1. The rollercoaster that has been Jurgen Klinsmann’s tenure as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team is likely to be defined by the next generation of American footballers. Much of this raw talent is based in Europe and will fall under the watchful eye of U-23 Head Coach Caleb Porter. There is no question about the fiery Porter’s ability to prepare these players for exciting, attacking soccer. Watch out for Ipswich Town’s Cody Cropper, Molde’s Josh Gatt, and 1860 Munich’s Bobby Wood.
By the way, we love Klinsmann and his willingness to bring on Porter, America’s best coach on any stage. Klinsmann can spot talent and has made player development a key. He is boldly encouraging players to train overseas, making the best use of a long MLS offseason. Bob Bradley would never have done that.
2. We want to thank AT&T and Allstate Insurance for their support of U.S. Soccer and MLS. Two giants of American corporate society paired with the world’s most improved league is simply priceless.
Allstate has paired up with the one and only Tony Meola to provide some incredible MLS Cup events. Tonight, Meola put on a goalkeeping clinic with youth soccer clubs. Allstate then surprised the kids with new gear as well as match tickets to the MLS Cup Final on Sunday.
On Sunday, Allstate has sponsored a charity event to benefit an after-school soccer program for Los Angeles’ urban youth. “Dive for Charity” is an event that gives fans the opportunity to save a shot as a goalkeeper. A green screen will enhance the visual of the participant protecting the net, and Allstate will donate $50 to local charity LA SCORES for each dive into the foam pit. Fans will then receive a digital link to customize their photo before sharing via social media. An innovative way to raise money for a great cause. Thanks Allstate!
AT&T had a star-studded event of their own thanks to Alejandro Moreno and Alexi Lalas. Moreno and Lalas tested out the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ PLAY 4G handset equipped with the yet-to-be-released FIFA 12 mobile video game from EA Sports™, while attendees enjoyed a live performance from Young the Giant and Ozomatli. You have to say it, AT&T sure knows how to throw a party.
3. We are hearing that AFC Cleveland’s acceptance into the NPSL is a done deal. Detroit and Binghamton will also be among the 18-21 new teams to join for 2012.
4. Dwayne De Rosario made it through a wild 2011 MLS season, playing for three teams (Toronto, New York, and D.C.) before landing the Volkswagen MLS MVP award and the Budweiser Golden Boot. De Rosario was quick to show optimism for a long D.C. United run in 2012 along with a push forward in World Cup qualifying by his Canadian National Team.
De Ro on playing with three different MLS clubs in a single season: “But as a player what you can control is how you perform and what you do on the field. I tried to showcase that every game, no matter who I played for this year.”
De Ro on his teammates at D.C. United: “We have a young and vibrant team. I want to make sure that as soon as we hit preseason that everyone is focused and ready to go.”
De Ro on the Canadian National Team and World Cup qualifying: “We are very happy to be out of this round. This round is very dangerous, when you play teams that have basically nothing to lose.”
5. While we are talking Tony Meola, the goalkeeping great predicted a 2-1 Houston victory in the MLS Cup Final. He “likes the underdog story” and feels it would be a “huge upset,” but certainly a possible one.
Meola had a lot to say about the national team, saving most of the praise for Stu Holden and Brek Shea. Meola believes that Holden has all the qualities of the next big superstar on the national team: an All-American look, attacking mentality, and the fact that he is playing in Europe. All Holden needs to do is to get healthy after suffering yet another injury and another setback on his path to greatness.
When asked about Shea, the former national team star replied, “I’m a fan. He is one of the guys I like watching on the weekends.”
He warned that we shouldn’t expect the world from these young players from the beginning. Young players make mistakes because they are young and they lack experience. Unfortunately for players like New York center back Tim Ream, those mistakes are magnified by 10 because of the position they play. Meola had some advice for Ream, a good defender who was plagued by a couple of poor plays.
“He has to have a short memory,” Meola declared. “I wish I could be a goalkeeper for a guy like that.” The obvious compliment going to Ream, who Meola believes could become a big part of the national team program.
The one thing I took away from this interview is that the U.S. National Team is a work in progress, one with great upside and even bigger expectations for 2014 and beyond.
