t see any of it falling in to place just yet. I’d be surprised if Freddy doesn’t turn around and end up back in Europe at some point, but the key is he has to turn around first.
Oh and another quote that I’m sure wasn’t intended as a shot at the Sons of Ben, by any means, but I’d love to see taken as a challenge.
“Another thing that has Adu convinced is the level of passion among the fan base at Rayo. He is staying in quarters right next to the club’s training ground and seeing firsthand what it would be like to play for a true neighborhood club. “The fact that fans here at Rayo come to training and watch it every day is so special,” Adu said. “That is what I’m talking about when I say that I miss playing in Europe. That’s the kind of environment I want to play in.”"
Can’t we convince Freddy he doesn’t have to go anywhere but Chester to play in that kind of environment?
-Another camp is expected in early to mid-December. Then a few camps in both January and February followed by Olympic qualifying and hopefully the tournament.
-Teal Bunbury has backed out of the camp due to an ankle injury. Real Salt Lake’s Luis Gil has been added. I believe these are the only changes that I haven’t mentioned here.
Friday, Nov. 11
Opponent Time
VFL Bochum (reserves) 11 a.m.
Azerbaijan (U-21s) 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 15
Opponent Time
Bayer Leverkusen (U-23s/reserves) 2:30 p.m.
Bayer Leverkusen (U-19s) 5 p.m.
I know I’m a bit behind the news, I got caught up in the playoffs, and then had to get caught up in some other work, but I promise I’m trying to make it up to you.
As I mentioned earlier the Union’s youth is extraordinarily promising. USMNT-U23 and semi-former Akron Zips coach Caleb Porter called a U-23 camp in Germany for 10 days in November and invited 31 players including 8 from MLS teams who had already been eliminated.
Porter called in 4 more players recently. The Union’s Amobi Okugo, Jack McInerney and Sheannon Williams along with New Yorks Juan Agudelo will join the other players at the camp in Germany. Unless other players are added from the remaining playoff teams, the Union will join DC United as the only team with multiple representatives.
There has been no surprise that so many Union players were called in to camp. Rather there has been rumbling disappointment that Zac MacMath and Freddy Adu were not also added to the roster. I have previously noted that Adu seems to be carrying an injury, which may explain his absence.
MacMath on the other hand was snubbed behind a pair of MLS Goalkeepers (jon Kempin and Sean Bingham) who have managed 90 minutes combined(all by Kempin). MacMath started 7 games and played 675 minutes while allowing 1.06 goals per 90 minutes.
Also of note is Lancaster, PA native Zarek Valentin from Chivas USA joining the team in Germany.
Also Porter won’t be able to meet these players just yet. He’ll be in Akron with his “other” team, and Youth Technical Director Claudio Reyna will lead the U-23 camp while U-20 Head Coach Tab Ramos will section off his own age group. U-18 Coach Richie Williams will also take part. The camp will take place at Sportschule Wedau in Duisburg.
Most of the news this week is about the upcoming games, Union and USMNT. In case you somehow missed it the Union home-opener is this weekend against Vancouver and the USMNT is taking on Argentina on Saturday (and Paraguay next week.)
For starters here is a video put together by USSoccer of past games against Argentina, including goals from names like Wynalda, Lalas and Johnson, and big saves by Keller Of course there’s the same from Messi, Riquelme and Crespo.
And of course Tim Howard’s absolutely dominating performance against Argentina in the Meadowlands in 2008.
For starters a few links on US players you might not know too much about who got called up for this game
Marcus Hahnemann
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/23/marcus-hahnemann-wolves-pilot
Timothy Chandler
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7549
Chandler and fellow German-American David Yelldell
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/double_deutsche_duo_of_timmy_chandler_david_yelldell_fitting_in_on_us_national_soccer_team/2011/03/24/ABr5z2QB_story.html?wprss=rss_sports
A few articles on other players you may know a bit more about, or just other things related to the USMNT-Argentina game in any way.
