The Ole BallCoach

Read All the stories online – at www.theoleballcoach.com

Butler & Former Carmel High goalie Eric Dick selected in MLS Draft

January 23, 2018

Eric Dick protects the net for the Bulldogs last season. Dick was the 13th overall pick of the MLS draft on Jan. 19. Collegian file photo.

JOSHUA DOERING | ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Butler Collegian | jdoering@butler.edu

It was supposed to be a day Eric Dick would remember for the rest of his life. On Jan. 19, the former Butler goalie was selected as the 13th pick in the 2018 Major League Soccer Superdraft by Sporting Kansas City.He almost missed the whole thing. His flight to Baltimore was delayed. It took almost another two hours to drive to Philadelphia, where the draft took place.By the time he finally got there, the draft was in progress and the room was full. Dick had to explain who he was to even get in.Less than half an hour later, he walked across the stage and shook MLS commissioner Don Garber’s hand.“Quite honestly, I blacked out a little bit, just in shock,” Dick, who was born near Kansas City, said. “I walked up there, I was all smiles, obviously. This is a dream come true and honestly unexpected. Very, very unexpected.”Coming into the draft, Dick said he had no idea Sporting Kansas City was interested. They watched him play with Butler, as well as with the Oklahoma City Energy U-23 team in the Premier Development League over the summer.“They do their research, I guess,” Dick said. “I think that’s why they really played it close to their chest and really didn’t interview me because I guess they saw enough through that.”After redshirting the 2013 season, he played in 71 of a possible 77 games for the Bulldogs, conceding only 68 goals. The Bulldogs made NCAA tournament appearances in 2016 and 2017 with Dick in net. In his final season at Butler, Dick was named a team captain, and helped lead the Bulldogs to their first Big East regular season championship and advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. He was named a United Soccer Coaches first team All-American and Big East Goalkeeper of the Year.“I haven’t met a better shot stopper, better leader, better man who has been so passionate about the game of soccer,” Eric Leonard, who played all four seasons at Butler with Dick, said.Prior to the draft, Dick participated in the MLS combine from Jan. 11 through Jan. 17. The combine consists of interviews, physical testing and full-field scrimmages so MLS teams can better evaluate players.He is the first Bulldog picked in the opening round of the MLS draft since Zach Steinberger in 2015, who currently plays for Jacksonville Armada of the North American Soccer League.Since entering the MLS in 1996, the Kansas City franchise has won two MLS Cups and four U.S. Open Cups.Of those six championships, four came under current head coach Peter Vermes, who took over the team in 2009. Sporting Kansas City has qualified for the MLS playoffs seven consecutive seasons.Dick said he will probably spend the 2018 season training with Sporting Kansas City and also play with their reserve team, Swope Park Rangers. Swope Park Rangers play in the United Soccer League, the second tier of American soccer.“It was a relief,” he said. “You know, it was all emotions. All good, but all emotions.”Dick and the rest of Sporting Kansas City start their 2018 campaign at home against New York City Football Club on March 4.“They are getting one of the most unique personalities I’ve ever met and just a freak of a goalie,” Jared Timmer, Dick’s teammate at Butler, said. “That’s what Sporting Kansas City is getting.”

Who will win the USSF presidential election on Feb. 10? (updated)

4:27 PM ETJeff CarlisleSoccer

The most contentious U.S. Soccer Federation presidential election in recent memory has reached the homestretch. This Saturday, the USSF’s National Council will gather in Orlando and vote who will lead the organization for the next four years. The only certainty is that it won’t be current president Sunil Gulati, who declined to run for re-election.

Hoping to succeed him are eight candidates: Half are former professional players, while the backgrounds of the other four lean more toward the business side. There are establishment candidate and rank outsiders, which makes for a fragmented and fluid vote that seems destined to go to multiple ballots.

We reviewed their progress back in December but, with under a week to go, here’s a look at the candidates and their respective chances of victory. (And if you want to know exactly how the election works, click here.)

Kathy Carter

Chances of winning: 25 percent (up from 23) | Q&A

Carter is among those who view the position of president as less of an executive position and more of a chairperson of the board, and she wants to open up the bid process for marketing partners. She wants to bring more diversity to executive-level positions within the USSF and create a technical department to manage on-field aspects, including the hiring of coaches. She wants to go “all-in” on the women’s game and stabilize the NWSL. Perhaps most controversially, Carter wants to form an independent commission, headed by sports executive Casey Wasserman, to examine every aspect of player development.

Carter enters the final days of the race with a built-in base of support from MLS, whose delegates comprise 14.5 percent of the vote. Her challenge remains convincing voters outside of that core support that she is the best candidate to lead the USSF forward. Carter has managed to pick off a few state associations, but the athletes council, which traditionally votes as a bloc and accounts for 20 percent of the vote, will have a huge say as to her chances of success.

Update: It appears that Carter is gaining a bit of separation. ESPN FC can confirm an SI.com report that the three votes from the NWSL (4.6 percent of the total weighted vote) will go for Carter. There are still questions as to whether the bloc-vote strategy of the Athletes Council will actually be adopted but if that approach is taken, a single ballot election — once thought to be highly unlikely — could occur with Carter the beneficiary. If not, that means multiple ballots and more uncertainty given the number of moving parts.

Carlos Cordeiro

Chances of winning: 23 percent | Q&A

Cordeiro wants to engage in a considerable restructuring of the USSF, which starts with making the office of president more a chairperson of the board role, with the incumbent working more collaboratively with the board of directors. Cordeiro wants to create a new technical department to oversee all on-field aspects, including the hiring of coaches. He wants to appoint an independent USSF board member to oversee the awarding of future commercial rights contracts. And Cordeiro seeks to make the game more affordable for players and coaches by increasing scholarships and grants.

In terms of his chances, Cordeiro is considered to be among the favorites. As a sitting USSF vice president, he is more of an establishment candidate but carries less baggage than Carter and will provide a level of comfort to those leaning toward a more business-oriented candidate.

Kyle Martino

Chances of winning: 19 percent (up from 17) | Q&A

Martino’s platform consists of three planks. The first involves making the USSF more transparent, while making the presidency a paid position. He is also emphasizing equality, which includes making the game more accessible for kids from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as better treatment of the women’s national team. The third is titled “Progress” and includes clarifying the youth player path, creating an environment for more collaboration among the various youth soccer stakeholders, as well as a gradual path towards implementing a system of promotion/relegation at the pro level.

Martino has made some headway in the last month and his tactic of taking on establishment candidates has broadened his appeal to a degree. The sense among delegates that ESPN FC has spoken to is that he has moved into the top tier of candidates.

Update: Martino’s momentum is continuing but he absolutely must secure the votes on the Athletes Council to have any shot of winning. He may also be viewed as a compromise candidate for those disinclined to vote for Carter or Cordeiro.

Eric Wynalda

Chances of winning: 18 percent | Q&A

Wynalda is the champion of the anti-establishment wing, advocating for — among other things — a path to promotion and relegation, moving MLS to a winter calendar, renegotiating the CBA for the U.S. women’s national team, and securing a media rights deal similar to that proposed by MP & Silva back in September. He wants to use an endowment fund to make the game more affordable for coaches and players, as well as educate parents new to the game. And Wynalda wants the relationship with SUM to be “thoroughly vetted and reviewed” to make sure that the USSF is maximizing its take from commercial rights deals.

Wynalda’s campaign had been gaining some momentum among voters on the adult and youth councils, but that seems to have stalled in recent weeks. That said, in a crowded field with a fragmented electorate, he remains a force in the race.

Update: Now hearing that Wynalda’s slide has abated. Whether that’s wishful thinking or a last spasm of support is still difficult to tell.

Steve Gans

Chances of winning: 11 percent (down from 15) | Q&A

While Gans is among the proponents for improved corporate governance, a separate search committee for the next men’s national team coach, and equality and greater support for the women’s game, much of his platform’s focus is on revamping the youth system. He is proposing that the development academy be re-evaluated and wants to use part of U.S. Soccer’s $130 million surplus to make the game more affordable. He wants to solve what he calls “the counterproductive competition” among various youth sanctioning bodies. Gans is also keen to give the state associations at both the youth and adult levels more say in how they are run.

Gans’ advantage heading into the final week is that he has few negatives (if any) and could emerge as a compromise candidate if the election goes to multiple ballots, which seems likely. However, it still looks like he has some ground to make up.

Update: As the race coalesces around Carter and Cordeiro, and perhaps even Martino, it’s becoming more difficult for Gans to make any headway.

Mike Winograd

Chances of winning: 3 percent | Q&A

Winograd is not of the belief that everything in the system needs to be ripped up. His platform contains three major planks: transparency by which critical decisions are made, addressing the inequities that the women’s national team faces, and tackling the costs affecting coaching education and youth soccer. He also want to take a “fresh look” at youth soccer’s organizational structure on a state-by-state basis. Where Winograd sets himself apart is a novel, non-binary way of implementing promotion/relegation via “guest spots” and guaranteed positions for MLS teams. At the very least, it shows some out-of-the-box thinking.

Despite limited resources, Winograd has been effective in raising his profile and communicating his ideas effectively over the past month. Will he win this election? No, but he just may set the stage for greater involvement in the USSF down the road.

Hope Solo

Chances of winning: < 1 percent | Link to Q&A

The planks of Solo’s platform consist of creating a winning soccer culture, pushing for equal pay for the women’s national team and all women in the USSF workplace, addressing the pay-to-play issue in youth soccer and making the game accessible to all. She is pushing for organizational, operational and financial governance transparency. Along the way, Solo has been highly critical of what she described as the USSF’s approach of valuing profits above all else.

Solo has done her best to be a disruptive force in the election. Solo has also been blunt in her belief that the USSF is failing in its mission, going so far as to file a complaint with the U.S. Olympic Committee. That said, she stands next to no chance of winning.

Paul Caligiuri

Chances of winning: < 1 percent | Link to Q&A

Caligiuri’s ideas for revamping youth development include creating a performance development task force in every state, as well as youth development training centers at the state and national level. He is also advocating that there be more diversity in the USSF’s ranks, as well as re-establishing links with the amateur game at the adult level. Caligiuri also wants to improve player identification by making more use of the Olympic Development Program and U.S. Club Soccer’s id2 program.

Caligiuri retains considerable name recognition from his time as a player and he does have some intriguing ideas, but, in a crowded field, his candidacy has been unable to get much traction.

Behind the scenes of the U.S. Soccer election7:00 AM ETBruce Schoenfeld, ESPN the Magazine

hen Sunil Gulati steps to a podium in a Toronto hotel one December morning, Kyle Martino can’t hide his smirk. Nobody knows this man,Martino thinks. Nobody in America has ever seen him on television. Nobody would recognize him if they did. And isn’t that exactly the problem with soccer in this country?

Gulati is the president of the United States Soccer Federation, an elected but unpaid position that he has occupied since 2006. To Martino, a former MLS player who works as a studio analyst on NBC’s English Premier League telecasts, the leader of his sport should be as prominent as the commissioner of the NBA or the NFL. “You know who Roger Goodell is,” he’d insisted earlier that morning. “You know who Adam Silver is. I know who those guys are and I don’t even watch their sports.Standing in the back of the ballroom, on the second floor of the Westin Harbour Castle, his white dress shirt carefully untucked, Martino yearns to be the face of American soccer, albeit an unshaven one. With that in mind, he has taken a leave from his job and sold his stake in a Spanish team to run for USSF president.In front of him, sitting demurely in one of the metal folding chairs facing the podium, another aspiring USSF chief executive stares at Gulati with rapt attention. Kathy Carter, 48, runs Soccer United Marketing, which generates millions of dollars annually for MLS. Considered the establishment’s preferred candidate, she entered the room moments before alongside Gulati and MLS commissioner Don Garber. The rumor circulating the ballroom is that she even flew to Toronto on Garber’s plane, though that turns out to be untrue. It isn’t lost on Martino that he is standing at the back of the room and Carter is sitting at the front of it. “Nobody,” he whispers as the news conference begins, “even told me that this was happening.”Gulati is there to report on the 2026 World Cup bid the United States is mounting in conjunction with Canada and Mexico. He explains that Televisa network, which owns Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, demanded that its country stage the tournament’s opening game, second in prominence only to the final. Gulati refused to commit, he says. Rather, he threatened to withdraw from the bid and leave Mexico and Canada on their own.This, it turns out, is supposed to be a joke. But as if that doesn’t make him seem like enough of a caricature of the entitled American, he adds a punch line that sums up everything that his critics can’t abide about him, despite the sizable advances in many areas that U.S. soccer has made during his USSF tenure. “I told them,” he says, “‘You can’t fly through U.S. airspace.'”veryone in the room is silent.

The USSF hasn’t held a contested election since 1999, but this one is making up for lost time. Besides Martino and Carter, six other aspiring presidents — three former U.S. World Cup players, two lawyers, and the sitting USSF VP — have been trolling constituent groups around the country for votes, which will be tallied at the organization’s convention in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday.This wouldn’t be happening, it is safe to say, if not for perhaps the worst loss in American sports history. Last October, the U.S. men’s national team traveled to the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago, known best for steel drums and the world’s hottest peppers. To secure a place in this summer’s World Cup, the U.S. needed only a draw against players who compete in lower-level American leagues, or for Trinidadian teams with names (W Connection, Club Sando) that sound like somewhere you’d go looking for a hookup on a Friday night.

Forget beating Brazil or Germany this summer in Russia; the U.S. couldn’t get out of CONCACAF, which consists of the nations between Canada and Panama and countries in the Caribbean. Instead, the Americans delighted dragon-slayers everywhere by losing to a country with roughly 1/320th of its population and 1/900th of its GDP. As a result, the U.S. will miss the tournament this summer for the first time since 1986, when the country didn’t even have a league. The estimated financial cost of that failure is in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The cost in interest to the sport in America is incalculable.Way back in April, when the most meaningful event in its athletic history was still a twinkle in Trinidad’s eye, a Boston attorney named Steve Gans — who played soccer in college and has helped coach and run youth teams — declared his intention to run against Gulati for the presidency. Back then, the notion of unseating a three-term incumbent seemed fanciful. But the Trinidad loss changed everything. “If we had qualified for the World Cup, do you think any impetus for change would have existed?” Martino says now. “I can tell you that if we had qualified, Sunil would be the president for the next four years. And we would have lost an opportunity to finally elect someone who has a soccer vision.”

But who? In the weeks after the failure to qualify, it became clear that heads would need to roll, and that one of them would be Gulati’s. The Monday before he left for Toronto, Gulati acknowledged that reality with a prepared statement that he would not be a candidate for what would have been his fourth term.And that’s when the free-for-all began.

Given the uncertain state of American soccer, it seems appropriate that the team with home-field advantage in the title game of our national league is Canadian. On this MLS Cup morning, the relationship that each of the major candidates has with the existing power structure can be inferred by his or her physical distance from Gulati, who will finish the World Cup news conference in a few minutes by telling a circle of reporters that most of the candidates running to replace him aren’t up to the job.

As Carter nods and Martino looks pained, Carlos Cordeiro is holding an earnest — if not exactly necessary — conversation in the lobby. Cordeiro is vice chairman of the 2026 bid. He has spent hours helping finalize the details of the complicated, three-nation plan. But he has also acted as Gulati’s right-hand man for the past two years. Desperate to avoid questions about why he declared his candidacy while Gulati was still evaluating his own, uneasy about a public viewing of the complicated state of his friendship with the discredited president, he has created a reason to stay downstairs. He never appears at the news conference.

Now 61, Cordeiro joined the USSF as an independent director in 2007. A former Goldman Sachs executive with a Harvard pedigree, he’s almost never seen without a business suit. His challenge is to distance himself from Gulati while simultaneously defending his role in Gulati’s administration, which is pretty much his only tangible qualification for the position. As someone who hasn’t played in a competitive match or coached a team at any level, he has to fend off accusations from the other candidates that he knows nothing about the sport.

