Words fresh from Yanks Abroad:
"University of North Carolina sophomore defender Eric Lichaj has left school and signed with English Premier League participants Aston Villa." And get this: Eric has a broken foot. Villa liked this kid so much, they signed him injured.
I personally haven't seen this kid. I know that he's only 18 years old and that he debuted for the U-17 MNT at 14. He was the top defender in Parade Magazine's All-American High School picks last year alongside Brian Perk, Jon Villaneuva, and Jozy Altidore. I know he was called up to one of Rongen's prep camps for the U-20 World Cup but I'm assuming his foot injury kept him out of action.
Anyways, this kid is a standout talent. YA says he'll be playing with Aston Villa's reserves by September. He's signed for two years, so he'll have to impress Martin O'Neill in this short amount of time, but more power to him. I hope he makes the most of it.
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I don't know if you guys realize, but when I first posted about Freddy's move to Portugal, I kept mum about my prediction that the deal would be finalized by the weekend. Blimey but I was right.
Freddy Adu is finally headed to Europe. And Ives corroborates.
This is good for everyone: Freddy, Benfica, MLS, even United. Real Salt Lake get their 400k and DCU gets 150k as well as a draft pick. I'm mad about one thing though: Sal Zizzo made the jump before Freddy, haha.
Next to go: Danny Szetela. Put money on it. They're already talking about him over in England.
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While we're at it, I strongly suggest you check out Parade magazine's All-Americans for 2005. See how many familiar names you count.
Enjoy.
Showing posts with label Yanks abroad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yanks abroad. Show all posts
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Aha, Well Now... News and Notes 7/26
Most of these are also late. Apologies.
- Sal Zizzo has gone straight from UCLA to the big time in Europe, joining fellow Yank Steve Cherundolo at Hannover 96. Apparently Cherundolo played a large role in securing the deal. One thing is for certain: Americans everywhere will be following the 07-08 Bundesliga come fall. This is getting really exciting.
- Adu to Benfica? Almost, not quite. MLS agreed to a transfer fee ($2mil? I paid more on FIFA) but negotiations stalled over contract issues. It looks like the deal's off for now. Updates are soon to follow, I'm sure.
- Eddie Johnson's turned down Derby of the English Premiership. You can find your own article on this one; they're everywhere. He turned them down for personal reasons. I understand the deal was "95% done" but Johnson felt that his confidence is extremely high at Kansas City and that this confidence is key to his success both at home and internationally. Considering his timid performances this summer, I would have to agree. Good luck with yourself, Eddie.
- Yanks Abroad had it first, and with much more intimacy and detail, but MLSU has posted a condensed summary of Americans playing in the Big Four (EPL in England, Bundesliga in Germany, Serie A in Italy, and La Liga in Spain). I wouldn't have posted it because I feel it's common knowledge, but one of the comments on the post enlightened me to the fact that there are two Americans playing under youth contracts in Spain, of all places: Brandon Manzonelli was recently signed by Villareal and Peter Speigelberg is plying his trade with Atletico Madrid B. Very interesting.
- Sal Zizzo has gone straight from UCLA to the big time in Europe, joining fellow Yank Steve Cherundolo at Hannover 96. Apparently Cherundolo played a large role in securing the deal. One thing is for certain: Americans everywhere will be following the 07-08 Bundesliga come fall. This is getting really exciting.
- Adu to Benfica? Almost, not quite. MLS agreed to a transfer fee ($2mil? I paid more on FIFA) but negotiations stalled over contract issues. It looks like the deal's off for now. Updates are soon to follow, I'm sure.
- Eddie Johnson's turned down Derby of the English Premiership. You can find your own article on this one; they're everywhere. He turned them down for personal reasons. I understand the deal was "95% done" but Johnson felt that his confidence is extremely high at Kansas City and that this confidence is key to his success both at home and internationally. Considering his timid performances this summer, I would have to agree. Good luck with yourself, Eddie.
- Yanks Abroad had it first, and with much more intimacy and detail, but MLSU has posted a condensed summary of Americans playing in the Big Four (EPL in England, Bundesliga in Germany, Serie A in Italy, and La Liga in Spain). I wouldn't have posted it because I feel it's common knowledge, but one of the comments on the post enlightened me to the fact that there are two Americans playing under youth contracts in Spain, of all places: Brandon Manzonelli was recently signed by Villareal and Peter Speigelberg is plying his trade with Atletico Madrid B. Very interesting.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Another Yank Abroad: DJ Countess
He's a young and very talented goalkeeper. Another Project-40 product, he's been hiding in the Chilean 2nd division and is on the verge of signing with Club Atletico Tigre who will play in the Argentine 1st Division in 2007-08.
Countess had a prolific, though brief, MLS career, setting the MLS record for penalties saved in a season (4) and penalties saved in a game (2). He was Dallas Burn's Defender of the Year in 2003. He left the States early last year, signing for Osters IF in Sweden.
His extensive Wikipedia article also wants us to know that he's an avid humanitarian and began a non-profit organization to fund health care for needy children during his time with Real Salt Lake. (He must have a good agent.)
By the looks of him, he's got fantastic reflexes and good, long distribution a la Chris Seitz. He's only 25, so he's got the better half of his career ahead of him. I think he would rank as an outstandng MLS keeper, just below Brad Guzan and Chris Seitz, just above Troy Perkins, Joe Cannon and Matt Reis. He's definitely on a fast track upward, making him a player to watch for in the future.
Countess had a prolific, though brief, MLS career, setting the MLS record for penalties saved in a season (4) and penalties saved in a game (2). He was Dallas Burn's Defender of the Year in 2003. He left the States early last year, signing for Osters IF in Sweden.
His extensive Wikipedia article also wants us to know that he's an avid humanitarian and began a non-profit organization to fund health care for needy children during his time with Real Salt Lake. (He must have a good agent.)
By the looks of him, he's got fantastic reflexes and good, long distribution a la Chris Seitz. He's only 25, so he's got the better half of his career ahead of him. I think he would rank as an outstandng MLS keeper, just below Brad Guzan and Chris Seitz, just above Troy Perkins, Joe Cannon and Matt Reis. He's definitely on a fast track upward, making him a player to watch for in the future.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Johann Smith is Being Notcied (Barely)
Soccerlens mentioned him as one of Bolton Wanderers three best young prospects. I would love to see someone come up with a list for MLS, if they felt like taking a crack. Between Arguez & Casal, I think DCU would be very well represented. I've also heard good things about NYRB youth.
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