ASN: U.S. Soccer’s New U-21 Group Has Olympics in Thoughts

Nonetheless stinging from its failure to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, the U.S. Soccer Federation has created an under-21 males’s staff designed to construct chemistry and develop expertise for the 2016 video games.

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
April 21, 2014
5:41 PM

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THE FIRST-EVER United States U-21 staff camp is now in session at U.S. Soccer’s Nationwide Coaching Middle in Carson, Calif., with the first objective of creating a squad that may qualify for, and carry out effectively in, the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

“In terms of our programming and in terms of where we’re going from here, we’re very excited to bring some of our best young players together for this initial U-21 camp,” stated U.S. U-20 coach Tab Ramos, who’s working the camp. “We’re hoping that we are able to have one other two or three camps between now and the tip of the yr. This camp is solely to have the staff collectively in order that we start shifting in the fitting course. When the time is correct, we are able to put a gaggle that has saved enjoying collectively and is accustomed to one another in entrance of a everlasting coach.”

In the event you’re pondering that the the federation’s failed try to qualify for the 2012 London video games is a contributing issue on this, effectively, you are proper.

“The fact is, we knew that we made some mistakes going into the last Olympics because we didn’t get the group together earlier,” stated Tab Ramos, “so we wanted to make sure that this time we started to gather the team.”

Here is the preliminary roster:

GOALKEEPERS
Jonathan Kempin (Oklahoma Metropolis Vitality; Leawood, Kan.), Kendall McIntosh (Santa Clara; Santa Rosa, Calif.)

DEFENDERS
Christian Dean (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; East Palo Alto, Calif.), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (Tigres UANL; Riverside, Calif.), Shane O’Neill (Colorado Rapids; Boulder, Colo.), Dillon Serna (Colorado Rapids; Brighton, Colo.), Oscar Sorto (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.)

MIDFIELDERS
Alejandro Guido (Membership Tijuana; Chula Vista, Calif.), Marlon Hairston (Colorado Rapids; Jackson, Miss.), Benji Joya (Chicago Fireplace; San Jose, Calif.), Collin Martin (D.C. United; Chevy Chase, Md.), Esteban Rodriguez (Membership Tijuana; Bell Gardens, Calif.)

FORWARDS
Daniel Cuevas (CF Lobos BUAP; Sacramento, Calif.), Danny Garcia (FC Dallas; Dallas, Texas), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy; Newport Seashore, Calif.), Jordan Morris (Stanford; Mercer Island, Wash.), Sean Okoli (Seattle Sounders FC; Federal Means, Wash.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fireplace; Bolingbrook, Sick.), Jose Villarreal (Cruz Azul; Inglewood, Calif.)

Basically the U-21 staff will morph into the U-23 staff in two years. This primary camp consists solely of MLS gamers and for probably the most half, the very best gamers had been included. Sure, a few of the greatest present U-20 teammates will be part of the ranks following subsequent yr’s World Cup however this present roster contains the very best from the earlier age group as a option to hold them concerned in this system.

It is a squad that possesses appreciable expertise, in response to Ramos.

“I believe one of many greatest strengths that this group has is the truth that after they come collectively they’re a gaggle that is ready to possess the ball rather well,” he said. “They’re not afraid to have the ball towards any opponent, and once you take that concern away—the concern of enjoying towards a few of the greatest groups on the planet—I believe that American gamers have a tendency to return by way of in that setting.”

Above: The 28 youngest gamers within the ASN 100

Within the midfield, Wil Trapp and Luis Gil are two gamers who’re going to be key contributors if the staff advances to Rio de Janeiro. Gil is likely one of the most professionally completed American gamers ever at his age and Wil Trapp is performing effectively in what may very well be a breakout season in Columbus. Sadly for each, minor accidents compelled each to skip this camp.

One other necessary participant to be aware of is Shane O’Neill, who may very effectively play an necessary function for all the cycle.

One other can be to get the European-based gamers concerned sooner or later as a result of they’re extremely necessary to the staff’s long-term success. Central defenders Will Packwood and John Anthony Brooks have high-level expertise and big potential. Additionally, ahead/winger Julian Inexperienced must also participate because the Olympics draw nearer. Caleb Stanko is on the verge of signing a Bundesliga contract with SC Freiburg and he may very well be an necessary a part of the staff’s central protection. Huddersfield’s attacking midfielder Duane Holmes is one other younger participant who may play a job regardless of the actual fact he has by no means represented the USA.

Making a U-21 is a great thought as a result of it retains gamers within the U.S. system engaged and challenged throughout the lengthy stretch separating the U-20 degree and the total nationwide staff. By introducing this pre-Olympic staff, the hole is closed and the staff has a greater probability to succeed.

One of many greatest remaining questions for this U-21 staff? Who will it play? Getting collectively two or 3 times this yr is nice, however discovering some aggressive matches the place the gamers are compelled to answer stress and expectations will take this to a different degree.

If this staff can discover high quality video games at key intervals all through the cycle, it may pay big dividends.

What are your ideas on the brand new U-21 squad? Who would you wish to see referred to as into future camps? Share your ideas under.

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Observe him on Twitter.