- It turns out that AS Roma has won the Danny Szetela lottery. Szetela will join fellow U-20 Yank Gabe Ferarri after his Columbus contract runs out midway through the 07-08 Serie A campaign.
What a signing. It seemed to be a crapshoot where Szetela would be headed, from both sides of the Old Firm to Glatasaray in Turkey to EPL mediocrity with Everton and Middlesborough, but Szetela seems to have picked the best of the lot by signing with perennial power AS Roma. No doubt Szetela will mature into a more technical, decisive player in that kind of environment.
- Also, Benny Feilhaber is close to a deal with EPL newcomers Derby County. Seems as if County has a quota of one token American for the coming season, and by God, they're determined to fill it. This, however sudden, is a great chance for Feilhaber to see significant first-team minutes in the EPL immediately. If he can impress England like he has Germany, there is no doubt that he could become a Derby mainstay from the outset. People should be very excited about this.
What's remarkable, though, is that Feilhaber is willing to look at other offers. From what I understand, Hamburg was making moves that placed Feilhaber higher on the depth chart under the theory that Feilhaber would become a crucial piece of the club's '07-'08 campaign. After Alexander Lass left for Wolfsburg, Hamburg's options were to keep Feilhaber, or sell him and buy another like him. Feilhaber was perfectly willing to do whatever it took to impress Huub Stevens, but Hamburg, it seems, are less picky than they seem.
Great opportunity for Benny. Good luck.
- YA's Best XI: Preston Zimmerman is finally out, and it's got some interesting tidbits. Zimmerman informs us that according to what he's heard of the coaches' timetable for his progress, they will be looking to call him up to the first team midway through the season. They are impressed with him and are positive he will do well. This assures me, because for a while I was worried that Rongen might have been keeping Zimmerman on the bench for some kind of rational reason. Also of note: Zimmerman prefers to arrive at each training session an hour early (!) so he can chill and clear his head. Very serene. Good luck to him this season; we're all expecting big things.
- YA also has this curious exclusive, which they're dubbing "Maximum Access." They've given a young American abroad, Max Cream, 19, his own serial in which he'll chronicle his budding European soccer career, currently in the German fourth division with SV Meppen. Max will receive no assistance from YA aside from final editing and he'll receive no accreditation as a member of the YA staff. The only reason this exists, I would think, is because Max Cream has a fascinating life story and YA doesn't think anyone could tell it better than Max himself. But that doesn't matter: it's a good read and I'm waiting for more. I can't help but root for the young gun this coming season.
- General aside: the coming season is a great season for Americans abroad. This is really exciting. DMB is already impressing at the Ibrox, Freddy is finding Benfica a great fit, Zizzo is ready for his Hannover challenge, Zimmerman is set to soar, Ferrari is ready to debut, Heath Pearce is hunting glory, Michael Bradley is positioned to take center stage with Heerenveen, Benny Feilhaber could potentially become a Premier League starlet, and now Danny Szetela is giving America the opportunity to apologize for Alexi Lalas. There is plenty to watch and plenty to be hyped up for. And it all starts in a week.
Enjoy.
Showing posts with label Benny Feilhaber. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benny Feilhaber. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
The Moar You Know
A humble reference to the popular segment of Encyclopedia Dramatica. Good, old fashioned sophmoric humor, that site.
Anyways, pop quiz. In 2003, who became a star midfielder for the UCLA Bruins after being accepted as a walk-on?
Benny Feilhaber.
How about this: who did the same thing in 1996, becoming a star defender for the US men's national team three years later?
Jimmy Conrad.
And now that Sal Zizzo's over in Germany, I've developed a healthy respect for the soccer program over there at UCLA. Good stuff.
Oh, and by the way, for you Jimmy Conrad fans, which European team did he play for, seven years ago? Answer: Lech Poznan of the Orange Ekstraklasa, Poland's premier division. (I vaguely recall hearing something like that, but it never dawned on me until now. Hm.)
Enjoy.
Anyways, pop quiz. In 2003, who became a star midfielder for the UCLA Bruins after being accepted as a walk-on?
Benny Feilhaber.
How about this: who did the same thing in 1996, becoming a star defender for the US men's national team three years later?
Jimmy Conrad.