The most vociferous of those candidates is Eric Wynalda, the three-time World Cup participant and former broadcaster. Of all the campaigns, his has been the most visible and voluble, at least to fans who use Twitter or listen to podcasts or walk through airports. A proponent of promotion and relegation, shelving the playoffs, and playing games in domes during the winter, Wynalda is this election’s version of a populist. He’d rather have an intense conversation with someone who disagrees with him, even if that person happens to be a cab driver, than attend an official event. He was conspicuous at the hotel all morning, but now nobody knows where he has gone.

There are three longshot candidates: former standout players Hope Solo and Paul Caligiuri, and the New York lawyer Michael Winograd. They’re so far removed from the center of power that they’re off the radar. And Gans? He’s tending to business back in Boston, monitoring the proceedings in Toronto through texts. If Gulati is the USSF equivalent of Lyndon Johnson, the incumbent who decides under pressure not to run again, Gans is this election’s Eugene McCarthy. He challenged the sitting president when it wasn’t politically expedient, then lost the spotlight to the big names who jumped in as soon as it was. (In this analogy, Martino — handsome, young, articulate, opportunistic — represents Bobby Kennedy. And Cordeiro, the sitting VP, is a spot-on Hubert Humphrey.)

After the news conference, the candidates converge on the lobby, detailing their visions of the soccer universe to anyone who will listen. “It’s arrogant to say that we just had a business guy in there who made a lot of mistakes, so we’re going to put another business guy in there,” says Martino, who is the son-in-law of the actor and progressive political activist Susan Sarandon. He’s talking about Cordeiro, about Carter, maybe about Gans. “Simply by osmosis, businessmen in other countries are soccer guys,” he adds. “That’s not true here.”

Martino pitches his notion of a USSF president who gets paid, as Goodell and Silver do. That will elicit an eye roll from Cordeiro, who points out that the USSF charter gives its president the role of board chairman, not chief executive. Martino, he says, is campaigning for a job that doesn’t exist.Carter’s role as a crucial revenue-producer for MLS would seem to be an impediment to simultaneously running the organization that oversees the league. Martino made that point in a news release when Carter announced her candidacy, which happened the day after Gulati dropped out: timing that seemed suspiciously choreographed. “Except that I do represent change,” she protests now. “I haven’t actually worked inside the federation. I’ve worked on behalf of the federation, but not inside it. I haven’t been in the youth soccer space for 25 years.” She shrugs off the perception that she is Gulati’s anointed successor as misinformation being spread by desperate rivals. “People can take all the shots they want,” she says. “I’m going to stay above it. I appreciate everybody’s passion. Twenty years ago, this all would have been met with indifference.”In a far corner of the lobby in Toronto, where Wynalda and Martino have converged in a conversation with a former Fox executive, such passion has spilled over into unpleasantness. Earlier, Martino confided that Wynalda has been showing disdain for him in interviews, mocking the level of soccer that he managed to achieve during his playing career. That has left Martino in no mood for cordial discussion. When Wynalda admits that he won’t be attending the game that afternoon, in part because he disapproves of the whole concept of a championship game deciding the winner of a domestic league, Martino can’t hide a sneer.”We’ll miss you,” he says.”No, you won’t,” Wynalda replies, smiling.Martino doesn’t smile. “We both know that I won’t,” he says.

You don’t need to own an original Giorgio Chinaglia bobblehead to realize that soccer has evolved differently in the U.S. than everywhere else. By the time that youth soccer started booming in America in the late 1960s, baseball, football, basketball and hockey were established. Their overlapping schedules blanketed the calendar year. Soccer had to wedge itself in, one more passenger pushing into a car that already felt crowded.

So a summer season was adopted to avoid the Super Bowl. Playoffs were created to make fans feel comfortable with the sport. The possibility of relegation or promotion, which motivates ambitious small clubs around the world, was deemed too risky to attract the wealthy investors that a U.S. league required. Expansion franchises were created, then awarded nicknames tested by focus groups. Resources were pooled, profits shared.

All those accommodations, Wynalda believes, has left us with soccer that only vaguely resembles what the world plays. “Being Americans, we felt that we could have a different schedule than the rest of the world, we could have a different plan, and it would magically happen,” he says. “But we’ve never done soccer right in this country.” Wynalda argues that we still haven’t taken the steps to foment a genuine American soccer culture. “If you go to a party, and you walk through the front door, and you walk around the perimeter of the room and you never have a drink and you never talk to anybody, did you really go to the party?” he asks. “We think we’ve been to the party. We haven’t been to the party.”

It isn’t lost on Wynalda that soccer is more popular in the United States now than ever before, by an order of magnitude. Games from half a dozen European leagues fill weekend mornings. MLS is thriving, with expansion hopefuls offering, according to one league owner, “not just $100 million dollars for a team, but hundreds of millions.” The world’s most important clubs, engaged in a pitched battle over the U.S. market, have invested in offices and academies and even shares of franchises. In America, now, soccer matters.

And in soccer, America matters. But walk into an elementary school nearly anywhere in the country and you’ll see far more Manchester United and Barcelona shirts than those of any MLS franchise, or even every MLS franchise put together. Most American fans enjoy the sport by tuning into foreign clubs, maybe shouting out the chants and the songs, then sitting down to two hours of televised entertainment. That makes sense because it’s also the way most Americans access the NFL and NBA; it doesn’t matter, it turns out, if your favorite team is halfway across the state, they country or the world. “I think we’re on the cusp, but we’re still below most other countries,” Cordeiro acknowledges. “But remember, our league is only 20 years old.”

The USSF, on the other hand, has been around since 1913. Until only a few years ago, it was led by well-meaning dilettantes. “When I started,” says Bob Contiguglia, the Denver physician who served as president from 1998 to 2006, “the referee program was run from a shoebox in someone’s basement. We had to borrow money to send the women to the World Cup.” The $12 million budget Contiguglia inherited grew to $52 million by the time he left. Now it’s nudging $150 million. That’s still less than half that of the major European nations, though, and one-third of Germany’s or England’s.

A paid CEO runs U.S. Soccer’s business affairs, but leadership comes from the president. Gulati, a lecturer on economics at Columbia, has guided the organization through its greatest period of growth and advancement: selling out stadiums, pleasing sponsors, making money. Even his strongest critics acknowledge that he deserves much of the credit for the sport’s success over the past decade, including a women’s national team that still ranks as the world’s best, a compelling World Cup bid that seems likely to bring much of the 2026 event to American soil and a development system that is turning out better players at the top of the pyramid than ever before.But that has come, critics say, at the expense of the sport itself. “We are creating technically sound players who have no joy,” Gans says. To him, the USSF-sanctioned academy system, meant to identify and support elite players, is doing more harm than good. “People sitting in some boardroom say, ‘This will make a kid more professional,’ ” he says. “They send down an edict from 30,000 feet. And they couldn’t be more wrong in most of their decisions.”Recently, several of those decisions combined to alienate one of America’s most promising prospects. Eighteen-year-old Jonathan Gonzalez is a California-born midfielder with Mexican parents who plays for a club team in Monterrey. When he was left off the U.S. roster for a recent friendly against Portugal, nobody bothered to give him an explanation. In part because of that, Gonzalez has decided that, for the rest of his international career, he will compete for Mexico. “He obviously didn’t feel enough love from the USSF,” says Gans, who sees it as emblematic of the organization’s emotional disconnect with young players in general and young Hispanic players in particular. “How is it that we lost a kid like that? How could we let that happen?”Growing up in Massachusetts, Gans played until he couldn’t play anymore, getting as far as a trial with the Major Indoor Soccer League’s Baltimore Blast. Then he turned his attention to his sons, one of whom now stars at Brandeis. “You nurture your kids, and they play and play, and you see the joy being taken out of it,” he says recently while watching a match from a bar in Boston, his voice husky with emotion. “And one day, you look up and it’s gone. This passion that my father passed down to me and I passed down to my boys? It’s gone.”Gans snaps back into campaign mode. “There has to be a better way,” he says.

At their home stadium that Saturday evening in December, Toronto FC wins its first MLS title. The game is compelling, as emotional in its way as a top European league’s cup final. There isn’t nearly as much history involved, of course, but that doesn’t seem to matter to the fans shouting in the misty darkness.Afterward, there’s a crush in the hospitality tent, and a long wait for the buses that are shuttling VIPs back to the hotel. Cordeiro arrives with executives from Canadian and Mexican soccer and they prepare to be there awhile. But moments later, Gulati strides in and announces that he has a car. The other two men, who have been working with Gulati for years, stand up to leave. Cordeiro lingers, unsure if the offer applies to him. As he departs, Gulati waves an arm in Cordeiro’s direction, as if to say that even if Cordeiro did declare himself a candidate while Gulati was still considering his own options, he still won’t abandon his former acolyte to trays of half-eaten canapes and grindingly loud music. “Come on,” he says.That night, Cordeiro again holds court in the hotel lobby. Indian-born, like Gulati, but of Portuguese and Colombian descent, he and his three siblings were raised by their mother in Miami after their father died in a car accident. Following business school, he embarked on a career in banking and venture capital, having learned long before to take nothing for granted. A lifelong bachelor, he poured his passion into business. In 2007, he turned to soccer. Before becoming vice president, he was USSF treasurer and chaired its budget committee. He’s also a powerful voice in CONCACAF and FIFA. It’s true that he hasn’t ever worn cleats in a game that matters. But his knowledge of the inner workings of international football is second only to Gulati’s.For two hours, he sips cabernet and connects with USSF delegates who wander past. He’s enough of an insider to know many of them, enough of an innate politician to strike the right notes with each. “There are different presidents for different times,” he says at one point. “Sunil’s emphasis was with the elites. With the exception of this year, that wasn’t bad. And I’m part of that, and I’m proud of it. But when I talk to the grassroots, I can tell you that they feel left behind.”

“We can fix it,” he says. “But it takes leadership. And if we fix our youth, we may well end up with — surprise, surprise — better national teams. That’s how it works.” The relief around the table is almost palpable. For the first time, it seems, someone is giving them a reasonable way out of this mess, a vision familiar enough to feel comfortable, but pointed toward 2026 and beyond.Later, Contiguglia joins the table. Then John Collins, the only board member who doesn’t represent a specific USSF constituency, pulls up a chair. The mood is jovial, less like a sports event than a bunch of business colleagues unwinding after doing a deal. Cordeiro sits at the end of the table, mostly letting others do the talking, looking utterly at ease. It’s getting late, and there’s a USSF committee meeting to attend the next morning.But for now, he flags down the server. There’s still time for one more round.

Christian Pulisic not looking to move to ‘unbelievable’ Premier League

SPN staff

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic has told ESPN FC that he has remained in contact with former teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and that he’s flattered to hear talk of a potential move to the Premier League.The United States international, speaking in London at Nike’s 20th anniversary celebration of the Mercurial boot, has been linked to both Liverpool and Manchester United — his favourite club as a child. And while Pulisic acknowledged that Aubameyang’s decision to leave for Arsenal on transfer deadline day on Jan. 31 was partly fuelled by a desire to reunite with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, he is not mmediately looking to move to England.”Of course, the Premier League is an unbelievable league,” Pulisic said. “You never know in football what can happen, so right now, I’m focused with Dortmund, and yeah, that’s that.”Dortmund are fourth in the Bundesliga and among several clubs chasing the three remaining Champions League spots, with Bayern Munich already 18 points clear of second-place Bayer Leverkusen and Dortmund one point behind them.The 19-year-old said with the transfer window now closed, it will be up to the players to focus on a strong run-in so they can secure qualification for the Champions League.”[The transfer window] was definitely kind of a whirlwind,” Pulisic said. “Every day, you hear something different in the media or whatever, something like that, but now that it’s over, our team has been having kind of a rough go of things lately. So many different coaches in the last few months, but yeah, right now, we’ve just got to turn that around and focus on ourselves.”That will have to be done without Aubameyang, who had frequently been the subject of transfer rumours until Arsenal set a club record with a £56 million move for the Gabon international.

Pulisic said Aubameyang’s presence around the club will be missed — and that the forward was personally responsible for helping Pulisic adjust to life in the Bundesliga.”I think you guys know what type of guy he is,” Pulisic said. “He shows that. But, what I think you guys really don’t know is just how nice of a character he is and how much he cares and how hard he works. I mean, he brought me along so much as a player and helped me and guided me, and he’s been such a great guy. Obviously, we’re sad to lose him, but I’m excited to see what he does.”As someone who has worn Nike’s Mercurial boot his “whole career,” Pulisic was excited to be invited by the company to partake in the anniversary celebration in southeast London.Also among those in attendance was Neymar, who, despite his accolades in recent years, had not achieved the international success that Pulisic has before turning 20.Pulisic said that the comparisons with Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo make him feel “like the luckiest kid in the world,” but that he has been able to put his accomplishments in perspective because of his family and friends.”My family, and just the people around me in my life — you know, my friends, they take care of me, and whenever I’m too high, they bring me right down and when I’m too low, they pick me up,” Pulisic said. “I’ve kind of had a perfect balance of that and I’ve just been able to go through it all with the people I love.”And although missing out on participating in the World Cup this summer with the United States has been difficult, Pulisic said that failure has spurred his motivation to continue to play well going forward.”I’m trying to have a great season — not only for myself, but hopefully, as a team, we can come together and fight for a Champions League spot,” he added. “Of course, [it’s been] disappointing with the national team, but basically, I just kind of want to be a leader for that team and help them grow. Hopefully, we can come a long way and be ready for the next World Cup.”

Report: Bayern Munich Eyes Pulisic, Bailey as Robben, Ribery Replacements

February 08, 2018

undesliga champions Bayern Munich are said to be plotting a shrewd succession plan as they prepare for life without star wide men Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery.The pair can still compete at a high level, yet Robben is already 34, while Ribery will be turning 35 in April.According to German source Kicker, the Allianz Arena side have eyed Borussia Dortmund starlet Christian Pulisic and Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey as potential replacements.Pulisic, who has been one of the most impressive youngsters in Europe over the past year-and-a-half or so, is one of Dortmund’s most prized possessions. The 19-year-old American attacker has been at Signal Iduna Park since 2015 and signed a new contract last January, which Dortmund are hoping will keep him in their grasp at least 2021.He was a target for Liverpool last summer, with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer of his talent, but the German side have been able to hold on to him up until this point.Bailey, meanwhile, joined Leverkusen last year after spending two years in Belgium with Genk. The Jamaican ace is on fire in the Bundesliga this season, having scored eight goals and assisted five in just 14 starts for his club.He is also one of the most sought-out players on the continent and is already valued at £100m, a sum Bayern would certainly frown at.Alternatively, though, the Bavarian giants could continue to groom Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry for the roles. The due have already shown that they have what it takes to shine on the big stage and would save the club a fair amount of cash.

Report: Liverpool Favored Over Man United to Sign Christian Pulisic

By 90MIN February 06, 2018

Mancheter United and Liverpool are set to battle for the signature of in-demand Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic, the Sun have reported.The 19-year-old has also been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, who are likely to compete with the two Premier League clubs in any future transfer dealings.The Sun, however, claim that Liverpool “have been heavily linked with him and remain favorites to make a move”.The Reds still have significant funds remaining from the club record sale of Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona last monthThey have identified Pulisic as an ideal replacement for the Brazilian, although United and Bayern could still thwart their attempts to sign the youngster.The USA international has made 17 starts in the Bundesliga so far this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.He is under contract with Dortmund until 2020, but interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs could see him face an imminent exit.Pulisic, who has already earned 20 caps for his national team before the age of 20, revealed last month that he was content with life at Dortmund.”I’ve come into a bigger role with the national team in the U.S., but I think the environment I’m in here definitely helps,” he told ESPN. “Just being a good team player with this team, just being a piece of a puzzle is really important for me. I think that has allowed me to have some success with the national team individually. But yeah: I’m still trying to figure it all out.”

Man Utd fan Pulisic refuses to rule out Premier League move

Chris Burton-goal.com

09:58 SHARE 0 COMMENTS

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has sparked talk of interest from Old Trafford and admits he could one day join Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in England.Christian Pulisic has admitted to being a Manchester United fan and refused to rule out a move from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League.The 19-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of the top young talents in world football, with admiring glances being shot in his direction from across Europe.

Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are among those said to be monitoring his development, while United and Liverpool have been mentioned as possible landing spots in England.

