ASN: Olympic Qualifying Preview: Morris, Zelalem, Hyndman?

With Olympic qualifying simply two months away, ASN’s Josh Deaver dove deep into the U.S. males’s under-23 participant pool, offering updates and insights from each nook of the soccer planet.

BY

Josh Deaver

Posted
August 06, 2015
11:35 AM

SHARE THIS STORY

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN. The European and Mexican leagues are beginning up and which means it’s time for me to as soon as once more start monitoring embedded American youths, shoveling coal in to as many respective hype-trains that my spindly arms can handle.

We’re simply two months away from CONCACAF Olympic qualifying. Presently, U.S. U-23 coach Andres Herzog is little question finalizing his participant pool in preparation for upcoming coaching camps, which incorporates two warm-up friendlies in opposition to England and Qatar in September. For essentially the most half, Herzog stored a gentle hand when filling in his roster sheets in current months. However offseason participant motion in addition to the commencement of Tab Ramos’ most up-to-date cadre of under-20 expertise will undoubtedly present some attention-grabbing dilemmas transferring ahead.

How will the membership success of the outgoing U-20 class affect Herzog’s picks? Who shall be obtainable for qualifying on a non-FIFA date? Who may Jurgen Klinsmann need included for the Confederations Cup playoff that takes place the day earlier than Olympic spots are contested?

The largest query: What number of U-23s are literally ok?

It has lengthy been my assertion that any zero-hour Olympic qualifying roster may embody as many or extra outgoing U-20s than present U-23s. Practically each participant within the U-23 participant pool is struggling for strong, first-team minutes—even in MLS. One has to surprise if this realization has elevated the need for an upcoming under-23 school identification camp, particularly one positioned this late within the preparation part.

In order for you an thought of what Herzog is dealing with, simply check out his roster. Outdoors of DeAndre Yedlin and Kellyn Acosta it’s exhausting to say that many have made a big leap by way of their burgeoning professional careers. Among the many standouts of that squad: Wil Trapp has been good at occasions however is presently sidelined. Freiburg’s Caleb Stanko is simply again after a torn ACL. Cody Cropper and Mario Rodriguez are nonetheless making an attempt to show themselves on the decrease ranges in Europe. Luis Gil is out and in of the Actual Salt Lake lineup.

The remaining? Test an MLS bench or decrease division close to you.

And what about the remainder of the pool? DeAndre Yedlin and John Brooks are computerized calls; Jordan Morris is presumably the reality; and Julian Inexperienced did rating on the World Cup in any case, you guys. Past that, it’s a troublesome name. So as to add some readability, let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the present state of the U-23 participant pool as Olympic qualifying approaches.

GOALKEEPERS

Cody Cropper had a number of alternatives throughout the preseason to compete for the MK Dons No.1 shirt, however the goalkeeper seems to have been edged out forward of the Championship membership’s remaining pleasant match with Chelsea reserves on Tuesday, a 2-1 loss. Cropper began 4 of six friendlies throughout preseason.

Up north at Leeds, Charlie Horton finds himself in an identical place. The third keeper down, Horton was an unused substitute within the membership’s remaining preseason affair, a 2-0 win over Everton on the weekend.

After working out and in of the beginning XI throughout preseason for Freiburg II within the German fourth division, outgoing U-20 goalkeeper Zack Steffen bought the beginning for his membership’s first common season fixture, a scoreless draw in opposition to FC Saarbrucken. Reviews on Steffen’s progress throughout the preseason had been scant, however receiving a begin within the opening match of the marketing campaign is an efficient signal for his future on the membership (which already boasts three eligible American internationals).

Fellow U-20 backstop Ethan Horvath can be seeing a breakthrough with Norwegian aspect Molde. Because the membership’s earlier beginning keeper was transferred in late June, Horvath has began the final three common season matches in addition to the membership’s Champions League qualifiers—which included a wild 3-3 draw with Dynamo Zagreb this week to remove them from the competitors.

And in MLS: Cropper’s continuous inclusion and the ascension of the U-20s signifies that Sporting KC reserve keeper Jon Kempin is on the surface trying in, as is Seattle Sounders backup Tyler Miller who not too long ago transferred to Seattle Sounders after his German membership was relegated to the fifth division.

DEFENDERS

The bedrock of the under-20 backline on the World Cup, Cameron Carter-Vickers continues to impress at Tottenham. Like Robinson, the 18-year-old (justone day from being U-17 eligible!) has began each obtainable match for Spurs’ reserves and has additionally seen time with the primary staff, enjoying the second half in a first-team pleasant with Studying final week.

On Saturday, Carter-Vickers performed 90 minutes and captained his aspect to a 2-0 pleasant win in opposition to Stevenage.  At this level, it seems to be even odds on the following American worldwide to see Tottenham first-team minutes: Yedlin or Carter-Vickers.