And now that Sal Zizzo's over in Germany, I've developed a healthy respect for the soccer program over there at UCLA. Good stuff.
Oh, and by the way, for you Jimmy Conrad fans, which European team did he play for, seven years ago? Answer: Lech Poznan of the Orange Ekstraklasa, Poland's premier division. (I vaguely recall hearing something like that, but it never dawned on me until now. Hm.)
Enjoy.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
US Snatches the Gold Cup, 2-1
Easily one of the best USA v. Mexico matches in years, arguably the best Nats performance of the Bradley era. No matter how you slice it, Bradley's got his first taste of silver and now has Copa action to wash it down with.
Yanks Abroad , Fullback, Goff, Ives, and QuarterVolley.
I'll get right into some player ratings (out of 10):
Howard - 9
Timmy has none of the calming veteran tranquility that Keller possessed but all of the passion, intensity, and drive to keep the US defense inspired 60, 70, 90 minutes into a match. Truly inspirational presence. On top of that he's got a magic touch to keep a team in the game, making clutch saves at crucial moments. In sum, Howard really impressed me tonight. USA's ranking #1 keeper without a doubt. Great job, Timmy.
Bornstein - 7
Bornstein was contributing to the attack tonight and really made his offensive presence known, confirming haunting suspicions that he actually does have some talent. Too bad he was caught way out of position on the goal, shifting the defense over to the left and leaving Guardado wide open. I won't go so far as to say he caused the goal (Castillo burned Gooch and Boca), but I'm fairly certain it could have been prevented if he were properly positioned.
Boca - 8
Wearing the captain's armband, Boca truly seemed the anchor of the US defense and would come up with crucial tackles when things were looking desparate. Commendable effort.
Gooch - 7
His best performance in a long time. He didn't look stellar but he certainly proved to everyone watching that he is a good defender of international quality. For some reason, though, it seems like when everyone touts Gooch's physical presence and size and strength, he seems to be the one being knocked around the most on the pitch.
Spector - 6
He was holding his own, but barely. That sickening collision with Guardado might have been a blessing in disguise. I hope he recovers soon. Looked very scary.
Mastroeni - 7
Nothing really wrong with his performance tonight. Had some good tackles, performed well as the typically slow holding midfielder. Stuck up for his teammates with the ref.
Feilhaber - 9
I really didn't sense his presence at all up until his blessed goal, but afterwards he seemed like the best field player on the pitch. His performance tonight will make a great case for a big international transfer or at least some significant first team minutes from HSV. Finally the public will be hearing about a stellar performance by a talented young American whose name isn't Donovan.
Beasley - 7.5
Proves yet again why he's the top left winger for the US squad. He's got speed, touch, and damned sexy ball service. Only thing is, the boy can't finish. Where's the final shot? He's not alone. Nevertheless, 'Gers will be lucky to have him come the fall. (He only went for 1.some-odd mil? That's almost insulting.)
Donovan - 7.5
Quite an average performance from Donnie, which is suprising given he was starting on the wing, but he offered nothing we haven't seen before. This coupled with the fact that tonight was really Feilhaber's time to shine. Although, I have to say, his penalty taking technique was great to watch. Sanchez had no idea what was happening to him.
Dempsey - 6
Dempsey is one of a small group of Americans who can come up with a crucial touch with no space to work, but that doesn't excuse the fact that he doesn't defend in any significant fashion nor does he have a nose for goal. He wasn't dampening the offense, but he wasn't exactly Greased Lightning either.
Ching - 7
I'm sure a lot of people would rate him worse, but both he and Twellman proved to me tonight that as veteran strikers, they still serve a purpose in the U.S. squad. Ching has more scrap in him than anyone else on the pitch and he can really damage the opposing defense with his back to the goal. I'm really sorry he bit the post on that one because it was great to see him fight off three green shirts and get the keeper Sanchez on his knees.
Subs:
Simek - 6
Honestly, for his thirty minutes on the pitch, I really didn't see him do any better than Spector.
Rico Clark - 7
Ives says Clark and Feilhaber were establishing themselves as a nice tandem in midfield. I'd have to see the second half again but he certainly didn't hurt the US performance on the pitch.