A move to Old Trafford could certainly appeal to the U.S. international, with Pulisic welcoming talk of interest from the Red Devils.Quizzed by ESPN on whether he was a United supporter growing up, the talented teenager said: “Yeah, I was. I was definitely a big fan.“Of course, right now I am under contract with Dortmund and I’m not looking around or doing anything like that so I’m very focused there.“But, yeah, it’s cool to hear all this stuff!”

Pressed further on whether the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League is a challenge he would like to take on at some stage, Pulisic added: “Of course, the Premier League is an unbelievable league.

“You never know in football what can happen, so right now, I’m focused with Dortmund, and yeah, that’s that.”

Pulisic saw former team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang depart Dortmund for England during the recent winter transfer window, with the Gabonese striker joining Arsenal for £55m.

He added on that deal: “He brought me along so much as a player and helped me and guided me, and he’s been such a great guy.“Obviously, we’re sad to lose him, but I’m excited to see what he does.”

Pulisic generated plenty of speculation himself before the January deadline passed, with being the centre of attention a new experience for the youngster.”Every day, you hear something different in the media or whatever, something like that, but now that it’s over, our team has been having kind of a rough go of things lately. So many different coaches in the last few months, but yeah, right now, we’ve just got to turn that around and focus on ourselves.”

With the window closed, Pulisic can focus solely on matters at Dortmund for now, but interest in his services can expect to be rekindled as the summer draws ever closer.

Yedlin: USA’s goal must be to win the World Cup

By Joe Prince-Wright Feb 7, 2018, 10:27 AM EST

NEWCASTLE — Wearing a lively floral tracksuit in the height of winter in England’s chilly North East, DeAndre Yedlin is obviously a man who expresses himself freely.Yedlin, 24, had already laughed off banter from his teammates about his Dolce & Gabbana gear from Milan as he sat down to talk exclusively with Pro Soccer Talk at Newcastle United’s snowy training ground ahead of their clash with Manchester United on Sunday (Watch live, 9:15 a.m. ET online via NBCSports.com) at St James’ Park.Thousands of miles away from his hometown of Seattle and the United States of America, the U.S. national team right back admitted he is still smarting from their shocking failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.That said, when asked what the USMNT’s aim should be in the next decade, a period where he is expected to be a leader on the pitch with 49 caps already to his name, Yedlin was bullish about how the U.S. can bounce back from the biggest disappointment of all.“For me, I want to win the World Cup. If that’s not the goal then I don’t think you should be playing,” Yedlin said. “A lot of people will say that isn’t realistic but for me, I will say ‘why?’ Why isn’t that realistic? Leicester City won the Premier League and nobody thought that could happen but it did. If that’s [winning the World Cup] not the ultimate goal then I think we should reevaluate things.”Wow. Yedlin believes it when he says that the U.S. should be challenging for glory in Qatar in 2022 and potentially on home soil in 2026.For a player who in the space of four years has risen from the Seattle Sounders academy to an MLS star (via two years at the University of Akron) and then on to Tottenham Hotspur before a loan spell at Sunderland in the Premier League and eventually spending the last 18 months at Newcastle, he is in a hurry to get the USMNT back on track.Talking about the pain of the defeat at Trinidad & Tobago back in October 2017 which led to the U.S. failing to make the World Cup for the first time since 1986, Yedlin believes good can come from this and a talented young group can turn it into a positive as they focus on the 2022 World Cup.“100 percent. I wouldn’t call it a blessing in disguise but I think now, especially the guys that have come through it, now we feel what disappointment is like, not making the World Cup,” Yedlin explained. “Now there is going to be an extra gear that is hit to make sure we make the next one but not only make it but do well in it. Nobody wants to feel this way again. It gives us extra motivation but it shouldn’t come to the point where you need to feel that. But that’s what it is and hopefully it helps us.”

With question marks about the experienced USMNT core of Tim Howard, Clint Dempseyand others carrying on for the next four-year World Cup cycle, Yedlin feels like now is a good natural time for the promising young talents of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams et al. to be given their chance to shine for the Stars and Stripes.“I think so and I think those guys realize it as well,” Yedlin admitted. “Every international career is going to come to an end you’re going to pass it down to the younger generation. Every career comes to that point. I think they are happy with doing that and they know we have some talented players coming in.”Given the debates around the current U.S. Soccer Federation presidential election and plenty of questions asked about how U.S. Soccer not only develops, but finds the next crop of talented players in the future, does Yedlin, a player who came through both the MLS academy and college systems, believe there is a problem with talent identification?“I do think players are slipping through the net,” Yedlin said. “It is a situation where we do need to reach out to some of the communities that maybe historically haven’t been as interested in soccer or some of the poorer communities because I think there are kids slipping though the net. Just like there will be in any sport or in any country. I realize it is hard because the USA is such a big country. In that same sense there are that many more kids who could be the next ones who help us reach a World Cup final. You know? I think as big as a country America is, we should start trying to become a powerhouse in this sport.”

What about his own career as he helps Newcastle battle relegation from the Premier League with 12 games to go, aided by their incredible support?Under Rafael Benitez he’s flourished as a title winner in England’s second-tier last season and a regular in the Premier League for the Magpies this season, and he believes playing for a coach lauded for his defensive techniques has helped his game massively.“It is based on what the coach likes and prefers but I think defensively I’ve just gotten a better understanding of when to go, when to stay, how aggressive to be and realizing what is around me,” Yedlin said after he had talked Pro Soccer Talk through, on a tactics board, when to step to engage a winger and when to drop and hold your defensive shape. “It’s the whole understanding of the game which has become better and that comes with maturity and experience.”Jurgen Klinsmann was the man who gave Yedlin his chance with the USMNT and brought him to the 2014 World Cup amid much fanfare and then helped push him to Europe afterwards. Yedlin praised Klinsmann for “getting him to where he is today” but understood why he was fired after the poor set of results at the start of 2018 World Cup qualifying which weren’t all his fault because “the name of the game” is the coach getting fired even though he “can’t press a button and make all the players play well during a game.”Yedlin revealed he hasn’t thought too much about who the next permanent USMNT coach would be, and when asked if Caleb Porter, his former coach at Akron, would be a good fit, he was positive about such an appointment.“It’s not something I’ve thought a lot about but I’ve had Caleb [as a coach] before and I’d definitely be happy with that, but whoever it is I am sure will be a good fit,” Yedlin added.One of just three Americans playing regularly in the Premier League (Danny Williams of Huddersfield and Geoff Cameron of Stoke City being the others) Yedlin isn’t looking too far ahead and revealed he is a serial short term goal-setter.“I have to make a list of a bunch of different things. There is not one thing. I make a lot of lists,” Yedlin smiled. “Every three months I reevaluate my goals and see how I did. They are short term targets and build season to season.”His ultimate goal to win the World Cup during his time with the USA is a lofty one, and at least four years off, but Yedlin, like his tracksuit, is bold and aims to be a leading light in the USMNT’s shot at redemption.

U.S. Soccer’s Election Process Has Featured Everything–Except Any Certainty

GRANT WAHL February 08, 2018ORLANDO, Fla. — The historic campaign for U.S. Soccer president, which will end here with Saturday’s election, has had a bit of everything.It has had the longtime president, Sunil Gulati, decide not to run in the wake of the U.S.’s stunning failure to qualify for the men’s World Cup. It has had eight candidates (eight!) vying to replace him. It has had Gulati’s former right-hand man, USSF vice president Carlos Cordeiro, announce his candidacy before Gulati had exited, a move Gulati viewed as a betrayal.It has had a leading candidate, Kathy Carter, who could become the first woman to serve as U.S. Soccer president (and just the fifth female national soccer federation president ever globally)—but who has faced skepticism about her commitment to women’s soccer from players on the U.S. women’s national team.It has had two lawsuits filed against U.S. Soccer by the lower-division NASL, which may end up folding but still has a vote in the election and is supporting candidate Eric Wynalda—whose campaign has been partially funded by NASL club Miami FC owner Riccardo Silva, who has brought a different case against U.S. Soccer before the international Court of Arbitration for Sport.It has had another candidate—Hope Solo, perhaps the greatest U.S. goalkeeper of all time—bring a formal complaint to the U.S. Olympic Committee over what she calls U.S. Soccer’s illegally favorable treatment of MLS at the expense of women’s soccer. It has had the two most powerful figures in U.S. Soccer (Gulati and MLS commissioner Don Garber) say they were not lobbying for a candidate, only to have one influential voter say he thought Gulati and Garber were lobbying him behind the scenes for Carter.It has had plenty of controversy around Soccer United Marketing, a for-profit company owned by MLS owners, which has made millions for and off U.S. Soccer (a non-profit) on a contract that didn’t involve competing bids—raising questions over conflicts of interest from several candidates and answers from Carter that SUM has been a financial boon for American soccer, a win-win.It has had two charismatic TV analyst former players, Kyle Martino and Wynalda, make explosive allegations against the current federation leadership, not all of them based on evidence. It has had another candidate, the lawyer Steve Gans, make a formal complaint that U.S. Soccer couldn’t be trusted to oversee a fair election process.And it has had far too many Twitter conspiracy theories and mud-slinging allegations, both public and private, with Gulati delivering an acid response—caught on video at a youth soccer dinner, of all places.Yes, there have actually been some productive proposals and discussions, too, which is a good thing for an American soccer culture that needs them. But whoever wins on Saturday will have to mend a fractured soccer landscape. Presumably that will include uniting behind the North American bid to host World Cup 2026, which will almost certainly be decided on June 13 in Moscow. But there’s a lot more to the path forward than hosting a World Cup.

As for Election Weekend, you’ve likely got questions, and we’ve got some (but not all) of the answers. Let’s dive in:

WHO ARE THE CANDIDATES?

Paul Caligiuri, Kathy Carter, Carlos Cordeiro, Steve Gans, Kyle Martino, Hope Solo, Michael Winograd and Eric Wynalda.

All of them, except Solo (who was invited), appeared on the Planet Fútbol Podcast to discuss their platforms and campaigns.

HOW DO YOU WIN?

By getting a majority of the overall weighted vote. The election, which will be live-streamed on U.S. Soccer’s website, is set to start at 11 a.m. ET on Saturday. If no candidate gets a majority of the votes in the first round, a 10-minute break will take place before another round of voting.

WHO VOTES?

The Athlete Council, made up of 20 current and former national team players, has 20 percent of the overall vote. The Professional Council (25.8 percent) and the state associations that make up the Adult Council (25.8 percent) and the Youth Council (25.8 percent) also have a big influence. The remaining votes—around 2.6 percent—will be taken by national associations and affiliates, federation board members, life members (up to 12 votes) and two fan representatives.

WHO IS GOING TO WIN?

Nobody who has followed this campaign closely knows, nor do I. It’s that close. In recent days, it appears the top three candidates are Carter, Cordeiro and Martino. Carter has the advantage of coming into Saturday’s election with the support of nearly the entire Professional Council.

Cordeiro, the only candidate who has been through a federation election before (for vice president two years ago), has the contacts from that process and has been gaining support among the state youth associations. Meanwhile, Martino may have a path to victory through being seen as a compromise change candidate who isn’t as extreme as Wynalda.Wynalda has drawn support from several state associations, especially on the Adult Council, but he has little support on the Athlete Council (and significantly less than the other three candidates). It’s hard to imagine Wynalda having a path to victory that doesn’t include significant numbers of Athlete Council votes.

WHICH VOTERS WILL LIKELY SWING THE ELECTION?

The Athlete Council. If the AC decides to follow what it has often done in the past and vote as a bloc, delivering 20 percent of the overall vote to one candidate, it will likely decide the outcome. But there’s plenty of division within the group heading into its key meeting on Friday afternoon in Orlando, so voting as a bloc is by no means guaranteed. Carter and Cordeiro appear to be the leading preferences of AC members heading into that meeting, with Martino not far behind and Wynalda having small but vocal support. Winograd is seen by some parts of the AC as impressive but not in a position to win the election.

The members of the Athlete Council are: Chris Ahrens (chair); Angela Hucles (vice-chair); Carlos Bocanegra (vice-chair); Shannon Boxx, Brian Ching, Cindy Parlow Cone (advisor); Brad Guzan, Stuart Holden, Lauren Holiday, Lori Lindsey, Will John, Kate Markgraf, John O’Brien, Heather O’Reilly, Leslie Osborne, Nick Perera, Christie Rampone, Gavin Sibayan, Lindsay Tarpley and Aly Wagner.

One intriguing possibility: If the Athlete Council were to agree to vote as a bloc, it could announce its candidate choice publicly on Friday night. Doing so might serve to 1) place some internal accountability on AC members to do what they say they’ll do and vote for the group’s choice when they have the secret-ballot clickers in their hands on Saturday, and 2) Influence other voters in the election to go with the choice of the Athlete Council on Saturday, knowing that voters tend to want to go with a candidate who’s likely to win. this point, though, nothing is certain, and you can expect plenty of news ahead of Saturday’s vote.

Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of the Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com , Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

2/2/18 Indy 11 at Lucas Oil Stadium – Schedule updates, Full TV Schedule, US results

February 2, 2018 gatorbest

Update on Indy 11 – So its official – the Indy 11 will play at least some home games if not most of them at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2018. How very exciting! I for one will look to at least renew my Flex Pack 8 tickets from 2 years ago for the BYB. The layout looks like they will close off 1 side and use the other side plus both end zones with the BYB in one end zone. From what I see – the pricing looks similar to before. VERY EXCITING MOVE FOR OUR INDY 11. The 11 have made some roster changes – sad to see GK Jon Busch go, it will be interesting to see who among the former players returns. We’ll see how it all comes together.

Indy 11 announce Lucas Oil as New home stadium for 2018

Schedule Starts to Come Together

https://www.xiforever.com

Indy 11 to call Lucas Oil home – Indy Biz Journal

Indy 11 at the Luke – Nuevo

Roster Coming together

The US Men – or boys as it would be – looked ok on Sun evening vs Bosnia – while everyone else watched the Grammy’s. Not sure why they didn’t schedule the game for 4 or 5 pm instead of 9:30 pm (good ole US Soccer – CLUELESS!!!) Anyway – the 50% Bosnian crowd made it loud for the zero to zero tie. Overall both teams had some decent shots – but overall I thought the US played a little better than Bosnia. Morris looked good up front – had a chance on 1 and should have had an assist on another. Same ole US can’t finish issue in front of goal. US GK faced a PK on a horrible call and it hit post. Overall not very eventful. But they held their own against a team that lost to Mexico just 1-0 later in the week. Interesting comments from Geoff Cameron stating Bruce Arena cost the US the World Cup and Arena’s response see more below.

