Could play for Mexico through grandparents I believe. I don’t think he’s ever really talked much to el tri. Born in Phoenix and went through RSL’s academy before going to PSV. Didn’t think he’d play his way onto the Olympic team but would be cool if he did.
This is why I’m not sweating Llanez/Ledezma, these kids are pretty tight. Like Busio/Reyna, they could play for Italy/Argentina but they’ve formed bonds with each other and the USYNT coaches.
Also, those goals were sick but for those that missed the U20 WC this is why I’m so high on Ledezma. Gets the ball, goes straight vertical, glides past the best France has to offer, looks like he’s going at half speed, then slides in a perfect ball:
I think tab is a crap manager but he’s always one of the first to comment anytime any of his U20s or their parents tweet:
He looks big out there. Also all the passing Dortmund had in that video is impressive, especially at youth level
At the CONCACAF U-17 he legit looked/played like a 22 year old on the field with a bunch of teenagers.
Its called puberty ;), but he was always a big kid for his age group. He's good, but will be interesting to see how he does once he's playing elite level adults.
One of the top prospects in our system, turns 16 next month. Born in Liberia, but has a green card and should hopefully get citizenship next year.
Gianluca and Gio and those two are so close and have amazing chemistry on the field already. IIRC, Konrad was in this list last year. https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...0-of-the-best-young-talents-in-world-football
Head coach Raphael Wicky put together a team that hummed at this year’s Concacaf U-17 Championship, coming up short against Mexico in the final. It was a 2-0 loss in extra time, but Wicky’s side squandered several gilt-edged chances to win the game in the first 90 minutes. USA Roster Though the side features ample professional experience, they face a tough group. Not finishing chances could prove costly, especially considering the level of competition. The team has ample scoring options in Giovanni Reyna, Ricardo Pepi and Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, all who bring a wealth of experience to the U-17s. Group opponents Group D will be difficult for the United States. They open on Oct. 27 against a Senegal team that originally failed to make it to the tournament. But when Guinea, who finished ahead of them in Group B at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, were found to have fielded an ineligible player, Senegal made it. Following the opening match in Cariacica, next up are the champions of Asia, Japan, on Oct. 30. Rounding out the group slate are the Netherlands, who won the U-17 European Championship earlier this year. Key players Gianluca Busio – Having eclipsed the 1,000-minute mark in his two MLS seasons, Busio is one of the most experienced players at the entire tournament. Likely to feature in central midfield, the Sporting KC starlet's ability to do a little bit of everything – attack, defend, create and score – is going to make him critical for the United States’ chances of success. With flank players like Andres Jasson and Gio Reyna key pieces as well, Busio’s experience and versatility allows him to fill in the gaps wherever the game requires. Danny Leyva – The Seattle SoundersHomegrown Player is another central midfielder set for a big role in Brazil. Capable of going box-to-box or even lining up in a deeper role, his addition to the US team for qualifying represented a huge upgrade earlier this year. Like Busio, he’ll be tasked with doing a little bit of everything, while the forward line looks for goals. Kobe Hernandez – A product of the LA Galaxyacademy, Hernandez is slated to start as the left center back for the US. While his pro future projects as a left back, he was a stalwart in qualifying and brings a wealth of experience. He could come under pressure if the US make a deep run, but his calmness on the ball and ability to read the game is impressive for a player of his age.
Had a scrimmage/friendly with Brazil today. Rough outing for the kids. Pepi with the only highlight. It started monsooning and after this goal we gave up 4 straight.
Love the kid so much. Pretty sure Olympic qualifying starts soon so it’s good he didn’t get this on frame. FCD is like 1/2 the qualifying squad so they need the rest. Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) Tweeted: I mean... https://t.co/2vzmfJCfpN
The fact that Berhalter and Stewart are doing, verbatim, what they said they didn't think was part of their jobs a month or two ago- (Visiting with and keeping up with dual nationals and youth players) is a pretty good sign of the desperate times they're in right now.
Not saying it’s a must win but it’s going to be really hard to get out of this group without 3 points today.