Jay Demerit on the game and a few other things, along with an article on Lionel Messi
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/blog/_/name/young_mark/id/6254169/the-chance-stop-messi
Brad Guzan, who won’t be playing at all for the US this summer
http://www.dailysoccerfix.com/2011/3/24/2069728/brad-guzan-not-available-for-summers-gold-cup-not-in-u-s-camp
A look at how Bob Bradley makes these selections
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/25/sports/soccer/25vecsey.html?_r=2
Tim Howard talks about the 2008 game he played against Argentina in Jersey (highlights up top)
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/03/howard-turning-focus-to-gold-cup-while-preparing-for-familiar-friendly-foe.html
Maurice Edu: The Last Action Hero
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/editor-s-picks/i-was-set-to-be-last-action-hero-before-maurice-edu-snatched-glory-1.1087319
Jozy’s from Jersey in case you forgot
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7551
http://www.nj.com/soccer-news/index.ssf/2011/03/tossed_around_europe_jozy_alti.html
The go-to Soccer By Ives piece (and comments) on who should start
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/03/who-will-the-usmnt-start-vs-argentina.html
A little eye into Cary Camp
http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/25/1079783/us-mens-team-ends-cary-stay-gets.html
A look at German-American soccer players, in light of Yelldell and Chandler
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/41714/usas-german-american-pipeline.html
And a look at the Union Vancouver Game,
Nowak says the lineup is still changing
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/soccer/118560839.html
A “keys to the game” style preview of the game. I think these things are almost worthless but I know someone will want to read it.
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1110/major-league-soccer/2011/03/24/2409700/head-to-head-preview-philadelphia-union-vs-vancouver
Valdes is eager to please
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/118635839.html
A little bit of DOOP-troversy the Union have trademarked the word DOOP and its causing quite a scare around the supporter base. They’re very anxious to see how it turns out and what it means in practice.
http://www.brotherlygame.com/2011/3/24/2069616/philadelphia-union-trademark-doop-sons-of-ben
http://unioncityblue.com/?p=747
Video of Chad Ochocinco’s practice with Sporting Kansas Cityhttp://www.nfl.com/videos/cincinnati-bengals/09000d5d81eea388/Kickin-it-with-Ochocinco
Hey sorry this is a little late, my power’s been out most of the day so I couldn’t get online, but here’s a list of articles I recommend reading to hold you over to Monday. Of course tomorrow’s the first Doop of the season so I’m sure you’ll find something to keep you busy till my next post. I decided that I’m going to try to do a Monday write up for all the weekend games. I know I’d said before that I’d try to get one during the weekend, if we can get a playoff game I’ll promise you a live post or something along those lines but until then this is the best you’ll get. Anyway here’s your links..
Reading United Head Coach Brendan Burke will coach the Union reserve team. He’ll continue to coach Reading
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=295553
How Jay DeMerit got to Vancouver
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/faces-first-kick-jay-demerit
US Soccer is taking input on a new motto. You’ve got till 12pm on the 23rd to submit your ideas.
http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikesoccer/2011/03/18/create-the-new-usmnt-motto
Bin Hammam is running, for real
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/18/mohamed-bin-hammam-fifa-president
USWNT “How I Make Myself”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u84kXsK5WY&feature=player_embedded
A different kind of look at Juan Agudelo’s call-up and the state of the US youth programs.
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=goal-enroutejuanagudeloscallupto
Spain to play USMNT at Gillete in June?
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2011/3/18/2058462/spain-usmnt-usa-friendly-gillette-stadium
The driver in Charlie Davies infamous car accident is headed to jail
http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/6232286/driver-charlie-davies-crash-gets-2-years-prison
His court statement
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/post/charlie-davies-court-statement/2011/03/18/ABQLAdq_blog.html
A bit of information on recent USMNT call-up David Yelldell
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/usmnt-call-catches-yelldell-surprise
Keon Daniel, Gabriel Farfan and Levi Houapeu are no longer just trialists. All three signed.
http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/03/18/2122362/union-sign-trio-on-eve-of-season.html
Philadelphia Union Midfielder Amobi Okugo, and rookie Goalkeeper Zac MacMath were both called up to play with the USMNT U-20 team for the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Guatemala from March 28 to April 10. Okugo and MacMath will be with the national team and therefore not be able to play in the Union’s home opener against Vancouver or in an April 2 match at the LA Galaxy and an April 9 game against the NY Red Bulls at PPL Park. They also will be out for the Union’s April 7 U.S. Open Cup game against D.C. United on at the Maryland SoccerPlex.