Big weekend of games overseas this weekend as Arsenal host Everton Sat on NBCSN at 12:30, just after US coach and midfielder Danny Williams and Huddersfield face Man United at 10 am on NBCSN. Sunday New Castle United and US defender Yedlin – hopefully playing – will travel to Crystal Palace needed a W at 9:15 am on NBCSN, followed by Liverpool hosting Tottenham in a huge battle of top 5 teams. Dortmund and US star Christian Pulisic play today at Kohl on FS1 at 2:30. In fact I am watching the game- wow what a crowd Koln has at the game. Stunning – I need to get to Germany for a Dortmund game before Pulisic moves on. Of course Champions League returns next Tues/Wed Feb 13&14 we’ll have more on that next week. Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

GAMES ON TV

Fri, Feb 2

2:30 pm FS1 Kiohl vs Dortmund (Pulisic)

Sat, Feb 3

7:30 am NBCSN Burnley vs Man City

9:30 am FS 1 Mainz vs Bayer Munich

10 am NBCSN Man United vs Huddersfield (Williams)

12:30 pm NBC Arsenal vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Borussia Mgladbach (Johnson)

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Lavente

9:15 am NBcSN Crystal Palace vs New Castle (Yedlin)

9:30 am FS1 Franfurt vs Augsburg

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Tottenham

2:45 pm beIN Sport Atletico Madrid vs Valencia

Mon, Feb 5

3 pm NBCSN Watford vs Chelsea

Wed, Feb 7

2:45 pm FS1 Tottenham vs Newport County- FA Cup

2:45 pm ESPN3 Schalke vs Wolfsburg – German Cup

3:30 pm beIN Sport Sevilla vs Leganes

Thur, Feb 8

3:30 pm be IN sport Valencia vs Barcelona

Fri, Feb 9

2:30 pm be IN sport Fiorentina vs Juventus

Sat, Feb 10

7:30 am NBCSN Tottenham vs Arsenal

9:30 am FS 2 Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Hamburger

10 am NBCSN Stoke City (Cameron) vs Brighton

11 am beIN Sport Toulous vs PSG

12:30 pm NBCSN Man City vs Leicester City

12:30 FS2 Bayern Munich vs Schalke

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Real Sociadad

Sun, Feb 11

9:15 am NBcSN Man United vs New Castle (Yedlin)

9:3 am FS1 Stuggart vs Borussia Mgladbach (Johnson)

10:15 am bEIN Sport Barcelona vs Getafe

11:30 am NBCSN Southhampton vs Liverpool

Sun, Feb 12

3 pm NBCSN Chelsea vs West Brom

Tues, Feb 13 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS2 Basel vs Man City

2:45 pm Fox Sport1 Juventus vs Tottenham

Weds, Feb 14 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Real Madrid vs PSG

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Porto vs Liverpool

Sat, Feb 17

FA Cup Weekend

Tues, Feb 20 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Bayern Munich vs Besiktas

2:45 pm FS 2 Chelsea vs Barcelona

Weds, Feb 21 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Sevilla vs Man United

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Roma vs Shakhtar

Thurs, Mar 1

7 pm ESPN2 US Ladies vs Germany (She Believes Cup @ MAPFREE Stadium Columbus, OH)

Tues, Mar 6 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 PSG vs Real Madrid

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Liverpool vs Porto

Weds, Mar 7 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS2 Man City vs Basel

2:45 pm Fox Sport1 Tottenham vs Juventus

Tues, Mar 13 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Man United vs Sevilla

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Shakhtar vs Roma

Weds, Mar 14 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Besiktas vs Bayern Munich

2:45 pm FS 2 Barcelona vs Chelsea

Read All the stories online – at www.theoleballcoach.com

USA

Jurgen Would Have Taken Us to the World Cup says Cameron NY Times

Hamid, Sappong Best of a Poor Group for US – Jason Davis ESPNFC

US Blows a Chance to Impress – Jeff Carlisle ESPNFC

US Plays It Safe vs Bosnia – SI

What 5 MLS’ers should take from the US National Team Experience – Bobby Warsaw MLS.com

Who Has the Leg Up in the US Goalie Race –

Canadian Women’s Coach Switches to the Canadian Men

Mexico Beats Bosnia

WORLD

Who Wins and Loses in the Transfer Window

The Transfers

Arsenal Signs the Future – Jon Wilson SI

https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/12/11/champions-league-real-madrid-psg-chelsea-barcelona-rivalry-tactics-draw

CAMERON – Bruce Cost Us the World Cup

STOKE-ON-TRENT, England — Rain predictably pelted the windshield on the nearly 40-mile journey down the dark motorway back to his home on the outskirts of Manchester, but Geoff Cameron wasn’t about to let a soaking interrupt him. Not after all these years here.Even after playing a full 90 minutes for the second time in three days, and even after the most damaging league defeat in his six seasons as a Stoke City player, Cameron had plenty to say.Over the course of the next hour, after some expletive-laden venting in the wake of a costly 1-0 home loss to Newcastle United, he invited questions on a number of subjects: Stoke’s increasingly dire predicament in the Premier League, his brush with political controversy last year and the challenges of life as an American abroad. Cameron also naturally ruminated on the United States’ ill-fated World Cup qualifying campaign, heading into a summer of unforeseen spectating.

A sample:

■ “There’s no doubt in my mind that if Jurgen Klinsmann was still our head coach, we would have qualified for the World Cup.”

■ “People can have their opinions and say I’m a bad player and this and that. Well, I’ve been over here for this long for a reason. So I think I have to be doing something right.”

■ “My goal is to play this game until I’m 40.”

■ “Bruce Arena made decisions that cost us going to the World Cup. And I don’t have a problem saying it, because we had the right group of guys.”

■ “I don’t think Bruce likes my bluntness.”

Cameron, 32, knows he has to move on, especially with Stoke firmly plunged into a relegation battle that cost Mark Hughes his job as manager a week into January. But I asked him to spend a little more of the ride discussing the United States’ failure to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1986, which Cameron admitted had left “such a bad taste in my mouth.“Our names will go down as the team that didn’t qualify,” Cameron said. “It’s on us as players, but at the end of the day, I’m convinced if they would have kept Jurgen and not done such a drastic change, I think we would have qualified. I know we would have qualified. Instead we’ve gone backward.”Cameron remains aggrieved that despite his lengthy run in perhaps the world’s best league and a reputation at his club that prompted a BBC Radio Stoke commentator to call him “our Mr. Dependable,” Arena, the United States manager at the time, kept him on the bench for the final two World Cup qualifiers.Cameron, who lives alone in a five-bedroom house, walks his dogs, Duke and Mya, each morning.Cameron was told by Arena, even before the national team convened in October for the two games, that he would not be starting against Panama or Trinidad and Tobago because of concerns about his fitness. But Cameron said he couldn’t understand that reasoning, especially after he logged a full 90 minutes in Stoke’s victory over Southampton on Sept. 30 before reporting to the United States camp.Needing only a draw in Trinidad to secure a spot in Russia, Arena opted for the same attack-heavy formation that had delivered a 4-0 home win over Panama days earlier and kept Cameron, his most experienced and athletic central defender, on the bench against the speedy hosts.As every American fan knows now, those tactics backfired. A rough night for Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler in central defense and an eventual 2-1 defeat, combined with unexpected victories for Panama and Honduras, consigned the Americans to an embarrassing fifth-place finish out of six teams in the region — leaving Arena with just three wins in eight qualifiers after having replaced Klinsmann in November 2016.“Listen: I hold my hand up — I didn’t play well against Costa Rica,” Cameron said of a 2-0 loss in a qualifier on Sept. 1, in which his poor performance alongside Tim Ream dropped both out of favor for the October games. “I made a mistake; their second goal was my fault. But it was the 88th minute and we were down, 1-nil. I tried to do something to help the team and I got caught out.“But I would have more respect for a coach to say: ‘You know what, Geoff? I don’t fancy you today. I think this is a better lineup.’ I’d say: ‘O.K., no problem, you told me the truth.’ But if you tell me I’m not fit enough, that’s like an insult to me as a professional.”In response, Arena said in a telephone interview: “Could Geoff have been in the starting lineup that day? Yes. But the problem with Geoff throughout 2017, at club and national team level, was inconsistency and some injuries.“Geoff started five games starting in November 2016 through October 2017. Our record was 1-3-1 — that plays a role. I don’t think 2017 was that impressive of a performance for the player. When the stars and the moon and the sun are aligned properly, Geoff is a very good player. They don’t all align properly all the time.”

(Cameron did start five games for Arena in that window — four qualifiers and a friendly — but the Americans’ record was 2-1-2 in those games.)

In a subsequent appearance two weeks ago at a coaches convention in Philadelphia, Arena asserted that “the chemistry of the group wasn’t right” and mentioned “a couple of bad eggs.” He expressed disappointment that there had been a few players on the national team “that we could never get to.”“You’ll read about one of them in the next day or two in The New York Times,” he told the gathered coaches, implying — without speaking Cameron’s name — that he had been referring to him.Cameron, right, fell out of favor with the national team coach after a 2-0 home loss to Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying.

No One’s Favorite, but Appreciated

In the aftermath of the World Cup qualifying debacle, Arena stepped down, Sunil Gulati announced he would not seek re-election after three terms as the president of U.S. Soccer and Cameron was left to wonder if he would ever play for his country again.But he cannot afford to dwell on any of that now, because Cameron’s club is in peril. There is a new manager to win over — Paul Lambert has replaced Hughes — and Cameron concedes that, to establish himself, “it’s almost like you’re starting from square one again.”The difference between his club and national team status is that Cameron, since his arrival at Stoke in the summer of 2012, has been a near-automatic choice to start when healthy under his two previous managers: Hughes and Tony Pulis. Four days after watching the Trinidad loss from the bench, and after flying more than 8,000 miles back and forth, Cameron was back in Stoke’s starting lineup on Oct. 14 against league-leading Manchester City.

Then, after recovering from a late-October concussion that sidelined him for six weeks, Cameron started five games in a span of 15 days, including Hughes’s final three games in charge — at three different positions.“It often upsets Geoff that he gets moved around,” Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland said. “But the problem is he’s so versatile.”

Martin Smith, the editor of a longtime Stoke City fanzine called T he Oatcake who also contributes to coverage of the club in T he Stoke Sentinelnewspaper, said: “I wouldn’t say he’s anybody’s favorite player, because favorite players are usually the ones who score the goals and things like that. But I genuinely think he’s an appreciated player. You really see the value in Geoff when he isn’t available. When he’s not there, we really notice it.”Stoke conceded a league-worst 50 goals in its first 23 matches to fall to 18th place and is subjected to frequent reminders that in the Premier League’s first 25 seasons, the team with the leakiest defense has been relegated 24 times. But Smith argues that the various injury absences of Cameron (who has missed nine league games) and the club captain Ryan Shawcross (eight) largely account for Stoke’s woes at the back.Stoke surrendered only 23 of those 50 goals with Cameron on the field — 12 of them in two routs against the perennial powerhouses Manchester City and Chelsea.The BBC Radio Stoke broadcaster, Matt Sandoz, who commentates on Stoke’s matches and hosts a radio call-in show after matches called “Praise & Grumble,” said it’s “very rare we get a grumble about Geoff.”“I couldn’t recall the last time,” Sandoz said. “Obviously he’s got his flaws, like any player, but because he’s been so consistent and so reliable, Stoke fans would never flinch to see his name on the team sheet.”“I don’t think 2017 was that impressive of a performance for the player,” Bruce Arena said about Cameron.

Few Americans Remaining

he bond between club and player is such that, according to Sandoz, “it would be really strange to see Geoff Cameron playing his football elsewhere.”

But Cameron has no desire to relocate before the eventual return he is planning to Major League Soccer, despite news media rumors on the eve of Wednesday’s transfer deadline that multiple Premier League teams had targeted him. He takes pride in his long association with the club and regards the drawn-out transfer saga that landed him there nearly six years ago as destiny.On that drive home from the Newcastle defeat, Cameron revealed that he had agreed to contract terms with Everton before joining Stoke and was poised to team up with his fellow American Tim Howard, only to have M.L.S. block the deal because it wanted more money from Everton than the reported $3 million Stoke had offered to sign Cameron away from the Houston Dynamo.

“Timmy called me and said, ‘Don’t sign for Stoke, Everton wants you,’ ” Cameron said. “But I’m happy the way it worked out, because I’ve created my own path. It’s cool I’ve been able to make my own name for myself at my own club.”Like many Stoke players, Cameron is willing to endure the near-hourlong commute each way to live in one of the more fashionable sections of the Manchester area. He rents a modern, five-bedroom house; walks his dogs, Duke and Mya, in a nearby field before driving to training every morning; and, as he has gotten older, happily calls himself a homebody who prefers to cook his own meals and spend time with the dogs.He maintains steady contact with friends and family back in the United States but rebuffed questions about his relationship status, saying it was the one topic he prefers to keep private.“When you have time to shut your body down in this game, you have to shut your body down,” Cameron said. “So I’m very regimented in my life.“But I have my dogs, so I don’t really get lonely.”A decade ago, during the 2007-8 season, 12 Americans played at least one game in the Premier League. This season, only four Americans are on league rosters and just three have made it onto the field: Cameron; Newcastle’s DeAndre Yedlin; and Huddersfield’s Danny Williams.When Cameron first arrived in England, several of his countrymen lived within driving distance. Howard was at Everton. Stuart Holden, who had played with Cameron in Houston, was at Bolton. Maurice Edu and Brek Shea soon followed Cameron to Stoke.

“On Sundays we would grill out, American-style, and watch NFL Red Zone together,” Holden said.But that support system has frittered away. Howard, Edu and Shea are back in Major League Soccer. Holden is a commentator for Fox Sports. And Cameron has had to learn to look after himself.Cameron has played in more than 160 Premier League matches for Stoke. Cooking has become his “No. 1 hobby,” with pasta Bolognese and chicken in a balsamic reduction ranking as his go-to dishes. On the rare occasion he allows himself a night out, Cameron likes to drop in on Matt & Phred’s jazz club in Manchester’s Northern Quarter once or twice a month. But his free time more typically features a trip to the Altrincham Market food hall — or to a local chiropractor for extra maintenance.Having crossed the five-year threshold in terms of British residency, Cameron also has begun studying for the exams required to secure a British passport. The British mentality, meanwhile, gets more ingrained with each passing season; Cameron, for example, now refuses to wear a long-sleeved jersey or gloves in Stoke’s matches, no matter how grim the weather gets.

“I just feel like it’s wrong now,” Cameron said of his on-field fashion choices. “But it’s funny. If I say I miss the sunshine, all the boys will say: ‘Shut up. You’re a Brit now. You love this weather.’ So I’m a Brit when it suits them and I’m a Yank when it doesn’t. I’m in a lose-lose situation all the time.”Butland, who is widely regarded as Stoke’s best player and who is soon headed to the World Cup with England, admitted he and his teammates “like to wind Geoff up.”One subject, though, is off limits. Butland has resisted the urge to needle Cameron about the United States’ qualifying failure.“I didn’t give him stick about the World Cup because I know how disappointed he was,” Butland said. “Maybe in time, but it’s still a touchy subject. He’s made it quite clear how much he’s enjoyed playing for his country and how much America means to him.”

The Reputation

After a recent run of nine defeats in 12 league games, Cameron and his Stoke teammates are in the midst of a sudden and steep fall following three ninth-place finishes in Hughes’s first three seasons. Yet for Cameron, it’s merely the latest in a series of challenges.He had to overcome a knee injury as well as his concussion in 2017, with the World Cup elimination and his first dose of unflattering headlines off the fieldmixed in.Early last year, while still recovering from knee ligament damage, Cameron told Sports Illustrated that unlike several of his national team colleagues, he would support “a temporary pause on immigration for the purpose of evaluating and improving vetting procedures” in response to a travel ban on citizens of seven Muslim-majority nations enacted by President Trump.Ever since those comments, and a tweet during the presidential election in which he called Hillary Clinton a “crook,” Cameron is known to a segment of the American soccer public as the player who makes politically charged statements. His February immigration comments drew a backlash, which Cameron said included death threats via social media, that has gradually curbed his long-held willingness to discuss politics publicl

“My goal is to play this game until I’m 40,” Cameron said. He is 32. “Now I just kind of leave it alone,” Cameron said.

Pressed about how he feels about the travel ban nearly a year later, Cameron insisted: “I never said I supported a Muslim ban. I said I support a better vetting procedure. And I still do.”As for being branded a Trump supporter, Cameron said: “I’m not like a hard-core Republican. I wasn’t walking around wearing ‘Make America Great Again’ hats. I just couldn’t vote for Hillary — I just didn’t like Hillary as a person or a politician. I tend to side with more Republican or conservative views, but if there was someone that I thought was a better candidate than Trump or Hillary, I would have voted for them hands down.“I still get tweets that say, ‘Geoff’s a good footballer but I hate his politics.’ It hurt me at the beginning, because I was like, ‘This is what people think of me?’ But then I got to the point where I was like: ‘You know what? Screw it.’ These people don’t really know me.”It is an example of the defiance he has tried to adopt from his combative national team teammate Clint Dempsey. Before returning to M.L.S. in August 2013, Dempsey made 218 Premier League appearances, establishing a record for American outfield players that Cameron is now chasing.“You had Timmy, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan — Americans have been known over here for the quality of our keepers,” said Cameron, who has made more than 160 Premier League appearances for Stoke. “But no one really respected us as players.“Clint came over here and changed the game for us. He did it with a chip on his shoulder and he’s given me the encouragement to say, ‘I’m American, so what?’“You have ups and downs in your career, but you can’t let that define you as a player. I’m not going to let missing the World Cup define me. Obviously it’s a massive disappointment that we didn’t make it, but neither did Wales — and they have a lot of good players.”There is more defiance in Cameron’s voice when he talks about Stoke’s relegation scrap. He has two more seasons left on his contract, and he is determined to spend them at the highest level.“I’m not ready to leave this rain,” Cameron said. “I’m here 10 months out of the year. This is home for me.“I’m comfortable driving on the other side of the road.”

