View Full Version : The future of American soccer...Is nice
Baltimoron
07-11-2007, 03:44 PM
Break out the ESPNU tonight at 7:45 EDT for US and Uruguay in the round of 16 of the U-20 World Cup. (and don't forget to tivo GoalTV at 8:45 EDT for the Mexico-Argetina Copa America Semifinal)
Jozy, Szetela, Bradley, Zizzo are all promising and more (even former MD keeper Chris Seitz has been great while not at full strength), and then there is Freddy, a potential world class striker who, unlike his ilk with recent US national teams, is more dangerous with his feet than in the air.
Adu has been a bit inconsistent in MLS (although RSL surrounds him with garbage), but he has really shown up on this international stage amongst his peers (Freddy actually just turned 18 and has 2 more years of U-20 eligibility)
Freddy's 1st v Poland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i0IZZ-yaUU&mode=related&search=)
Freddy's 2nd v Poland (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_JBFHN1b9w&NR=1)
The play of the tournament (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYFfq9tecHk)
This team has talent. Give them a look if you have the time.
Baltimoron
07-11-2007, 03:46 PM
Here is an explanation of the play of the tournament. Its really just silly.
1 Zizzo takes the throw in on the right flank to Freddy, who is about 10 yards away with two Brazilians on his back: Ji Parana (No. 17) of Internacional (Porto Alegre, BRA) behind him to his left, and Marcelo of Real Madrid (No.6) to his right.
2. Freddy catches the thrown ball on his left instep, then lets it bounce on the ground once.
3. He then hits the ball with the bottom of his left foot to make it bounce high, then as the ball falls he tips it back up with the top of his left foot, and controls it with his upper left thigh.
4. Then he juggles the ball two times with his left foot. And on what would be the third juggle he begins to turn his body to the left, and then flicks the ball in the air behind him...
5. The ball passes IN FRONT of Ji Parana, while Freddy passes BEHIND Ji Parana... (it's mind blowing when you see it in slow motion).
6. Freddy catches the ball in air with his right foot, with Ji Parana and Marcelo both on his heels.
AgentOrange
07-11-2007, 04:45 PM
Those moves were ill.
I hope US can be a force in international soccer in the near future, like legit contenders. I always enjoy watching it, but get upset when the US team chokes. I think they have really gotten better though.
How much would you attirbute that to the MLS?
That first goal was sick as well. That shot is like hitting a fall away over blockers three feet behind the 3 pt arc in basketball.
gallden
07-11-2007, 09:52 PM
I think comparing the US to other powerhouses yet (I'm not saying you are Baltimoron) is just plain silly. But I think the US is def improving. But I can't understand for the life of me why in the world the US wouldn't put their A squad in the Copa America. This is as legit tournament with some bigtime teams that if the US did well could start to establish US.
RayFink1e
07-11-2007, 10:05 PM
Where are all the DC United Freddy Adu bashers now?
AgentOrange
07-12-2007, 07:07 AM
Where are all the DC United Freddy Adu bashers now?
He was terrible with United. This footage doesn't change that.
bretholmes4
07-12-2007, 09:33 AM
I think comparing the US to other powerhouses yet (I'm not saying you are Baltimoron) is just plain silly. But I think the US is def improving. But I can't understand for the life of me why in the world the US wouldn't put their A squad in the Copa America. This is as legit tournament with some bigtime teams that if the US did well could start to establish US.
It wasn't up to the US Soccer Federation to allow those guys to play. Since the tournament wasn't played or couldn't have been played on American soil - MLS and European teams were not obliged nor inclined to let their players play in this tournament. Basically - this tourny wasn't in their contract so their club teams said "no".
That U-20 game last night was great. The Brazil game was great and Freddy is BACK!!! What an exciting time for soccer in this country. Chelsea and Becks are here on the 21st don't forget that as well....
BTW - Jr. ... Heard we are getting a boat for the big man's bachelor party...ill bring the bribe money...
Very sweet goals by Freddie. The first one especially was a beaut.
GUYMAN
07-13-2007, 10:52 AM
[QUOTE=bretholmes4;975001]It wasn't up to the US Soccer Federation to allow those guys to play. Since the tournament wasn't played or couldn't have been played on American soil - MLS and European teams were not obliged nor inclined to let their players play in this tournament. Basically - this tourny wasn't in their contract so their club teams said "no".
Also, don't forget our "A" team had just played the Gold Cup - and beat Mexico. NOthing is more important than that. Future does look bright for US Soccer.