The link goes to a Philadelphia Union facebook page video of MacMath and Okugo talking about the tournament and how it affects the Union.
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=647025423718&oid=89209317187&comments
Putting this up again because it’s a good cause, Stache-Bash on March 26th. The Union gave it their full support from players to front office, and you should do so to.
http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/03/stache-bash-continues-charitable-history-sons-ben
All matches in Japan were cancelled due to the Tsunami and Earthquake. Obviously there are bigger things going on there.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/03/11/j.league/index.html
What if the Gold Cup winners advanced to the Copa America? Obviously this would give the US better competition, but it would also require admitting how bad CONCAF is.
http://totalsoccershow.com/blog/gold-cup-copa-america/
On Zach Pfeffers upside
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2011/3/8/2037066/mls-2011-preview-zach-pfeffer-is-definitely-young-but-dont-let-that
German-American Right Back Timothy Chandler playing well for FC Nurnberg wants to play for the US so should Bradley call him up for a game to lock him in?
http://totalsoccershow.com/blog/gold-cup-copa-america/
Michael Platini and Jack Warner’s importance for Sepp Blatter and Mohamed Bin Hammam
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/mar/11/michel-platini-jack-warner-fifa-presidency
Gooch speaks (Also he’s playing Left Back for Twente, obviously not a long term solution, but putting him out there might be better than whatever else we’ve got.)
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2011/03/QA-with-Onyewu.aspx
One of the many reasons that if the Cosmos want in no one else will keep them out
http://www.dailysoccerfix.com/2011/3/10/2042155/mls-expansion-san-antonio-phoenix-new-york-miami-atlanta
A piece projecting the USMNT squad that’ll play in the Gold Cup
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/03/projecting-lineups-for-the-upcoming-usmnt-friendlies.html
I’ve said before how much I hate putting these types of soccer-hating-hating posts up, but this one was good and Union specific so I put it up. Also for its suggestion of following The Free Beer Movement (links on the sidebar I believe, if not it should be) the only real answer to any of these arguments.
http://phillyuniontalk.com/03-09-2011/the-passion-of-the-union-fan/
A piece on Diego Chavarri a Queens-born winger playing in Peru’s first league, he’s turning up his play and wants to play for the US if given a look.
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7481
This isn’t gonna be a regular feature like Friday Football Links, but seeing as I have more allegiance to alliteration than to the term football or soccer and I had a pile of articles i read last night, I figured I could find a way to get some of them off my hands. I don’t plan on doing this every week, but when theres enough new information coming out on a Friday and I have enough time to throw the links up for you I will do so.
Taylor Twellman, often noted as the best US soccer player on Twitter, has joined the Union booth. He’ll be doing color-commentary. He’ll be alongside Dellacamera and will have former NASL GK Bob Rigby on the sidelines.
http://www.brotherlygame.com/2011/3/4/2030873/taylor-twellman-is-the-unions-new-color-commentator
19 games will be broadcast by Comcast. Another 7 will be broadcast by ABC. Also Bob Rigby will be a main guest on a new half hour Union-centric show on Comcast.
http://www.brotherlygame.com/2011/3/4/2030954/2011-philadelphia-union-comcast-sports-net-tv
The full Union broadcast schedule
http://www.brotherlygame.com/2011/3/4/2030941/2011-union-local-broadcast-schedule-6abc-csn
Carlos Ruiz is not Alejandro Moreno
http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/03/ambitious-ruiz-already-fitting-union
Can Cann be the Man?
http://phillysportsdaily.com/union/2011/03/04/could-adrian-cann-be-the-man-for-union/
Le Toux in Red,White and Blue. Apparently it’s a more legitimate thing than the last time I discussed it.