U.S. draw feels like a missed chance for raw squad to get fans excited

Jan 29, 2018

Jeff CarlisleSoccer

CARSON, Calif. — Balance is a major consideration whenever a manager puts together a roster or a starting XI. The coach has to weigh attack vs. defense, youth vs. experience and so on.The stakes involved also play a part. The calculus is different for a friendly than, say, a World Cup qualifier, which brings us to Sunday’s friendly against Bosnia & Herzegoina, one that ended in a 0-0 tie. Interim manager Dave Sarachan had spent the previous 18 days putting 29 players, most of them light on experience, through their paces. And while those chosen for Sunday’s match were eager to impress, there was little on the line in terms of the result. Against a Bosnia side that was even less experienced than its American counterpart, it practically begged for some risk-taking.What was offered up instead, at least to start the match, was a fit of conservatism from Sarachan. The construction of his midfield in particular was perplexing in that it lacked creativity. The central trio was comprised of two-way players Tyler Adams, Wil Trapp and Cristian Roldan, with Gyasi Zardes and Jordan Morris stationed out wide.”I think in terms of the defensive structure of the group, it was solid,” Sarachan said afterward. “I think [Roldan, Trapp, and Adams] had the freedom to release and join in with C.J [Sapong] early, whether it was Cristian or Tyler. I don’t consider them pure passing No. 10s but at the same time, with their runs out of midfield, I thought we were dangerous actually.”It wasn’t so much the creative passing that we expected but it was the dangerous ‘third man running’ that guys like Tyler [Adams] can make out of the midfield. I thought he did a good job of that, and I thought there were moments where if we had picked him out a little bit earlier we could have been even more dangerous. I still think they created some chances.”Sarachan adopted the same strategy in the 1-1 draw with Portugal last November, but that match, just a month after the failure to qualify for the World Cup and on the road against a European power, had a “don’t get your butt kicked” vibe about it. Job done there. This match was at home, against a decidedly under-strength side, yet Sarachan opted to take the same approach in the first 45 minutes.The chances in the second half were of higher quality, however, and it’s not a surprise that those came after the introduction of Kelyn Rowe and Paul Arriola with Morris moving up top in place of Sapong. Rowe helped create a pair of clear chances and nearly latched on to a Morris cross. The Seattle Sounder got into good spots more than once only for his finishing to let him down.

But the conservative bent in the opening 45 minutes is why this match felt like a bit of a missed opportunity.Granted, the act of doling out playing time has to be a meritocracy, especially after an 18-day camp. And it wasn’t as if Sarachan started a bunch of 30-somethings, though Justin Morrow (30) and Sapong (29) did get extensive playing time. A player for the future like Adams got more minutes and experience at international level, as did the likes of Walker Zimmerman and Matt Polster, despite their ups and downs.Trapp was sharp in 90 minutes of work, yet the U.S. side remains at a deficit in terms of creativity. If the friendlies in the first half of 2018 are about looking to the future, a player like Rowe should be on the field from the beginning.Will Rowe be a fixture on the road to 2022? Who knows, but the focus ought to be about maximizing opportunities for the chance-creators in the group.To be clear, Sarachan has done some good things during his time in charge. (He told ESPN FC over the weekend that it’s his expectation he’ll run the show during the international window in March.) The interim tag can be difficult to navigate, and the day-to-day work he’s done has brought some stability to the program amid chaos. But a bit more derring-do will help accelerate a process whereby fans can get excited about their team again.

Good spells mix with bad in tepid U.S. draw with Bosnia & Herzegovina

Jan 29, 2018

Jeff CarlisleSoccer

CARSON, Calif. — The U.S. men’s national team started 2018 with a tepid 0-0 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bill Hamid and Zack Steffen combined for a shutout, though it took Haris Medunjanin missing a second-half penalty to keep the visitors scoreless.Here are three thoughts from a typically ragged January encounter.

It’s that time of year

The circumstances surrounding this January camp were unique, to say the least. While it has historically been comprised almost entirely of MLS players, a few national team regulars could always be counted on to augment the list of up-and-comers.That wasn’t the case year. With the World Cup qualifying failure still occupying the collective transom of the men’s program, the U.S. squad was constructed with an eye toward the future and had little in the way of experience. There was no room for the likes of Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey or Jozy Altidore. That left the U.S. even more susceptible to the preseason-like nature that the camp takes on.

Anyone looking for scintillating attack play — at least in the first half — would have done well to avert their eyes. Nearly every promising moment was undone by a questionable decision or lack of accuracy. Case in point came in the 23rd minute, when Jordan Morris did well to free himself, but his cross was well within catching range of Bosnian keeper Ibrahim SehicThat said, the U.S. cause wasn’t helped by a starting lineup that was long on graft but short on creativity. There was no room initially for a Kelyn Rowe or a Juan Agudelo. Instead, interim manager Dave Sarachan opted for a central trio of Wil Trapp, Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams. That meant plenty of hustle but little in the way of cohesive attacking play.Although the U.S. had some territorial advantages in the first half, it was Bosnia that created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes. A quickly taken free kick put Goran Zakaric free down the right side of the box, only for his attempted delivery to sail high. Two minutes later, it was Bill Hamid to the rescue, as he stoned Luka Menalo on a close-range attempt.The match picked up in the second half, with Morris moving up top in place of Sapong while Rowe and Paul Arriola came into the match. But the U.S. dodged a bullet in the 53rd minute when Menalo won a penalty after being fouled by Walker Zimmerman, though it looked like Trapp was fouled in the run-up. Haris Mendunjanin sent substitute keeper Zack Steffen the wrong way but hit the penalty off the post, and the score remained level.The U.S. huffed and puffed — with Morris and Roldan each missing good chances — but ultimately, the game finished scoreless.

Rowe, Arriola give U.S. offensive spark

Sarachan must have noted the lack of attacking thrust at halftime. Out came the disappointing Gyasi Zardes as well as C.J. Sapong, and in came Rowe and Paul Arriola. The two provided improved wide play, though in different ways. Arriola brought a more aggressive mindset to one flank, while Rowe tucked in to more central positions at times and brought some badly needed passing accuracy.Rowe started one sequence with a deadeye pass to Matt Polster, whose cross found Cristian Roldan in the box, but a heavy touch forced him to rush his attempt, and he shot wide of the target.Rowe then set the table for Morris in the 80th minute, but a wayward touch allowed Bosnia’s defense to recover. Rowe has shown flashes in previous appearances with the U.S., and this was another instance of him showing the kind of creativity that the American side could use more of.As for the defense, the central tandem of Zimmerman and Ike Opara mixed good moments with bad. Both were guilty of mistakes — Zimmerman’s conceded penalty the most egregious — but they were also adept at covering for each other, and each came up with interventions at critical moments to prevent shots at the U.S. goal.

Has Trapp’s time come?

There was a time when Trapp was viewed as a player on the rise, especially after drawing praise from none other than Thierry Henry. Yet chances to make his mark at international level have been limited. Sunday’s match was just his third national team appearance and his first start.But based on this appearance, Trapp helped his cause, as he was one of the more consistent U.S. players on the night. While he was deployed just in the front of the back line, he managed to find his moments to contribute to the attack. His gorgeous, lofted ball found Morris in stride in the 51st minute, and while the Sounders forward did the hard work of rounding the keeper, he couldn’t manage to get his shot on target.That didn’t diminish Trapp’s effectiveness on the night, and when the U.S. reconvenes in March, he should get another chance to further state his case.

Sarachan Opts to Play it Safe in USA’s Unremarkable Draw vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina

Pause

Mute

Current Time0:00

Duration Time0:15

Fullscreen

QUICKLY

Instead of throwing caution to the wind and experimenting with the U.S. men’s national team’s array of uncapped young talent and players with playmaking skills, interim manager Dave Sarachan took a pragmatic approach to an awkward friendly between two nations that will be watching the World Cup from afar.

By BRIAN STRAUS January 29, 2018 SI

Two countries that will miss this summer’s World Cup kicked off an anti-climactic 2018 with a Sunday friendly that featured a host of uncapped players, an interim coach going up against a debutant, a half-empty stadium and, naturally, no goals.Both the USA and visiting Bosnia-Herzegovina had their chances. But rust, youth, and one spectacular save from goalkeeper Bill Hamid conspired to ensure the game ended in a 0-0 deadlock.Bosnia will move on to face Mexico, which is preparing for a World Cup, on Wednesday in San Antonio. The U.S. players, meanwhile, will return to their MLS clubs (except for Hamid, who’s heading to Denmark’s Midtjylland) for phase two of their preseasons. Whatever they got out of their three weeks in a U.S. kit may reveal itself down the road, but it didn’t make a dent on the StubHub Center scoreboard.Here are three thoughts from relatively uneventful game in Carson, California:

SARACHAN PROCEEDS WITH CAUTION

Interim USA coach Dave Sarachan sent the message this month that the national team should always play to win, and he also sounded like a man who wants to be considered for the position permanently. Understanding those perspectives makes Sunday’s lineup choice a bit more understandable, even if it frustrated some.

Why not play all the kids and throw caution to the wind? Maybe because a more thoughtful, pragmatic approach—and perhaps a victory—might send some worthwhile signals. Sarachan said he wanted to use this camp to “introduce these players to what it’s like to be part of the national team.” That means meritocracy, and it means preparing a squad to achieve a result on game day. As much as the low stakes Sunday left many wanting to see a more attacking approach or a turn in the spotlight for some of Sarachan’s younger, uncapped players, the manager obviously decided to play it safer.The 4-1-4-1, which was similar to the set-up the USA used in November’s 1-1 draw in Portugal, featured just two senior newcomers (defenders Matt Polster and Ike Opara, who’s 28) and a midfield absent a creative spark. The central core of Wil Trapp, Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams worked hard, created turnovers and moved the ball effectively in deeper spots but lacked a connection to forward C.J. Sapong. There’s no playmaker in that group. And wingers Gyasi Zardes and Jordan Morris aren’t really wingers.The USA’s attack depended mostly on slipping or lofting longer balls into the channels, and hoping Sapong or one of the outside midfielders would be able to meet it and create a chance. Sharpness and quality in the offensive third was lacking, however, and it wasn’t until Sarachan loosened the reins that the hosts got more promising looks at goal.Sarachan clearly was willing to take a few more risks in the second half, which is often looser in friendlies featuring six potential substitutions. Kelyn Rowe and Paul Arriola came on after the intermission for Zardes and Sapong (which pushed Morris to his natural position up front), and Juan Agudelo entered for Roldan with about 20 minutes remaining. The USA had its best chances of the game during the second stanza, but couldn’t convert. It’s easy to wonder what might’ve been if Sarachan had been bolder at kickoff.

THE AMERICANS WERE LET OFF THE HOOK

Bosnia was the more dangerous side Sunday night, but a team under new coach Robert Prosinečki that included only six capped players also struggled in front of goal. The darting and daring runs of midfielder Luka Menalo were the highlight. The 21-year-old plays for Bosnia club Široki Brijeg, and he signaled he’d be a danger after beating Polster and Zardes in the 29th minute (Opara took care of the low, dangerous cross).Menalo should’ve put Bosnia up in the 43rd. Hamid’s wayward attempt to build out of the back was intercepted by the visitors’ Tomislav Tomić, whose cross bounced off U.S. defender Walker Zimmerman. Menalo was there, but Hamid reacted quickly, made himself enormous and got a leg to the Bosnian’s shot. It was the sort of save Hamid made routinely at D.C. United and which he hopes will earn him minutes at Denmark’s first-place club.Menalo tried to make up for the miss in the 52nd, when he was fouled by Zimmerman in the penalty area. The U.S. had a grievance, since Menalo pushed Trapp moments before Zimmerman interfered. But the first foul went uncalled, and the Philadelphia Union’s Haris Medunjanin, by far Bosnia’s most experienced player, stopped up to take the spot kick. Perhaps that was a mistake, since he likely was the only one on the roster familiar with the 12-yard heroics of Hamid’s halftime replacement, Columbus Crew playoff hero Zack Steffen.Medunjanin tried to hit the inside left netting—a spot Steffen wouldn’t reach. He hit the post instead.The Bosnians managed 12 shots, but put only two on target. They’ll want a few of those chances back.

FEW OBVIOUS STATEMENTS MADE BEFORE MARCH

Sarachan is expected to lead the USA into the March FIFA window, when the national team likely will play two friendlies in Europe. It’ll be the first time since taking over for Bruce Arena that Sarachan truly has the entire player pool at his disposal. Based on Sunday’s performance, there weren’t many from this group of January campers, which didn’t include U.S. veterans or players based in Europe, who improved their stock significantly.Hamid and Steffen already are in the picture considering the state of flux among the program’s goalkeepers. Opara was by far the strongest defender Sunday night, but his age makes him unlikely to be a factor deep into the next cycle.Trapp plays a position in which the national team has depth, but he arguably was the USA’s best player Sunday. He’s got obvious soccer smarts, is a good passer and at 25, should be entering his prime. He should remain on Sarachan’s radar. Adams, 18, certainly will as well, but it didn’t appear he was set up to succeed against Bosnia.Morris’s speed and ability to find threatening pockets behind a back four or between the center and outside backs remain an asset. His touch let him down a couple times Sunday, but some of that can be written off as the result of preseason. He’ll remain a U.S. staple.Sapong’s effort is immense and he did well trying to find ways to create some havoc without much support—as he did against Portugal—but like Opara, his age (29), could be a factor. Arriola and Rowe also injected a bit of welcome creativity once they entered. Both have qualities that should be nurtured by Sarachan, or whomever eventually replaces him.

Warshaw: What five MLSers should take from US national team experience

January 29, 201812:46PM ESTBobby WarshawContributor

It’s easy to dismiss Sunday night’s 0-0 draw between the US national team and Bosnia and Herzegovina.It clearly did not mean much, for all the obvious reasons. I will not try to sell you a bag of bad potatoes. But the experience also should not go forgotten. Let’s forget about anything from the team perspective and only focus on the players. The game meant a ton to the individual players and offered a huge opportunity to learn and improve.It was a different experience in a new setting with unique demands. The players will hold onto those feelings and memories for a long time. Consequently, it was a chance to feel and learn something new and there were definitely lessons to be learned for individual players. It’s when our players utilize these key moments to grow that we will get progress.Here are five players who can take a clear learning opportunity from the game, and have something to work on with their clubs.

Jordan Morris: Movement off the ball

Jordan Morris is a player with clear strengths and weaknesses. He has two lethal attributes: He’s incredibly fast, in both acceleration and top-end speed, and he has good instincts around goal. The second one means he has a decent sense of where the openings are or will be and how to exploit them.Conversely, though, he is not good at receiving passes in difficult situations. When he tucks inside from the wing and receives a ball ripped from the center mids to break the lines, he doesn’t control it close enough or maneuver it away from trouble. It doesn’t mean he’s a bad player — it’s one of the toughest skills in soccer — but it’s something he should avoid doing. He needs to learn to use his movement in reference to his strengths and weakness. He has to figure out ways to make sure most of his actions involve his pace toward goal, rather than getting the ball with players arriving from his backside. Specifically, I’d love to see Morris master the run in behind central defenses from a wide area that hides in the defenders’ blind spots.