Twellman - 6
He is at the very least a veteran striker, whether or not he has the goals to prove it. The simple fact that he was onsides to receive a random Bornstein clearance upfield is proof to me that he just might be the difference between a draw and a win one day. Plus, after Feilhaber scored, Twellman looked totally psyched to hit up that scoresheet. Keep on truckin, TayLor.
Refereeing - 8
Adequate refereeing, which, relative to CONCACAF, means it was well above the standard. Kept things from erupting between the rivals, which is no small feat, I'm sure. Certainly nothing to blatant as the Canada offsides.
--------------------
Other notes, in no particular order:
-Donovan is still kissing his hands before games and penalty kicks. Very superstitious...
- Beasley is getting muscled, ergo nullified, by Mexico's def.; Mexico seems to be taking a cue from Canada.
- Through the 20th, Mexico's style of play seemed to consist of strong, hard touches to eat space, blinding speed onto throughballs to harass the wings, and voodoo magic to work the ball to the center. Worked like a charm, though not so soon or so often as they hoped.
- Hey, whaddya know: the midfield is pitching in on defense. Go USA!
- Mexico is damn good on the counterattack.
- I just realized: today was Feilhaber's first real test with the MNT. This one's for all the marbles. And damned if he didn't use this opportunity to make a name for himself, too.
- Regardless of Ching and Twellman's good qualities, the US is in DIRE need of an attacker who can finish with some level of consistency. We have no real scoring threat, save for Donovan every other game. Charlie Davies, if you're waiting for the opportunity to establish a dangerous reputation, Copa is it.
- Tim Howard is a beast and deserves everything Everton has to offer.
- Bornstein had a super hard shot in the first half that looked really great. It was a wicked rocket bullet that was only overshadowed by the cannon blast that loosed itself from Feilhaber's foot to win the game. Don't worry, Bornstein: I saw you do it.
-In contrast to the USA, Mexico's midfield is damned laggardly or even absent on defense.
- Learn to shoot, Dempsey.
- I'd like to see Onyewu connect with someone through a ground pass.
- Bradley needs to whip these guys into shape up top. What horrible finishing. Beasley, Ching, Twellman, Dempsey -- disappointing.
- Tim Howard is golden.
Congrats, Yanks. Tip of the hat to Bob Bradley. Thrilling performance. I look forward to the Copa to see what lies in the USMNT future.
Enjoy yourselves, boys.
Yanks Abroad , Fullback, Goff, Ives, and QuarterVolley.
I'll get right into some player ratings (out of 10):
Howard - 9
Timmy has none of the calming veteran tranquility that Keller possessed but all of the passion, intensity, and drive to keep the US defense inspired 60, 70, 90 minutes into a match. Truly inspirational presence. On top of that he's got a magic touch to keep a team in the game, making clutch saves at crucial moments. In sum, Howard really impressed me tonight. USA's ranking #1 keeper without a doubt. Great job, Timmy.
Bornstein - 7
Bornstein was contributing to the attack tonight and really made his offensive presence known, confirming haunting suspicions that he actually does have some talent. Too bad he was caught way out of position on the goal, shifting the defense over to the left and leaving Guardado wide open. I won't go so far as to say he caused the goal (Castillo burned Gooch and Boca), but I'm fairly certain it could have been prevented if he were properly positioned.
Boca - 8
Wearing the captain's armband, Boca truly seemed the anchor of the US defense and would come up with crucial tackles when things were looking desparate. Commendable effort.
Gooch - 7
His best performance in a long time. He didn't look stellar but he certainly proved to everyone watching that he is a good defender of international quality. For some reason, though, it seems like when everyone touts Gooch's physical presence and size and strength, he seems to be the one being knocked around the most on the pitch.
Spector - 6
He was holding his own, but barely. That sickening collision with Guardado might have been a blessing in disguise. I hope he recovers soon. Looked very scary.
Mastroeni - 7
Nothing really wrong with his performance tonight. Had some good tackles, performed well as the typically slow holding midfielder. Stuck up for his teammates with the ref.
Feilhaber - 9
I really didn't sense his presence at all up until his blessed goal, but afterwards he seemed like the best field player on the pitch. His performance tonight will make a great case for a big international transfer or at least some significant first team minutes from HSV. Finally the public will be hearing about a stellar performance by a talented young American whose name isn't Donovan.