Juan Pablo Ocegueda has been a mainstay for this age group going again to the 2013 World Cup cycle, the place he began extra matches and performed extra minutes than another defender. Presently on mortgage from Tigres to Ascenso MX aspect Oaxaca, Ocegueda began most matches throughout the 2014-15 season. Regardless of lacking the season opener and solely enjoying the primary 45 minutes in final week’s Copa MX match in opposition to Pumas, Oceugueda returned to the beginning lineup on Friday, enjoying 90 minutes in a 2-1 win over Leones Negros.

A powerful U-20 World Cup and protracted troubles at proper again for the senior staff have positioned an additional give attention to Desevio Payne, the 19-year-old defender who begins his second season with FC Groningen within the Eredivisie. Regardless of coaching with the primary staff, in the intervening time it seems Payne will primarily go well with up with the reserves given his restricted presence all through preseason. That mentioned, he did rating within the opening minute of a first-team pleasant in early July.

Trying just like the shock standout of the preseason, Everton’s younger left again Antonee Robinson has made a dramatic leap in only some quick months. The English-born defender spent all of final season with the Blues’ U-18 squad earlier than making 5 consecutive begins for the reserves on the finish the 12 months. Robinson, who has performed for the U.S. under-18 nationwide staff, made the transfer to the U-21s everlasting within the offseason and has remained a gentle fixture, beginning all however one match throughout preseason.

When Robinson wasn’t beginning, he was busy dealing with a shock first-team call-up to Everton’s senior squad. “It was a great week away and a terrific expertise coaching,” the 18-year-old mentioned of the journey to Singapore. “The lads have welcomed me back and asked all about it. It’s been really nice.” Solely hours after his first-team jaunt ended, Robinson rejoined the U-21s in Eire and scored his first aim with that unit in a 3-1 pleasant win over Rhyl.

And in MLS: Matt Miazga is completely killing it for New York Pink Bulls. Let’s go forward and simply pencil him in now for Olympic qualifying. Walker Zimmerman (FC Dallas) has regarded strong, albeit in restricted minutes. Christian Dean (Vancouver II), Oscar Sorto (LA II), and Boyd Okwuono (Actual Monarchs) are placing in work in USL.

Better of the Relaxation: Luis Martir (Chivas)and Ramon Martin del Campo (Saprissa) have but to characteristic for his or her golf equipment this season. Will Packwood stays out of contract.

Extra U-20 Standouts: U-20 outdoors again John Requejo continues to see time with Membership Tijuana, enjoying 90 minutes within the first two matches for Xolos’ reserve squad. Requejo’s frequent U-20 backline companion, Shaq Moore, has formally joined Hurucan Valencia within the Spanish third division; no preseason stories have emerged relating to his place throughout the staff.

Potential Surprises: Hamburg defender Ashton Gotz was reportedly quick tracked for the total nationwide staff in February earlier than one thing hit a snag. The teenager might be in play right here.

MIDFIELDERS

He’s beneath the age of 23, a midfielder, and he’s receiving first-team minutes outdoors of MLS? It might solely be Tijuana’s Alejandro Guido. The 22-year-old, who exited with an early damage throughout his final nationwide staff look, may have the within monitor amongst Olympic-eligible midfielders. After beginning in the Liga MX opener, Guido unused substitute final weekend, however performed a full 90 for the Xolos in a midweek Copa MX tilt. Positively someone to observe.

Freiburg’s Caleb Stanko continues to claw his approach again to type following a devastating ACL damage final season. Regardless of regular first-team appearances throughout the membership’s preseason, Stanko was not a part of the gameday roster for the two.Bundesliga kick off final weekend. On Saturday, Stanko made his return to the 18, however didn’t characteristic in a 1-0 win over 1860 Munich.

Maybe you’ve heard, however Gedion Zelalem made a pleasant go throughout a visit to Singapore.

Outdoors of that, Zelalem is bouncing backwards and forwards between Arsenal’s U-19 and U-21 reserve squads—a standard prevalence final season. Presently with the U-19s for the Durban Worldwide Cup, Zelalem and co. will end off the ultimate phases of the event earlier than returning residence. The U-21s kick off league play on August 14; the U-19s play the next day.

One other candidate for strongest U-23 performer is Stuttgart’s Jerome Kiesewetter. The 23-year-old has proven nicely for each membership and nation in current appearances, incomes him his first-team debut on the finish of the final Bundesliga marketing campaign. Again with the membership’s reserves in 3.Liga, Kiesewetter bought the beginning and performed 90 minutes in a loss to Prueben Munster on Saturday.

Hoffenheim’s Russell Canouse is lastly recovered from the damage that stored him out of the U-20 World Cup and is firmly again within the fold for the German membership’s reserve squad. On Saturday the 20-year-old wore the armband and captained his aspect to a simple 6-1 win over SV Saar to start the German Regionalliga marketing campaign.