Tyler Adams: Finding spaces to receive a pass a few actions down the chain

I really liked the idea of the midfield three of Wil Trapp, Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams. It might not have been the perfect option to win the single game, but it put Roldan and Adams in new situations and forced them to solve tough problems. Bosnia sat deep and kept tight, disciplined lines, restricting the space and lanes in the middle of the field.Trapp had a relatively easy job of moving to the side of the lone Bosnian striker to get the ball, a defensive midfielder’s dream afternoon, but Adams had a much more complicated task. He had less room to maneuver. It’s always entertaining to watch Adams fly around the field, but Sunday night’s match demanded a little more mental trickery.For example, when the right back has the ball, it’s tempting to try to find an option for the right back to get the ball to you. But obviously the defense knows that and blocks off the lanes for the right back to pass through. So instead of trying to get the ball from the right back, you need to skip that play altogether. Instead of watching the right back, look at the other two center mids. If Trapp can get the ball from the right back, and he has Roldan open to his left, Adams should be shifting to the spot where he can get the ball from Roldan. If everyone executes quickly enough, Adams will have the zone to himself.One of the hardest things in soccer is maintaining the mental discipline not to try to solve the immediate problem, but to think about the decision a few seconds away. Adams has most of the physical attributes, so now he has to tune his mental planning.

Walker Zimmerman: Keep the ball moving

Walker Zimmerman has all the attributes you want from a center back: He understands the need to think through a game, he’s athletic, he communicates, he can play both medium and long-range passes, he’s likable and earns the trust of his teammates. Perhaps more than anything, he’s brave and wants to take responsibility. Too often, though, he takes it too far. He tries to make passes that mess with the rhythm of his team.Against Bosnia, he would receive a pass from center back partner Ike Opara or Trapp and pick up his head to pass forward. It’s a good first step, but then he would keep on looking. Then he would step on the ball and look again. Eventually he would clip a ball to the channel or try to slide a pass through the lanes. He felt uncomfortable just passing the ball back to Trapp or Opara. You could almost see his brain telling him, “don’t take the easy way out, you can make this work.”For his former high-energy FC Dallas team, it often worked fine, too. But at the international level, every turnover has a higher cost. He can’t afford the same turnovers in World Cup qualifying as he can on a regular Saturday in Montreal. He needs to get more comfortable making the simple passes back and forth to nowhere until a lane opens for a pass forward.

Wil Trapp: Closing off the press

Wil Trapp received a lot of praise for his performance, and rightfully so. He should feel good about his night. But there’s also one piece he can improve. He arrived late too often to finish off his team’s press in the opponent’s half of the field.The first player would step to the ball, then the second player would step to the next man, and ultimately Trapp would arrive late to the third or fourth player and Bosnia would pass out. It’s such a difficult task to ask a No. 6 to both protect the space in front of the back four and also cap off a press — I certainly don’t want to act like it’s an easy fix — but it’s something the very best holding midfielders can do.They time their arrival perfectly to win the ball or, worst-case scenario, foul the opponent so they can’t advance. Not many teams in MS try to play out from the back with the confidence or composure that Bosnia brought, so it was a good opportunity to shed light on Trapp’s game. He’s not an athletic defensive mid, so his timing and confidence needs to be nearly perfect when closing pressing pockets.

Matt Polster: 1v1 defending

Matt Polster is an exciting right back prospect. Polster started his MLS career as a center midfielder; he brings options to the position that not many others can. At the same time, he still needs to lock down the important aspects of wide defending, namely 1v1 play.He plays tall — notice the bend in his knees when he does soccer actions — limiting his center of gravity and ability to cut and turn quickly. It creates a natural disadvantage against quick wingers. He can’t change his athletic approach at this point, so he will need to find other tricks, such as learning how to force an attacker in a predictable direction and using his body when the attacker makes the move, or throwing in a jab step to mess with the attacker’s timing.If Polster can improve his 1v1 defending and gain a manager’s trust against skillful teams, he will be better able to highlight his other qualities.

Bill Hamid, CJ Sapong make their case for more chances at international level

Jan 29, 2018

Jason Davis

USMNT, ending a nearly month-long camp without a goal and without a win will chafe, despite the uncertainty around the program.

Positives

Several young players got their first taste of international soccer in a period when integrating a new generation of talent is the program’s main focus. Both goalkeepers acquitted themselves well in a half each, giving some hope that the U.S. will be able to bridge the gap at that position.

Negatives

The attack lacked variation and creativity, especially before Kelyn Rowe’s introduction in the second half. Muddled tactics and a personnel group that seemed to lack any cohesiveness delivered a turgid performance in the opponent’s half. Several players seemed to struggle with pace or pressure of the international game. Simple mistakes happened too often, and the game lacked crispness from a team that trained together for three weeks ahead of the match.

Manager rating out of 10

4 — Dave Sarachan was admittedly in a difficult spot with his lineup choices but instead of erring on the side of youth, the interim head coach chose to play several players who won’t be part of the push for 2022. Whatever the tactical plan for the Americans, it did not look clear what the side was trying to accomplish on the attacking side. The U.S. lacked ideas and identity and failed to create any meaningful chances. A haphazard press did more harm than good over 90 minutes.

Player ratings (1-10, 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Bill Hamid, 7 — Only called into action once but stepped up in the moment to keep the game at zero when a missed clearance led to a Bosnia & Herzegovina chance.

DF Matt Polster, 5 — Mixed bag in a 90-minute shift. Pushed up into the attack to good effect in the second half. Poor in several one-on-one defending situations.

DF Walker Zimmerman, 4.5 — Aggressive, perhaps overly so, especially in the first half. Conceded a penalty and whiffed on a clearance that demanded a good save from Hamid.

DF Ike Opara, 6 — Solid, if not spectacular. Good in the air and made more than one late intervention to prevent a Bosnia & Herzegovina goal.

DF Justin Morrow, 5.5 — Picked up a yellow toward the end of first half and otherwise failed to stand out. Defensively sound. Made little of a few forays forward.

MF Tyler Adams, 6 — Started brightly, covering ground and involving himself in several attacking moves in the first half. Slowed in the second half.

MF Wil Trapp, 6.5 — Set good rhythm from deep-lying position. Passed well in the central third, but was less effectively with balls at Bosnian end. Settled into game.

MF Cristian Roldan, 6 — Did well to help fill gaps and break up play on the defensive side of the ball. Passed accurately, but lacked a cutting edge going forward.

MF Gyasi Zardes, 4 — Mostly invisible. Only managed a handful of touches and never made an impression on the game in a half of action.

FW Jordan Morris, 4.5 — Opened up space with smart runs, but wasted several good passes with poor touches. Needs to match industry with technical improvements.

FW CJ Sapong, 6.5 — The best of the American contingent in the first half with energy and aggressiveness. Indecisive in one moment that could have led to a U.S. chance.

Substitutes

GK Zack Steffen, 6 — Earned his first cap and made one save in a half of play.

MF Paul Arriola, 6 — Added a spark on the right side after coming on for Zardes. Created better dynamic with Polster behind him.

MF Kelyn Rowe, 6.5 — Provided a much-needed bit of creativity off the bench. Found teammates in good positions only to see chances wasted.

FW Juan Agudelo, NR — Provided a few bright moments in less than half an hour. Showed penchant for clever play followed by simple mistake.

MF Rubio Rubin, NR — Touched the ball just twice as a second-half substitute.

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of the Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com , Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

1/26/18 US Men tie Bosnia, FA Cup Sat/Sun, EPL games Tues/Wed, Indy 11 Moving to Lucas Oil & Schedule Released, Full TV Schedule

January 27, 2018January 29, 2018 gatorbest

Indy 11 announce Lucas Oil as New home stadium for 2018

https://www.xiforever.com

Indy 11 to call Lucas Oil home – Indy Biz Journal

Indy 11 at the Luke – Nuevo

The US Men – or boys as it would be looked ok on Sun evening vs Bosnia – while everyone else watched the Grammy’s. Not sure why they didn’t schedule the game for 4 or 5 pm instead of 9:30 pm (good ole US Soccer – CLUELESS!!!) Anyway – the 50% Bosnian crowd made it loud for the zero to zero tie. Overall both teams had some decent shots – but overall I thought the US played a little better than Bosnia. Morris looked good up front – had a chance on 1 and should have had an assist on another. Same ole US can’t finish issue in front of goal. US GK faced a PK on a horrible call and it hit post. Overall not very eventful. But they held their own.

===============================================================

Woah Sorry got swamped on Friday – no time to write this week. Excited to see the US men – or boys if you will play this Sunday night vs Bosnia on Fox Sports 1 at 9:30 pm – the US team will have a bunch of youngsters out there – excited to see who gets some game time and if anyone shines?

FA Cup action this weekend in England and while its romantic and all – seriously its usually a blow-out. I will tune in some – see schedules below – but its not EPL. The EPL does have games on Tues 3 pm on NBCSN as Liverpool tries to recover from the tie to Swansea on Monday at Huddersfield. And Wed we get Tottenham vs Man United in a HUGE game for top 4 at 3 pm on NBCSN. The weekend slate does have Dortmund and US star Pulisic hosting Frieburg at 9:30 am on FS2, while beIn Sport brings us surging Valencia hosting a struggling Real Madrid at 10 am and Juventus traveling to Chievo at 2:45 pm. Sunday gives us a decent FA Cup game with Chelsea hosting Yedlin and Newcastle United.

The Indy 11 have signed some players and are beginning to assemble a roster. The full season schedule has been released with some fun games on the docket including of course the home opener vs Louisville FC on March 31^st.

Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

GAMES ON TV

7:30 am FS 1 Petersborough United vs Leicester City FA Cup

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Munich

9:30 am FS2> Borussia Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Freiburg

10 am beIN Sport Valencia cs Real Madrid

12:30 FS2 Werder Bremen vs Schalke

12:30 FS 1 Newport County vs Tottenham FA Cup

2:45 bein Sport Juve vs Chievo

2:45 pm FS2 Liverpool vs West Brom FA Cup

8:30 am FS1 Chelsea vs Newcastle United (yedlin) FA Cup

9:30 am FS plus Bayern Leverkusen vs Mainz

10:45 am FS2 Cardiff vs Man City FA Cup

2:45 pm beIN Sport Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves

9:30 pm FS1 USA Men vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Tues, Jan 30

2:45 pm ?? Swansea vs Arsenal

2:45 pm Gol TV Atalanta vs Juve Coppa Italia

3 pm NBCSN Huddersfield Town vs Liverpool

Weds, Jan 31

2:45 pm NBCSN Tottenham vs Manchester United

2:45 pm Gol TV Milan vs Lazio

Fri, Feb 2

2:30 pm FS1 Kiohl vs Dortmund (Pulisic)

Sat, Feb 3

7:30 am NBCSN Burnley vs Man City

9:30 am FS 1 Mainz vs Bayer Munich

10 am NBCSN Man United vs Huddersfield (Williams)

12:30 pm NBCSN Aresnal vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Borussia Mgladbach (Johnson)

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Lavente

9:15 am NBcSN Crystal Palace vs New Castle (Yedlin)

9:30 am FS1 Franfurt vs Augsburg

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Tottenham

2:45 pm beIN Sport Atletico Madrid vs Valencia

Tues, Feb 13 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS2 Basel vs Man City

2:45 pm Fox Sport1 Juventus vs Tottenham

Weds, Feb 14 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Real Madrid vs PSG

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Porto vs Liverpool

Tues, Feb 20 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Bayern Munich vs Besiktas

2:45 pm FS 2 Chelsea vs Barcelona

Weds, Feb 21 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Sevilla vs Man United

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Roma vs Shakhtar

Thurs, Mar 1

7 pm ESPN2 US Ladies vs Germany (She Believes Cup @ MAPFREE Stadium Columbus, OH)

Tues, Mar 6 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 PSG vs Real Madrid

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Liverpool vs Porto

Weds, Mar 7 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS2 Man City vs Basel

2:45 pm Fox Sport1 Tottenham vs Juventus

Tues, Mar 13 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Man United vs Sevilla

2:45 pm Fox Sport2 Shakhtar vs Roma

Weds, Mar 14 – Champions League

2:45 pm FS1 Besiktas vs Bayern Munich

2:45 pm FS 2 Barcelona vs Chelsea

Thurs, Mar 1

7 pm ESPN2 US Ladies vs Germany (She Believes Cup @ MAPFREE Stadium Columbus, OH)

Read All the stories online – at www.theoleballcoach.com

INDY 11

Indy 11 Regular Season Schedule is Released

Indy 11 Coach has A lot to do in a Hurry – Indy Star – Kevin Johnston

Forward Justin Braun is Back

Indy 11 Sign Defenders

Around the USL

USA

US Squads New Guys – What you need to know about Ramirez, Glad and Canouse – ESPNFC Noah Davis

US youngster Weston McKinnie of Schalke out 6 weeks with knee injury – ESPNFC

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/soccer/ct-bruce-arena-us-world-cup-20180120-story.html US laid an Egeg

Howard – No Systemic Issues with US Soccer ESPN

Who should be on US Roster in 2022- MLS.com

US Led Bid – Pitches Risk Averse World Cup

Bradley predicts slow year for US National Team

US Ladies Star Julie Johnson Ertz – elated to hear her husband going to superbowl at end of US win

NFL Draft Helped Julie Ertz to starring role for US Ladies

The Voters and Issues that will Decide the Next US Soccer President – Jeff Carlisle ESPNFC

Has Any Candidate Separated From the Field? Grant Wahl SI

American Outlaws Interviews with the US Soccer Candidates

Feb 10 is when the Voting for a NEW US Soccer Prez takes place

INDY 11

Indy 11 Regular Season Schedule is Released

Indy 11 Coach has A lot to do in a Hurry – Indy Star – Kevin Johnston

Forward Justin Braun is Back

Indy 11 Sign Defenders

Around the USL

World

Power Rankings Man City Climb Barca Still on Top – eSPNFC

US Christian Pulisic and Dortmund to Tour US this Summer

Could Zidane Be in Trouble at Real Madrid after losing out of the Copa Del Rey and out of the top 6 in La Liga?

FA Cup 4^th Round Predictions

Why the FA Cup will Always be Important in England

Mexico Power Rankings

World Cup Bid for 2026 by US/Canada/Mexico – Interview with Gulati -SI – Grant Wahl

MLS

Montreal Transfer Academy standout Ballou Trabla to Barcelona

U.S. squad’s new guys: What you need to know about Ramirez, Glad, Canouse

10:17 AM ETNoah Davis

The United States men’s national team kicks off its 2018 campaign with a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday (9:30 p.m. ET). Interim head coach Dave Sarachan brought a young, inexperienced group into January camp, including 10 players who are getting their first senior team call.To help you get to know this new crew, we gathered notes about who they are and talked to a few experts about where they might fit into the American player pool.

Danny Acosta, DF, Real Salt Lake

Age: 20

Who he is: The Real Salt Lake homegrown player moved to the U.S. from his native Honduras when he was 12, eventually joining Justen Glad, Sebastian Saucedo and Brooks Lennon in the club’s academy. He made 17 appearances for RSL in 2017, locking down the left-back role and standing up to Clint Dempsey in the process.

An expert’s take: “The thing that has everyone talking about Danny right now is his moment talking trash to Dempsey. It always feels like in big games, the U.S. team clams up a bit, so it’s nice to see a kid with some swag who clearly isn’t scared of anyone. His soccer ability? Who knows at this point? But left-back is still a weakness in the player pool, and Acosta will get a chance to play 30 games this year, which puts anyone in contention.”

Russell Canouse, MF, D.C. United

Age: 22

Who he is: The holding midfielder left the U.S. for Germany in 2011, joining Hoffenheim’s youth program. He made a single appearance in the Bundesliga before returning to the States in August and joining D.C. United, with which he was an immediate and effective starter. Canouse has leadership ability, captaining the American team at the 2015 CONCACAF Championship in Jamaica before missing the age-group World Cup due to injury.

An expert’s take: “The U.S. player pool has few really good, dedicated No. 6 defensive midfielders, especially with the defection of Jonathan Gonzalez. Canouse had some strong games in 2017 and also some weak games. He needs a good 2018.”

Marky Delgado, MF, Toronto FC

Age: 22

Who he is: Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vazquez are bigger names, but Delgado — a former Chivas USA Youth Academy product who was taken with the 14th pick in the 2014 MLS Dispersal Draft — makes Toronto FC tick in the midfield. He’s a tenacious tackler and an intuitive passer who has made 48 starts the past two seasons. He started all five matches when the U.S. U-20s reached the quarterfinals at the 2015 World Cup.

