USA U-20 Flying High
Still down in the dumps after the USA debacle at Copa America? Forget about it. Instead, check out our u-20 team playing in the FIFA 2007 u-20 World Cup in Canada this year. If you’re looking for heart, passion, and skills, then this is the place you need to be. And all of these traits were on display during the USA 2-1 win over world power Brazil.
The thing to me that is most impressive about this win is not who it was against, but how it was done. Crisp passing, good defense, timely saves, and great attack. You haven’t been able to say great attack when talking about the US in quite a while these days.
While Jozy Altidore is still in need of training and growth, at 17, he reminds me of Eddie Johnson at this age. The difference is what Altidore can do with the ball. He can control it, and control it well, something Johnson still cannot do consistently. At 17, it is a bit premature to expect him to lead the attack in 2010, but rest assured, he is now breathing down the necks of both Johnson and Taylor Twellman.
Chris Seitz is making a case for the senior national team with his performance so far. He has been everywhere, making save after save, and some of them have been rather amazing. It’s a shame that the Copa America was wasted on Kasey Keller, because Seitz could have learned from the experience, which was the whole point right? I’m glad he is with the u-20 team, as he is keeping them in this tournament with his play so far.
And then of course, there’s our favorite teen phenom, Freddy Adu. Adu has been outstanding, and he’s doing it at the best possible time, with all the European scouts watching. Is it possible that he is dogging it at MLS because he doesn’t really care? It might be. He plans on leaving MLS anyway, so I could see that being the case. In any event, he is definitely catching the eye of many people, and is showing that he deserves to be captain of the u-20 team.
I think the US can win this tournament, and I’m not saying this because I am a fan. They have the talent, and they have to drive to pull off the feat, and winning the u-20 World Cup would be a huge boost to the US National Team program. All of these players have the European scouts watching them, and more European based players means better success for the senior national team.
The future is bright folks, and I for one cannot wait to see what lies ahead for USA Soccer.
Topics: USA
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Well said. This is truly a bright spot for US soccer this summer, and an unexpected one at that. This squad, as you’ve pointed out, is ripe with talent that, if promptly and properly developed, bodes well for the future of US soccer.
The 6-1 thrashing of Poland was downright impressive; Adu’s first goal was magnificent. But the 2-1 victory against Brazil showed off the technical side and determination. Hopefully a few of the lads will be off to Europe at the end of the summer.
P.S. I don’t think Adu is tanking it in MLS. I just don’t think Salt Lake is the place or team for him to shine. Plus, I’m not sure the challenge is there for him.
July 9th, 2007 @ 11:26Adu seems to only be able to play with top quality players around him. I saw him play in the Ronaldo XI vs. Zidane XI and he was great! But then i’ve seen him play in the MLS and he was mediocre at best…
Altidore is a great talent. He’s apparently got some of europe’s best clubs drolling over him as we speak. It’s always difficult, coming from europe, to know wether to believe the hype or not over American youth players. Some of the hype seems to be unfounded, but can you run the risk of not believing it? I’m happy that Altidore is playing at at such a young age. I’d love to see him in the EPL someday
… Preferably at Middlesbrough!
July 9th, 2007 @ 14:00Altidore has been great and so has Adu. It’s really impressive seeing the American youth do well. Although there is a paradox as far as European experience for American players and American soccer go. If you have more American soccer players head to Europe then you will have better quality players for the national team, but the MLS will struggle due to the exodus.
July 9th, 2007 @ 14:39Alan Magor,
I would love to see Altidore at Fullham, to hopefully replace another American forward, Brian McBride in the future. Also, this is just a shot in the dark, but why not Atletico Madrid? They will eventually have to replace Torres, Altidore could learn in their system for 2 years(once he turns 18 of course) and then perhaps step in and take over. His game suits La Liga very well.
Red Ranter,
Club vs Country I’m afraid. or in this case league vs country. I don’t watch MLS, so to me, improving the national team at the expense of MLS is a no-brainer. Others I’m sure will disagree, but that’s just how I feel.
July 9th, 2007 @ 19:31Where is Germany, England, France, Italy, or Netherlands?? U-20 squad is looking good, but the field was missing some big squads don’t you think?
July 9th, 2007 @ 20:47Atletico signed Forlan to replace Torres. Forrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrlan!
July 9th, 2007 @ 20:48yeah, USA have a big chance of winning U-20 world cup.. they have been brilliant over the tournament..
July 10th, 2007 @ 05:30Adu is class his goal against poland was unreal Man u shud buy him quickly before its 2 late
July 10th, 2007 @ 15:22Why would you want to add Oompa Loompa to the ManU squad? He hasn’t even proved himself in the pathetic MLS.
July 10th, 2007 @ 18:50the mls is pathetic thats the exact reason he hasn’t played well there when there are good players around him he will play alot better
July 21st, 2007 @ 01:34