And in MLS: Fatai Alashe continues to see first-team minutes for San Jose because the shock of the U-23 pool. Becoming a member of him is Tommy Thompson and ex-Liverpool midfielder Marc Pelosi, who’re each seeing common minutes—off the bench—for the Quakes. Will Trapp (Columbus) is making his approach again from damage whereas Luis Gil has grow to be a bummer to observe as he tumbles down the depth chart with RSL. Matt Polster continues to shine in a starring position for Chicago, whereas Kelyn Acosta (Dallas), Zack Pfeffer (Philadelphia),and Marky Delgado (Toronto) are driving the “play your kids” bandwagon. Dillon Serna (Colorado), Romain Gall (Columbus), and Jose Villarreal (Los Angeles)are all warming the bench.

Better of the Relaxation: Kristian Scott is lastly catching on with the Leicester reserves after spending most of final season on the bench. He performed in each preseason pleasant, grabbing a aim and an help in 5 appearances. Duane Holmes seems near the primary staff plans for Championship aspect Huddersfield City, the place he has featured in 4 of 5 friendlies and scored a aim within the preseason. Former U-23 captain Benji Joya has fallen off the map dramatically after failing to catch on with three MLS sides and returning to Santos Laguna. Presently on mortgage to second division membership Necaxa, he was a late substitute for the membership’s second staff throughout a Copa MX match final week. Daniel Cuevas hasn’t performed for BUAP Lobos in additional than a 12 months—we will most likely cross him off the record at this level.

Different U-20 Standouts: Lynden Gooch has picked up proper the place he left off final season—lighting up the scoresheet. That includes in all 4 preseason matches for the Sunderland U-21s, Gooch completed with three targets, two assists, and two drawn penalties. In the meantime in Germany, Junior Flores continues to be part of the Borussia Dortmund reserves, getting the beginning for the squad’s Regionalliga opener, a 3-0 loss to Dusseldorf II on Monday.

Whereas probably out of the U-23 image, each Amando Moreno and Fernando Arce, Jr. have opened with robust performances for the Tijuana reserves. Captaining the aspect this season, Arce has performed 90 minutes within the membership’s two opening matches, with Moreno scoring in U-20 motion on the weekend.

— @XolosOfficial (@xolosofficial) July 31, 2015

Potential Surprises: In addition to the potential inclusion of under-20 standouts, U.S. Soccer may attain out to Leones Negros midfielder Jesus Vazquez. The 20-year-old, who has began each match for Universidad de Guadalajara this season, is seemingly open to representing america. Primarily based on present competitors, he may need an honest likelihood to stroll into Herzog’s squad.

FORWARDS

Greater than two years since his first-team debut, Paul Arriola seems to have lastly left the Tijuana reserves behind. Making substitute appearances within the first two matches of the Liga MX Apertura, Arriola additionally bought the beginning in midweek, enjoying 90 minutes and scoring a aim in a 2-1 Copa MX win over Zapatepec.

Mario Rodriguez remains to be plugging away with Borussia Monchengladbach the place he has spent the final two-plus seasons with its reserve squad. After a robust begin, his offensive manufacturing has steadily decreased over the past 9 months. Sadly for him, that places him on the outs with one of the vital potent assaults within the German Regionalliga. On Saturday, Rodriguez entered within the sixty fifth minute throughout a 5-0 win over Erndtbruck.

Studying’s Andrija Novakovich could have performed himself a favor by lacking the U-20 World Cup. With a full first-team preseason beneath his belt, the 20-year-old has pushed himself to the sting of the Championship membership’s gameday roster—making a number of substitute appearances all through preseason. The younger striker’s fast ascension ought to produce some first-team alternatives this season.

After a disastrous mortgage to Hamburg final season, poor on-field outcomes, and a contentious offseason with father or mother membership Bayern Munich, Julian Inexperienced has reportedly determined to stay with the membership’s reserves as he awaits his first-team alternative. To that finish, the World Cup aim scorer has began every of the final two matches for Bayern II to start the season. With no mortgage in sight, one can hope he can duplicate his scoring output from two seasons in the past.

And in MLS: There aren’t too many home candidates to characteristic up entrance for Herzog. Khiry Shelton has been pressured out of the lineup for NYCFC, Ben Spencer is on mortgage with Toronto II, and nobody actually is aware of the place Alfred Koroma is.

Better of the Relaxation: Minus a severe shake-up or failure to recuperate from a current stress fracture surgical procedure, Stanford College wunderkind Jordan Morris shall be chosen for Olympic qualifying. The highest U.S. newbie participant in current reminiscence, Morris is a particular expertise. South of the border, Alonso Hernandez, on mortgage from Monterrey to Ascenso MX upstart FC Juarez, has featured within the first two matches of the season for his new membership.

Different U20 Standouts: Maki Tall and Bradford Jamieson are the lengthy pictures of this group.

Potential Surprises: On Friday, The American Messi (for actual, this time) Christian Pulisic scored… a gamewinner—in opposition to Barcelona. It was solely the U-19s, but it surely doesn’t matter. There are not any brakes on the hype prepare.