An expert’s take: “Delgado is a player who makes the plays you need to win games. He’s been surrounded by special talent at Toronto, which has helped him thrive, and will need to show that he’s exceptional in a few areas to climb up the box-to-box midfielder rankings.”

Justen Glad, DF, Real Salt Lake

Age: 20

Who he is: RSL’s solid center-back made 27 starts in 2016, earning the team’s Defensive Player of the Year honors, and 18 last season after an early season knee injury robbed him of three months. He’s mature beyond his years, though he needs to continue improving if he is to capitalize on his immense promise.

An expert’s take: “One of the most promising newcomers, if not the most promising, on the January roster. He is a mature player for his age and has a very nice upside as a central defender. If Glad plays well and outshines others in this camp like [Walker] Zimmerman and [Tim] Parker, he could see himself high up the depth chart.”

Marlon Hairston, DF/MF, Colorado Rapids

Age: 23

Who he is: The lightning-quick man from Mississippi finally found a home at right-back, playing more than 2,600 minutes for the Colorado Rapids in 2017 as a wing-back and wide midfielder. He has been on the fringes of the U.S. system, making a single appearance for the U-23 squad in 2014.

An expert’s take: “An athletic, energetic attacker who never looked good enough on the ball to make an impact as a forward or winger, it looks like he will get his chance to play wing-back this year in Colorado. With the exception of DeAndre Yedlin, both outside-back spots look up for grabs, so while Hairston has a ton of ground to make up, it’s not impossible.”

Ian Harkes, MF, D.C. United

Age: 22

Who he is: The son of U.S. legend John Harkes, the No. 8 went from winning the Hermann Trophy with Wake Forest to starting in D.C. United’s midfield in a single year. He was the team’s most accurate passer and completed nearly one key pass per game, both indications that he has the vision and ability to succeed in international competition.

An expert’s take: “Had an up-and-down rookie year with D.C. Along with Canouse, Harkes will have to show his worth at the club level before we really know what he is at the international level.”

Brooks Lennon, FW, Real Salt Lake

Age: 20

Who he is: Lennon left RSL’s academy in 2015 to join Liverpool but didn’t make any appearances for the English club before returning Stateside, first on loan and then permanently in December. The pacey attacker scored three goals and posted four assists in 1,525 MLS minutes in 2017, looking lively and nearly leading the Claret and Cobalt to an unlikely postseason trip.

An expert’s take: “He’s a one-on-one guy, which we don’t have many of in the player pool right now. He’s happy to get the ball wide and run at the outside-back. He also has the acceleration to beat most defenders. He doesn’t have the games to say whether he’s fully good enough yet, but anyone with his kind of acceleration has a chance.”

Nick Lima, DF, San Jose Earthquakes

Age: 23

Who he is: The Homegrown San Jose Earthquake started at right-back for an injured Marvell Wynne in Week One, earning MLS Team of the Week honors, and he didn’t look out of place in his rookie year. An injury derailed his campaign, as he started a single match after Aug. 12, but Lima showed more than enough to prove that he belongs.

An expert’s take: “Looked solid in limited minutes with San Jose. He has the athleticism and technical ability you want, but his defensive instincts leave a lot to be desired.”

Ike Opara, DF, Sporting Kansas City

Age: 28

Who he is: Were it not for a series of unfortunate injuries, the 2017 MLS Defender of the Year would have been called into a camp well before his 29th year. The No. 3 overall selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft finally stayed healthy, starting 30 games at center-back for Sporting Kansas City and playing 90 minutes in every one.

An expert’s take: “Ike’s a somewhat dying breed of a pure defender. He’s an incredible athlete, able to run and jump with anyone, but he also thinks of the game in a defend-first manner, which in itself is a differentiating factor for defenders these days. He might not have the passing ability or comfort on the ball for the international stage, but that depends on the coach’s preferences.”

Christian Ramirez, FW, Minnesota United

Age: 26

Who he is: The former NASL star stayed with Minnesota United when the team joined MLS, tallying 14 goals in 30 games. He’s an elegant finisher who has found the net at a clip well above a goal every two games during his professional career.

An expert’s take: “Most of his game is based on poaching in the box, and there’s always a place on a roster for a guy who can finish chances. Goal scoring is generally form-based, so it’s tough to say what the future holds, but he has the ability to score goals, which means he can always be in the conversation.”

Christian Pulisic’s Borussia Dortmund to tour U.S. in summer

Borussia Dortmund have announced plans for a summer tour of the United States. The Bundesliga club will play expansion club Los Angeles FC and will “most probably play two matches” in the International Champions Cup.Sources at the Borussia Dortmund side on Wednesday confirmed to ESPN FCthat the Bundesliga will play a match against Los Angeles FC at the Banc of California Stadium, which with it’s steep standing terraces has partially been inspired by Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion.While that match could already take place as an epilogue to the 2017-2018 season in May — depending on Borussia’s success in Europa League, with the final being played on May 16 — Dortmund will also participate in the International Champions Cup for a third consecutive year, BVB announced.The ICC will be held in July. And Dortmund “will most probably play two matches” in the series, Borussia Dortmund said on their website.The games could be an opportunity for fans to watch United States star Christian Pulisic, who came through the ranks of BVB’s youth academy, having previously joined the club as a 16-year-old in early 2015. A year later, he was promoted to the senior team for whom he hassince played in 79 competitive matches, scoring 11 goals and setting up a further 14.”We hope, and also believe there are positive indications, that the people in the USA are also excited at the prospect of receiving their first visit from BVB, including the entire first team and Christian Pulisic, the U.S. Footballer of the Year,” Borussia director for sales & marketing Carsten Cramer said in quotes on the club’s official website.Cramer added Dortmund were “extremely delighted” to receive a third consecutive invitation to the ICC, saying that the “increasing presence” in it “underlines how importantBorussia Dortmund has become on a sporting level.”

Michael Bradley predicts ‘slow year’ for U.S. national team ahead

nited States captain Michael Bradley has predicted a “slow year” for the national team, telling the Toronto Sun he does not expect a new coach to be hired until the summer.

After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the U.S. will not play a competitive game in this calendar year. Interim coach Dave Sarachan will lead the team in a friendly on Sunday, but a permanent successor to Bruce Arena will wait until after the U.S. Soccer Federation presidential election on Feb. 10.But Bradley said he did not believe a new appointment would be made quickly, with potential candidates currently in charge of World Cup teams are clubs in Europe likely to be come available in the coming months..”Right now there’s a presidential election. We’ll have to see how that unfolds. Once there’s a president, that president will have to decide who the next coach is going to be,” Bradley told the Sun.”My guess is that’s going to take time. Anything is possible, but I’m not sure I expect there to be a full-time coach in until the latter part of the year.”When I think about it, a new coach is likely coming from MLS or coaching a team in the World Cup. Both of those things would require you [to] wait.”If someone is coaching in Europe, you have to at least get to the summer. I think it’s going to be a slow year with the national team.”Bradley, 30, said “we’ll see, we’ll see” when asked if he would play for the U.S. this year, but added that he’s not yet done with international duty.”I’ll always be ready if and when they call to go and do everything I can to help the team,” he said.

U.S.-led bid touts ‘risk-averse’ World Cup amid political backlash

Jan 23, 2018ESPN staff

The United States-led bid for the 2026 World Cup is hoping the “economic certainty” it offers global football will outweigh any concerns about negative perceptions of America’s foreign policies.The United Bid Committee is trying to bring the World Cup to the U.S., Mexico and Canada in 2026, but its leadership was pressed in London on Tuesday about the effect recent inflammatory remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump will have on FIFA voters when they select the hosts in June.Trump reportedly used a vulgar term to describe African and Latin American countries during a White House meeting on immigration this month, leading to concerns about an international backlash that could push voters to favor a rival bid from Morocco, which only formally launched its bid on Tuesday.CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani, Canada’s representative in the bid committee, tweeted his support to El Salvador and Haiti on Jan. 12, but when asked by reporters on Tuesday if he also “condemned” Trump’s remarks, he simply restated his support.On whether an anti-Trump effect could see the bid defeated, Montagliani said: “When we started thinking about bidding, years ago, there was certain political environment, there is one right now and there’ll be one in 2026. From a bid point of view, it’s been about football and it will always be about football.”Sitting alongside, U.S. Soccer Federation president Sunil Gulati, who last week admitted political forces could adversely affect the bid, said: “We can’t control the politics. It will change over time. And we have got all the assurances we need from all three governments to support the bid in all areas that are important to FIFA.”

Gulati said 70,000 pages of contracts are currently being signed. As well as requiring tax exemptions on FIFA activities in the host nations, the governing body will also demand by March assurances of visa-free access to the tournament. That could run into conflict with Trump’s hard-line immigration stance, including a ban on travel to the U.S. by residents of six majority-Muslim countries, which is being challenged in the courts.”We have had complete support from the White House on our bid and the government guarantees we need,” Gulati said. “Any participants in the World Cup will have access to the country.”As for visiting fans, Gulati stressed that “subject to security checks they will be allowed to participate.”Gulati said it had not yet been decided whether to use Trump in its final pitch, after former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama featured in previous American bids.he U.S. is partnering with Mexico on the World Cup just as Trump also presses ahead with construction of a border wall between the neighbors.”In terms of the famous wall, I think football is stronger than that,” Mexican federation president Decio De Maria said. “We are working together to have this event. It’s not the wall that’s going to be part of this bid. It’s football.”The United States is the majority partner in the 2026 bid, with 60 games including everything from the quarterfinals onward, while Canada and Mexico have 10 fixtures each. But Gulati said those numbers were not set in stone.”Might it change? Sure, it is possible,” Gulati said when asked if the junior partners might gain more matches.FIFA has scrapped the tainted system where a small group of officials decided the host and expanded the vote to the entire membership of 211 nations. While many countries have little chance of qualifying, they still have a stake in ensuring the World Cup is profitable, Gulati pointed out.”FIFA’s finances are heavily dependent on one event — the men’s World Cup,” said Gulati, who is also a member of the FIFA Council. “So there is a direct line between funding for programs around the world and what happens at the World Cup and the revenue generated.”With 48 finalists to accommodate, the 2026 World Cup is loaded with unprecedented risks for FIFA, just when it needs to be certain of turning a big profit after losing sponsors over corruption scandals.”We think part of our case is the certainty we can provide for a first-ever expanded World Cup,” Gulati said. “Being risk averse both to members and to FIFA is part of our story.”But it’s also one of unity and keeping these three countries in the international community, in a way that is tied together. We think between that and the certainty we can provide to FIFA’s central piece of revenue, it is a compelling case.”With barely four months until FIFA votes, Morocco finally got around to launching its bid on Tuesday. There’s now a campaign logo and social presence but still few details of how the North African nation will stage the first World Cup after the leap from 32 to 48 teams.Morocco, whose previous failed World Cup campaigns have been implicated in bribery investigations, is touting the upside of the ambiguity surrounding its latest bid.”We may surprise many people with our strong infrastructure and commercial offering,” Moroccan federation president Fouzi Lekjaa said in a statement, “and we will highlight our wonderful welcome, host cities and stunning locations. It promises to be a truly special bid.”Information from The Associated Press and Press Association was used in this report.

The voters and issues that will decide the next U.S. Soccer president

Jan 24, 2018Jeff CarlisleSoccer

On Feb. 10, at the U.S. Soccer Federation’s annual general meeting, an era will come to an end. The 12-year reign of president Sunil Gulati will conclude, and the organization will elect a new leader.The race features eight candidates, a list that includes former U.S. men’s international and collegiate head coach Paul Caligiuri, current Soccer United Marketing president Kathy Carter, current USSF vice president Carlos Cordeiro, attorney Steven Gans, former professional and current NBC broadcaster Kyle Martino, U.S. women’s international goalkeeper Hope Solo, attorney Mike Winograd and former U.S. men’s international and current Fox Soccer broadcaster Eric Wynalda.The race to succeed Gulati has captivated the broader U.S. soccer community, sparking endless debates on social media and elsewhere, especially in the wake of the failure by the U.S. men’s national team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Yet unlike last year’s election for U.S. president, the opinions of rank-and-file fans matter only to a point. What’s more important are the members of the USSF’s National Council who will cast their votes, and even more critically, what issues will drive their vote.

So, who votes?

It’s expected that more than 500 members of the National Council who will cast ballots on Feb. 10, and nearly every delegate will fall into one of four primary constituencies. There is the Youth Council, which comprises representatives from the various state youth soccer associations, as well as national organizations like U.S. Club Soccer and American Youth Soccer Organization. Then there is the Adult Council, which overseas the amateur game, and like its youth counterpart, its representatives hail mostly from the adult state associations. There is the Professional Council, representing the professional leagues for both men’s and women’s soccer, and then there is the Athletes Council, representing the interests of the athletes on various national teams including men, women, beach soccer, futsal and Paralympians.The Youth, Adult and Professional Councils will have their votes weighted to account for approximately 25.8 percent of the vote. As mandated by the Ted Stevens Amateur Sports Act, the Athletes Council takes up 20 percent. The remaining votes — approximately 2.6 percent of the entire vote — will be taken up by national associations and affiliates, board members, life members (up to 12 votes) and two fan representatives.But to paraphrase George Orwell, the weighted nature of the voting means that some votes are more equal than others.The Pro Council has 16 votes, with nine controlled by Major League Soccer, three for second-division United Soccer League, three for the National Women’s Soccer League, and one for the North American Soccer league, which is currently suing the federation on antitrust grounds. That means MLS — which has publicly thrown its support to Carter — will control 14.5 percent of the entire vote.

play

31:34

Max & Herc: Martino talks U.S. Soccer presidential bid

Kyle Martino sits down with Max Bretos to discuss his U.S. Soccer presidential bid and answer your questions.

Meanwhile the total number of voters in the Youth and Adult Councils will reach into the hundreds, yet still account for a quarter of the overall vote. For those two councils, size matters, with the states having more registered players getting more votes.

As for the Athletes Council, comprises 20 members. But even if less than 20 members show up in Orlando, the Athletes Council still gets 20 percent of the overall vote, so its votes will weigh heavy on the outcome. Historically this constituency has voted as a bloc in a bid to maximize its influence. So the conventional wisdom is that all roads to the USSF presidency lead through the Athletes Council, though it’s probably fairer to say winning this constituency requires less groundwork. It’s easier to convince 20 athletes to vote for you than it is 110 state associations.(Anyone wanting a more detailed breakdown can read Anthony DiCicco’s excellent write-up here.)

What are the issues for voters?

As much traction as issues like promotion/relegation and the fate of the national teams get on social media and elsewhere, they are not the first items listed as important by actual delegates. Every council has its pet issues, which explains in part why the support for individual candidates appears to be so fragmented at this stage.

Adult Council

The complaint heard over and over again from Adult Council voters is that this constituency feels forgotten by the USSF. This has led to the broader question of what exactly the USSF does for this organization and its members, especially with two dollars of each player registration going to the USSF.”All of my members feel that we’re not part of the federation anymore,” said U.S. Adult Soccer Association president John Motta. “We’re not inclusive, it’s like we’re outcasts, they do nothing for us. I hear that a lot from my membership. Years ago we felt like we were part of the family, part of the organization. Today we just don’t feel that anymore.”Several Adult Council members said they’d like to see the fee reduced to one dollar per player, same as the youth. This is even more of a pain point given that according to Motta, the USASA was hit with two lawsuits regarding player injuries, resulting in a sharp increase in insurance costs.”It’s a $6 million tax,” said former USSF treasurer Richard Groff, who will serve as an adult commissioner at the election for the Adult Council.

play

3:08

Does Solo have what it takes to be U.S. Soccer president?

With Hope Solo announcing her run for U.S. Soccer president, Stevie Nicol questions whether she possesses the necessary qualities for the job.

Scott Eisenbraun, the president of the North Carolina Adult Soccer Association added, “For our smaller state associations, a few thousand dollars doesn’t sound like a lot, but it would be a big help.”With more money and attention, the hope is that more leagues and players currently operating outside the purview of the USSF can be brought into the fold.Transparency is also an issue within some segments of the Adult Council. According to California Soccer Association North president Ric Olivas, too often policy changes were dictated from on high with little to no debate. These included policies related to the election. He spoke of how when Gulati dropped out of the race, his letters of nomination were released just days before the filing deadline.”We’re the members, and we should be given the information honestly and above board,” said Olivas.And yes, promotion/relegation did come up, with Eisenbraun a big supporter. “I think [promotion/relegation] and giving clubs a chance to grow is a big, big piece of the popularity of the sport in this country,” he said.