Beasley - 7.5
Proves yet again why he's the top left winger for the US squad. He's got speed, touch, and damned sexy ball service. Only thing is, the boy can't finish. Where's the final shot? He's not alone. Nevertheless, 'Gers will be lucky to have him come the fall. (He only went for 1.some-odd mil? That's almost insulting.)
Donovan - 7.5
Quite an average performance from Donnie, which is suprising given he was starting on the wing, but he offered nothing we haven't seen before. This coupled with the fact that tonight was really Feilhaber's time to shine. Although, I have to say, his penalty taking technique was great to watch. Sanchez had no idea what was happening to him.
Dempsey - 6
Dempsey is one of a small group of Americans who can come up with a crucial touch with no space to work, but that doesn't excuse the fact that he doesn't defend in any significant fashion nor does he have a nose for goal. He wasn't dampening the offense, but he wasn't exactly Greased Lightning either.
Ching - 7
I'm sure a lot of people would rate him worse, but both he and Twellman proved to me tonight that as veteran strikers, they still serve a purpose in the U.S. squad. Ching has more scrap in him than anyone else on the pitch and he can really damage the opposing defense with his back to the goal. I'm really sorry he bit the post on that one because it was great to see him fight off three green shirts and get the keeper Sanchez on his knees.
Subs:
Simek - 6
Honestly, for his thirty minutes on the pitch, I really didn't see him do any better than Spector.
Rico Clark - 7
Ives says Clark and Feilhaber were establishing themselves as a nice tandem in midfield. I'd have to see the second half again but he certainly didn't hurt the US performance on the pitch.
Twellman - 6
He is at the very least a veteran striker, whether or not he has the goals to prove it. The simple fact that he was onsides to receive a random Bornstein clearance upfield is proof to me that he just might be the difference between a draw and a win one day. Plus, after Feilhaber scored, Twellman looked totally psyched to hit up that scoresheet. Keep on truckin, TayLor.
Refereeing - 8
Adequate refereeing, which, relative to CONCACAF, means it was well above the standard. Kept things from erupting between the rivals, which is no small feat, I'm sure. Certainly nothing to blatant as the Canada offsides.
--------------------
Other notes, in no particular order:
-Donovan is still kissing his hands before games and penalty kicks. Very superstitious...
- Beasley is getting muscled, ergo nullified, by Mexico's def.; Mexico seems to be taking a cue from Canada.
- Through the 20th, Mexico's style of play seemed to consist of strong, hard touches to eat space, blinding speed onto throughballs to harass the wings, and voodoo magic to work the ball to the center. Worked like a charm, though not so soon or so often as they hoped.
- Hey, whaddya know: the midfield is pitching in on defense. Go USA!
- Mexico is damn good on the counterattack.
- I just realized: today was Feilhaber's first real test with the MNT. This one's for all the marbles. And damned if he didn't use this opportunity to make a name for himself, too.
- Regardless of Ching and Twellman's good qualities, the US is in DIRE need of an attacker who can finish with some level of consistency. We have no real scoring threat, save for Donovan every other game. Charlie Davies, if you're waiting for the opportunity to establish a dangerous reputation, Copa is it.
- Tim Howard is a beast and deserves everything Everton has to offer.
- Bornstein had a super hard shot in the first half that looked really great. It was a wicked rocket bullet that was only overshadowed by the cannon blast that loosed itself from Feilhaber's foot to win the game. Don't worry, Bornstein: I saw you do it.
-In contrast to the USA, Mexico's midfield is damned laggardly or even absent on defense.
- Learn to shoot, Dempsey.
- I'd like to see Onyewu connect with someone through a ground pass.
- Bradley needs to whip these guys into shape up top. What horrible finishing. Beasley, Ching, Twellman, Dempsey -- disappointing.
- Tim Howard is golden.
Congrats, Yanks. Tip of the hat to Bob Bradley. Thrilling performance. I look forward to the Copa to see what lies in the USMNT future.
Enjoy yourselves, boys.
It's Official
Benny Feilhaber has won a special place in my heart. Full match summary later tonight, after my date.
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