|
|
En Route: U.S. U-17 World Cup preview
Wilmer Cabrera's boys begin their World Cup journey against the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Jun 16, 2011 6:15:00 PM
By J.R. Eskilson
With a crowded summer schedule that includes the all-important CONCACAF Gold Cup, the U-17 World Cup has quietly flown under the radar and avoided the limelight despite play starting on Saturday in Mexico.
From the American perspective, the U-17 World Cup has been taken for granted as the team has qualified for every event since its inception in 1985. Despite the prominence as a regular participant, the Americans have finished no better than fourth at the tournament.
The regular exit in the first knockout round has become a bit of a tradition for the Americans, as the Yankees have bowed out in the last four tournaments at the exact same stage. However, this year offers a different perspective – both in terms of results and player development.
Head coach Wilmer Cabrera, who has been in charge for just under four years, is starting to leave his mark on the program. In the last six months, the former Colombian international has led the team to the CONCACAF Championship, secured a seed at the World Cup, and dealt with the expulsion of star forward Andrew Oliver from the team. Oliver was asked to leave U.S. Soccer’s residency program over disciplinary reasons earlier this year.
Even in light of the two losses to the host nation, Mexico, in the tuneup games, there is still an optimistic nature about this team heading to its first game on Sunday against Czech Republic. The chitter-chatter of various players being monitored by European clubs combined with a group that appears winnable on paper will raise the expectations for this squad - and rightfully so. This is a exceedingly capable team.
Yet the play on the field has not showcased the best this squad can offer. Often prone to a visually disappointing though effective style, the Americans have yet to provide an audience-captivating performance to demand the attention of U.S. national team fans.
This tournament could provide that opening for members of the team to crawl out from the shadow of Bradenton and usurp the title of the next hope in American soccer. The following is a rundown of the 21-player roster by position, and the likely starters for the World Cup.
Breakdown of the squad:
Goalkeepers:
Probable starter: Fernando Pina
Fernando Pina, the Houston Dynamo Academy product, has shown glimpses of brilliance between the sticks, but had a spell of regret during the qualifying stages when he picked up an inexcusable red card. Composure and leadership are the most important virtues for Pina to remember during World Cup play.
Reserves: Kendall McIntosh, Wade Hamilton
Defenders:
Probable starters: Nathan Smith, Zach Carroll, Mobi Fehr, Kellyn Acosta
Andrew Souders anchored the defense alongside Mobi Fehr during the qualifying run, but the Ohio native moved into the midfield for recent games. Vardar’s Zach Carroll filled in at center back and provided some consistency for the defense. Outside backs Kellyn Acosta and Nathan Smith both have the technical ability to get forward and join the attack, as exemplified by the latter’s wonder strike against Canada.
Reserves: Alessandro Mion, Joe Amon
Midfielders:
Probable starters: Esteban Rodriguez, Matt Dunn, Alejandro Guido, Marc Pelosi
The strength of the team is in the midfield. Alejandro Guido and Marc Pelosi are the most probable prospects to break out from the event with a strong showing. Guido’s creativity and skill were instrumental for the team during the Nike international friendlies in December before he picked up a knock. Pelosi’s speed and ability to beat a defender one-on-one have separated him from the pack in previous outings with this squad.
Reserves: Andrew Souders, Nico Melo, Dillon Serna, Tarik Salkicic
Forwards:
Probable Starters: Alfred Koroma, Mario Rodriguez
With Oliver absent, there is a question mark surrounding the striking partnership heading into the tournament. Alfred Koroma and Mario Rodriguez are the likely starting duo, but the two fizzled and struggled to create goals during the qualifying run. Cabrera may look to inject more explosive play by giving Los Angeles Galaxy’s Jack McBean a spot in the starting lineup as the tournament progresses. Either way, one of the forwards will need to rise to the occasion without Oliver on the roster.
Reserves: Jack McBean, Paul Arriola
Schedule [all games will also air on ESPN3.com]:
Sunday, June 19: Czech Republic, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU – The squad from east Europe depended on the magnificent play of goalkeeper Lukas Zima to remain undefeated in the UEFA qualifiers for the World Cup. The three low-scoring draws may not frighten opposing defenses, but the Czech coach has promised better attacking play at the World Cup from his youngsters.
Wednesday, June 22: Uzbekistan, 4:00 p.m. ET, Galavision [Live]/ESPNU [on delay at 6:45 p.m.] – The runner-ups from AFC are a first-time qualifier for the U-17 World Cup. Forward Timur Khakimov, who was the player of the tournament at the AFC qualifiers, leads the squad alongside captain and fellow striker Abbosbek Makhstaliev.
Saturday, June 25: New Zealand, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU – The Kiwis made it out of group play at the 2009 U-17 World Cup, and have set their sights on the quarterfinals for this tournament. As the final opponent in group play, New Zealand could pose a difficult test in a win-or-go home situation.