http://phillysportsdaily.com/union/2011/03/03/could-le-toux-represent-the-red-white-and-blue/
The importance of FC Delco
http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/03/fc-delco-key-part-union-player-development-structure
Union Summer Camp!
http://www.phillysoccernews.com/teams/union2.php?article_id=6370
The mess that Nowak and the Union make by not letting any information out and getting mad at us for it
http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2011/03/04/can-we-just-get-to-the-soccer-already/
Jermaine Jones fitting in at Blackburn as easy as we expected Michael Bradley to fit in at Aston Villa
http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=7452
Giusseppi Rossi says Italian football has some catching up to do. If you really wanted to do some impressive forward moving you could’ve stayed right here and been a God in the US
http://thesoccerroom.com/?p=23669
USMNT Alum are getting into coaching
http://www.ussoccerplayers.com/ussoccerplayers/2011/03/national-team-alums-in-mls.html
Mo Edu speaks
http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Mens-National-Team/2011/03/QA-with-Edu.aspx
An article on Grant Wahl
http://theoriginalwinger.com/2011-03-01-portait-of-a-sport-grant-wahl
An Article on Bradenton
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/41463/time-to-say-good-bye-to-bradenton.html
A bunch of Union notes, especially the Orozco Fiscal part at the bottom
http://unioncityblue.com/?p=657
Alfonso Mondelo on The Technical State of MLS
http://theshinguardian.com/2011/03/02/alfonso-mondelo-on-the-technical-state-of-mls/
A player by player analysis of the Union, by the Union (so maybe a bit overly positive)
http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2011/03/philadelphia-union-roster-analysis
Ronaldo retired and Brazil will hold a match to allow him one last game. Brian McBride was offered the same thing, but turned it down. Should we be doing this?
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2011/03/are-national-team-retirement-matches-a-good-idea.html
Why we need a technical director for the mens team (Marcelo Bielsa)
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/1679/us-national-team/2011/03/03/2378480/canales-corner-lack-of-director-not-a-technicality
Another Union pre-season analysis
http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com/mls-11-preview-the-state-of-the-union/11873
Explaining why CONCACAF getting only 3.5 spots might mean the return of the US-Mexico matches we were all afraid of losing
http://www.ussoccerdaily.com/2011/03/concacrazy-brazil-14-distributions.html
Whether or not its good for the US Chuck Blazer is angry
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/888900/chuck-blazer-blasts-south-america’s-six-world-cup-slots?cc=5901
Apparently FIFA hasn’t settled on a goal-line technology, but they are still looking
http://www.espnstar.com/football/news/detail/item590739/FIFA-continue-goal-line-technology-hunt/
Portugal could be suspended for failing to conform to FIFA rules, which would mean a few less times we have to hear about the wonderful Cristiano Ronaldo
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/04032011/58/euro-2012-qual-fifa-threatens-suspend-portugal.html
The United States has moved on to the U-17 World Cup, the only nation to participate in each edition of the event.The United States broke open a 1-0 lead in the fifth minute as Alejandro Guido headed in a cross from Joe Amon. Four minutes later El Salvador equalized and the game stayed 1-1 throughout regulation. In what turned out to be a wild extra-time, the US struck first with second-half sub Mario Rodriguez scoring off of a cross from Marc Pelosi.
The game stayed that way for almost ten minutes before Pelosi got involved again scoring in the 111th minute to give the US a nearly insurmountable 3-1 lead with 9 minutes remaining. After that defener Kellyn Acosta was shown a second yellow and ejected; and after that goalkeeper Fernando Pina was injured on a play and shown a straight red for kicking a Salvadoran player while catching a pass. I haven’t seen any word on the extent of Pina’s injury, but he was reportedly being carried of on a stretcher when he was given the red-card. El Salvador received a PK for the play and converted it bringing the score to 3-2 where it stayed until the final whistle. The US survived and moved on to the semifinals of the CONCACAF championship which means they simultaneously qualify for the U-17 World Cup.
*I saw both Mark Pelosi and Marc Pelosi printed multiple times. I apologize for the mistake.
bpmangan
mattsant16
Pat