J.R. Eskilson is the Youth Soccer Editor at Goal.com. If you have a comment or an idea for a story, you can email him at jr.eskilson[@]goal.com or follow him on Twitter @NCAAsoccer
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com's
page.
From the American perspective, the U-17 World Cup has been taken for granted as the team has qualified for every event since its inception in 1985. Despite the prominence as a regular participant, the Americans have finished no better than fourth at the tournament.
The regular exit in the first knockout round has become a bit of a tradition for the Americans, as the Yankees have bowed out in the last four tournaments at the exact same stage. However, this year offers a different perspective – both in terms of results and player development.
Head coach Wilmer Cabrera, who has been in charge for just under four years, is starting to leave his mark on the program. In the last six months, the former Colombian international has led the team to the CONCACAF Championship, secured a seed at the World Cup, and dealt with the expulsion of star forward Andrew Oliver from the team. Oliver was asked to leave U.S. Soccer’s residency program over disciplinary reasons earlier this year.
Even in light of the two losses to the host nation, Mexico, in the tuneup games, there is still an optimistic nature about this team heading to its first game on Sunday against Czech Republic. The chitter-chatter of various players being monitored by European clubs combined with a group that appears winnable on paper will raise the expectations for this squad - and rightfully so. This is a exceedingly capable team.
Yet the play on the field has not showcased the best this squad can offer. Often prone to a visually disappointing though effective style, the Americans have yet to provide an audience-captivating performance to demand the attention of U.S. national team fans.
This tournament could provide that opening for members of the team to crawl out from the shadow of Bradenton and usurp the title of the next hope in American soccer. The following is a rundown of the 21-player roster by position, and the likely starters for the World Cup.
Breakdown of the squad:
Goalkeepers:
Probable starter: Fernando Pina
Fernando Pina, the Houston Dynamo Academy product, has shown glimpses of brilliance between the sticks, but had a spell of regret during the qualifying stages when he picked up an inexcusable red card. Composure and leadership are the most important virtues for Pina to remember during World Cup play.
Reserves: Kendall McIntosh, Wade Hamilton
Defenders:
Probable starters: Nathan Smith, Zach Carroll, Mobi Fehr, Kellyn Acosta
Andrew Souders anchored the defense alongside Mobi Fehr during the qualifying run, but the Ohio native moved into the midfield for recent games. Vardar’s Zach Carroll filled in at center back and provided some consistency for the defense. Outside backs Kellyn Acosta and Nathan Smith both have the technical ability to get forward and join the attack, as exemplified by the latter’s wonder strike against Canada.
Reserves: Alessandro Mion, Joe Amon
Midfielders:
Probable starters: Esteban Rodriguez, Matt Dunn, Alejandro Guido, Marc Pelosi
The strength of the team is in the midfield. Alejandro Guido and Marc Pelosi are the most probable prospects to break out from the event with a strong showing. Guido’s creativity and skill were instrumental for the team during the Nike international friendlies in December before he picked up a knock. Pelosi’s speed and ability to beat a defender one-on-one have separated him from the pack in previous outings with this squad.
Reserves: Andrew Souders, Nico Melo, Dillon Serna, Tarik Salkicic
Forwards:
Probable Starters: Alfred Koroma, Mario Rodriguez
With Oliver absent, there is a question mark surrounding the striking partnership heading into the tournament. Alfred Koroma and Mario Rodriguez are the likely starting duo, but the two fizzled and struggled to create goals during the qualifying run. Cabrera may look to inject more explosive play by giving Los Angeles Galaxy’s Jack McBean a spot in the starting lineup as the tournament progresses. Either way, one of the forwards will need to rise to the occasion without Oliver on the roster.
Reserves: Jack McBean, Paul Arriola
Schedule [all games will also air on ESPN3.com]:
Sunday, June 19: Czech Republic, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU – The squad from east Europe depended on the magnificent play of goalkeeper Lukas Zima to remain undefeated in the UEFA qualifiers for the World Cup. The three low-scoring draws may not frighten opposing defenses, but the Czech coach has promised better attacking play at the World Cup from his youngsters.
Wednesday, June 22: Uzbekistan, 4:00 p.m. ET, Galavision [Live]/ESPNU [on delay at 6:45 p.m.] – The runner-ups from AFC are a first-time qualifier for the U-17 World Cup. Forward Timur Khakimov, who was the player of the tournament at the AFC qualifiers, leads the squad alongside captain and fellow striker Abbosbek Makhstaliev.
Saturday, June 25: New Zealand, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU – The Kiwis made it out of group play at the 2009 U-17 World Cup, and have set their sights on the quarterfinals for this tournament. As the final opponent in group play, New Zealand could pose a difficult test in a win-or-go home situation.
J.R. Eskilson is the Youth Soccer Editor at Goal.com. If you have a comment or an idea for a story, you can email him at jr.eskilson[@]goal.com or follow him on Twitter @NCAAsoccer
Visit the U.S. national team page on Goal.com for more and join Goal.com's
page.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.