Youth Council

If the Adult Council feels forgotten, portions of the Youth Council feel overburdened by mandates imposed from above, from the change to birth year registration to field sizes to the much ballyhooed Development Academy, and its insistence on not letting kids play high school soccer. Then there is the way the youth game is structured, with U.S. Club Soccer, U.S. Youth Soccer and the USSF Development Academy at times competing with one another. The costs of course are an issue as well, though there is skepticism as to how much can be done.”People are looking for the silver bullet, talking about things like pay-to-play, things that are just too big to tackle in the election of a president,” said Brian Smith, president of the Utah Youth Soccer Association. “The structure is so horizontal, so spread out. How is the USSF supposed to go out and see the best kids when they’re all over the place? It needs to be more of a vertical structure and let the state associations be what they are and then let everyone report into one unit that is the USSF. It’s a bit of a mess right now, an octopus fight.”

play

5:38

WATCH: Kathy Carter on her U.S. Soccer presidential bid

Kathy Carter joins ESPN FC to explain why she’s the most qualified to be the next president of U.S. Soccer.

Kevin Payne, the CEO of U.S. Club Soccer added, “We would love to see the federation develop a broad strategy that includes all of its members, in an undertaking to improve the quality of experience for players and parents and clubs at every level.”There is also a strong push to make the coaching courses put on by the federation more affordable and accessible.”It’s almost a national emergency,” said Payne about improving the ranks of coaches. “This is one of the few areas where I actually think we can achieve results relatively quickly by throwing money at it. The problem now is the federation has properly made their licensing more specific and more rigorous. But in doing that it’s actually narrowed the pipeline for new coaches. It’s made it more meaningful to get different levels of licenses, but it’s really constricted the pipeline.”

Athletes Council

As its name suggests, the focus of the Athletes Council is on the players representing the U.S. at various levels. That means concerning itself with the collective bargaining process for the men’s and women’s national teams (the men’s deal is up in 2018) as well as doing more for other, less-heralded national squads.”We want the programs, from the women on down to beach soccer, to have more resources and be more respected,” said Athletes Council chair Chris Ahrens, himself a Paralympian. “I’m not saying the beach and Paralympians should be given the same as the women, but if you wear the crest, you should be given every opportunity to succeed.”Ahrens said the Athletes Council is also looking for the next president to make sure the NWSL “continues to work and grow and thrive so our women for years to come have a league to play in.”The question does remain as to whether the bloc voting that has characterized previous elections will still be in effect in Orlando. Half of the Athletes Council is comprised of women, who may be inclined to throw their support behind one of the two female candidates, Carter and Solo, though to be clear those two candidates represent opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. At minimum, creating more gender diversity within the ranks of the USSF is a core issue for the Athletes Council.”We want a president who is going to engage the athletes and have them be a part of the process going forward,” said Ahrens.

WATCH: Winograd talks U.S. Soccer presidential bid

ESPN FC’s Adrian Healey sits down with Michael Winograd to discuss his U.S. Soccer presidential candidacy.

Professional Council

The hot-button issues figure to have more resonance inside the Pro Council, though its votes are mostly spoken for. MLS controls nine of the Pro Council’s 16 votes — 56.25 percent — and its support of Carter hints at a strong push to largely maintain the status quo as far as the pro game and its ancillary businesses are concerned, which includes maintaining a closed system.The NASL has already thrown its support behind Wynalda given their shared desire for a more open system.But the remaining votes from the USL and NWSL are still valuable. As for the NWSL, given its dependence on the USSF for its survival, their affinity for a candidate depends on the level of continued support for the league.”Everybody wants sustainability; they don’t want a league to fail, which has happened previously,” said North Carolina Courage owner Steve Malik, who also sits on the USSF board of directors. “At the same time, we all want to raise the standards for every aspect of it, from fan experience to technical ability to support, doing everything we can for these women to fulfill their talent.”

Picking a candidate

Listen to the candidates’ presentations long enough, and you begin to notice some considerable overlap on issues like making the youth game cheaper for everyone, to equality for the women’s game to making governance more transparent and less dependent on one person to make decisions. Some delegates will have very specific goals that only one candidate can satisfy. But what if multiple candidates meet a given constituent’s policy goals? What then? “We’ve seen in politics of all sorts that words are one thing,” said Malik. “You evaluate them on their experiences, their networks, people that they know and can help bring them into the equation. Just because the president has agenda items, there’s many things that need board approval. So you need someone that can bring everyone along with them.”And what if the preferred candidate drops out? In that case, being a delegate’s second or even third choice has more value than at first glance. But like any political race, the personal touch, regardless of how that is conveyed, matters, and that may ultimately be what nudges a delegate to vote in a certain direction.”For me it will likely come down to personality and how they treated me during this process,” said Eisenbraun. “Not that anyone has treated me badly, but some have been more forthcoming than others in terms of reaching out. That says a lot about them.”

With Weeks Until U.S Soccer Election, Has Any Candidate Separated From the Field?

Every candidate in the U.S. Soccer election was present in Philadelphia last Thursday through the weekend as part of the annual national coaches convention, and with the Feb. 10 decision day approaching, it provided a chance for all of the eight to make a statement. But instead of having the opportunity to debate against one another, the candidates participated in individual panels and a group forum, where they answered direct questions, touting the familiar campaign slogans we’ve been hearing for weeks.With the outgoing president, Sunil Gulati, also in the building at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and thousands of coaches across the USA’s soccer landscape in attendance, the same talking points continued to be batted around–some of the same ones that Gulati called “nonsensical”

as he discussed the vibes emanating from the campaign trail. And while the general public doesn’t vote on the election, and private conversations not privy to the public could go a long way in determining the outcome, the appearances in front of some of the voting constituents left a feeling of wanting more. We discussed the field of eight candidates and the impressions they left on the most recent episode of the Planet Fútbol Podcast. You can listen to the whole conversation in the podcast below (beginning at the 18:00 mark) and subscribe to the podcast on iTunes here (the conversation has been edited only for length and clarity).

GW: Bruce Arena and Sunil Gulati both spoke at this convention. They both had sessions in which they were interviewed by people, and I almost felt like they were on something of a “defiance tour” as I called it in trying to respond to what happened with the U.S. failing to qualify for the World Cup—especially in Arena’s case but also in Gulati’s case, and Gulati talking about how he felt about this U.S. Soccer presidential election that will replace him with one of eight different candidates. Was that the sense that you got? Was this a defiance tour?

BS: I have called them both defiant in the past and they have been defiant. I think, maybe Sunil was a little more defiant. Bruce was, it was certainly the most enlightening and candid that Bruce has been since the Trinidad game. … Then there was Sunil talking about wanting to debate all eight [candidates]. He has so little respect for the eight candidates in the race that he said he asked the convention organizers if he could debate all eight simultaneously, which would’ve been the greatest thing of all time. Whether or not you like Sunil or whether or not you think he made mistakes—I obviously think his control of the technical side of U.S. Soccer was poorly done and is the reason he shouldn’t run again—but he would’ve won that debate pretty easily. The eight candidates … there’s not a ton of inspiring substance coming from that side of the room.

GW: That kind of reminds me, the idea of Sunil Gulati debating all eight candidates, of like when the world chess champion plays 50 10-year-old kids at the same time.

BS: Right! Now they do these videos of where they have three pro soccer players against 100 kids. He’s sharp. Whether or not you think he’s good at hiring coaches, he’s a sharp dude.

GW: I really wish there had been a debate, in real debate form, with the eight candidates in Philadelphia as was previously planned until about a week before the convention, [when] we learned that no, it was just going to be a candidate forum where the candidates would come out one-by-one and answer questions from the legend, J.P. Dellacamera. And that’s what they ended up doing on Saturday.

BS: There were a lot of slogans and weirdness and awkwardness from the candidates. There was some sweating because of these lights … There were a couple things that jumped out: obviously Wynalda claiming that the 2026 bid was jeopardy because of our noncompliance (with FIFA statutes). He made a good point though, too, which was talking about—and I agree with him—that our lack of participation in an open player market is a hindrance. And Wynalda’s point about opening up the league would be that our focus on development would include more markets than just the 18 or whatever U.S. markets that are in MLS. And that’s worth considering, and that could be solved [partially] with things like solidarity payments and an open transfer market and things of that nature.A lot of the other stuff about trying to mend the fractured youth landscape. There are so many youth soccer organizations. It’s so hard to keep track of. If I was a parent or a player I would be so bewildered. We had USYS travel leagues and ODP when we were kids, and that was it. And that system produced the 2002 World Cup team—the quarterfinalists—and that system produce two Women’s World Cup champions. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t entirely a hindrance. A lot of the candidates had ideas. Paul Caligiuri, for example, suggested that all high school coaches should be ODP scouts because obviously high school soccer gives you access to players you wouldn’t otherwise have in the academy system.Steve Gans also talked about the idea that the prohibition on playing high school soccer robs players of certain benefits, certain pressures, certain scrutiny, certain on-field responsibilities you might have as an elite player, that kids aren’t getting in what he called the sterile development academy environment.There were definitely some points that were interesting in addition to all the nonsense. Carlos Cordeiro wants to start a fund. There’s all this talk about the $150 million surplus. About $60 million of that came from the Copa América Centenario, kind of a one-time thing, and Cordeiro said operating the programs as they exist now would take $100 million off that surplus. So he was talking about starting a fund that would generate the revenue needed and how England and Germany—we have $150 million and England and Germany are spending $500 million—and the differences in financial wherewithal and heft.Each of these people has an area where they know something and where they might be able to help, but certainly none of them jumped out as the person who has enough experience and enough good ideas to kind of run everything. And I think that’s been Sunil’s point—and Sunil obviously failed on the technical side—so maybe the perfect candidate doesn’t exist.

GW: They obviously have their strengths. They have their weaknesses. I find it interesting that you have a pairing almost of candidates. Carter and Cordeiro are two of the business candidates. You’ve got the two lawyers, Winograd and Gans. You’ve got the two former players who I think have a shot of winning, Martino and Wynalda. And then I think you have the two former players who don’t have a shot at winning in Solo and Caligiuri. I find that part interesting. I think it’s crazy that we actually are up with eight candidates in the end, because I don’t know if that’ll ever happen again…

It didn’t surprise me that the two TV folks, Wynalda and Martino, probably came off as the most polished. I do think Winograd—and I interviewed him last week on this podcast—who maybe of all the candidates has gotten notice and maybe increased the interest in himself during this campaign based on how he’s presented himself during the different candidate forums … Do I think that’ll be enough for Winograd to make himself a contender? Not totally sure about that.

BS: He proposed something that I think is along the lines of the German model with the state technical centers, which I thought was interesting. Start to accept that player development isn’t something that can be sort of legislated from the top down—a lot of them were making that point—but Winograd was talking about investing in these state centers. It’s an office, it’s a field complex, it’s a well-paid state technical director who sort of connects the state apparatus…to the federation. That was interesting.

…

I forgot to mention the most interesting thing about the election stuff at the convention which was a brief moment during both Hope Solo’s and Eric Wynalda’s individual forums, which I was able to attend … Hope blamed the media, which was awesome. A lot of the problems in American soccer are our fault. So that was cool. But the same thing happened in both sessions … they both at one point during conversations about Soccer United Marketing turned to the audience and asked people to raise their hand if they knew what Soccer United Marketing was. Not an opinion—but like, do you even know what this is. There were maybe 300-400 people in Hope Solo’s session and 500-600 in Wynalda’s. Let’s say we’re close to 1,000 people combined in these two sessions. Think about all the time we spend talking about SUM, interacting or looking at the Twitter bubble about SUM. All of the consternation. Obviously it’s a big part of the lawsuit between the NASL and USSF. And I would say of the 1,000 people—and maybe people knew about SUM didn’t raise their hand—but combined, about maybe 10-12 people raised their hand. Out of 1,000! At the grassroots—these are coaches and administrators and people involved in youth and college and high school and club soccer around the country. Most people have no idea what this stuff is. It’s just not part of their daily experience and interaction with the game … It just kind of blew me away.

Top 10 in the World

Barcelona (no change)

After a goalless hour at Betis, Barca scored four in 10 minutes to seal victory. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez set up that win and were also superb on Wednesday as Barca reached the Copa del Rey semis.

Click to Flip

Last week: 5-0 vs. Real Betis (A; La Liga), 2-0 vs. Espanyol (H; Copa del Rey)

Manchester City (+1)

City got back to winning ways, thanks largely to Sergio Aguero. The club’s record scorer got a hat trick vs. Newcastle and added another in midweek as Pep Guardiola’s side made the Carabao Cup final.

Click to Flip

Last week: 3-1 vs. Newcastle (H; Premier League), 3-2 vs. Bristol City (A; Carabao Cup)

Bayern Munich (+1)

With an attacking line-up, Bayern almost paid for defensive lapses as relegation-threatened Werder Bremen took the lead. The champions, however, hit back to win 4-2, with Thomas Muller scoring twice.

Click to Flip

Last week: 4-2 vs. Werder Bremen (H; Bundesliga)

Paris Saint-Germain (-2)

Trouble in PSG’s paradise? Without Neymar, Unai Emery’s side fell to defeat at Lyon — thanks to Memphis Depay’s superb winner — and a midweek cup win will do little to ease Parisian disquiet.

Click to Flip

Last week: 1-2 vs. Lyon (A; Ligue 1), 4-2 vs. Guingamp (H; Coupe de France)

Porto (no change)

It was a mixed week for the Portuguese giants, who went top in the league after they won and Sporting drew, but then were knocked out of the League Cup by their rivals from Lisbon.

Click to Flip

Last week: 1-0 vs. Tondela (H; Primeira Liga), 0-0 (lost on penalties) vs. Sporting (A; Taca da Liga)

Juventus (no change)

Under pressure after Napoli’s victory on Sunday, Juventus edged to a narrow win — their fifth straight in league play — the next day. Douglas Costa got the winner with his first goal since October.

Click to Flip

Last week: 1-0 vs. Genoa (H; Serie A)

Manchester United (no change)

Burnley away is not easy for any side and Jose Mourinho’s men only secured victory with a fine Anthony Martial goal and solid defence. United didn’t make any other headlines last week, did they?

Click to Flip

Last week: 1-0 vs. Burnley (A; Premier League)

Napoli (+2)

Dries Mertens scored a vital winner as the Serie A leaders beat Atalanta. Maurizio Sarri’s men still lead Juventus by one point and have three of their next four league games at their San Paolo home.

Click to Flip

Last week: 1-0 vs. Atalanta (A; Serie A)

Shakhtar Donetsk (new)

Paulo Fonseca’s side have a three-point lead in the Ukrainian league, which resumes in mid-February. The big question is whether, when it does, Man City target Fred will still be a Shakhtar player.

Click to Flip

Last week: Did not play

PSV Eindhoven (new)

The Eredivisie leaders began the second half of the Dutch season with a win at Heracles, thanks to Luuk de Jong’s winner in the 93rd minute. PSG lead second-placed Ajax by five points.

Click to Flip

Last week: 2-1 vs. Heracles (A; Eredivisie)

Gulati: World’s Perception of Trump, USA Factors in

2026 World Cup Bid Vote

By BRIAN STRAUS January 19, 2018

PHILADELPHIA — His presidency ending in large part because of the blowback that followed the failure to advance to this summer’s World Cup, Sunil Gulati said Thursday that he’s now spending 90% of his “waking hours” on ensuring the USA qualifies as host in 2026.Gulati’s 12-year-run as the head of the U.S. Soccer Federation will end Feb. 10. But he remains on the FIFA Council, and for the next five months, he’ll be chairing the bid committee trying to bring the 2026 tournament to the USA, Canada and Mexico. FIFA members will decide between the “United Bid” and Morocco on June 13, and the result of that vote will have a significant impact on Gulati’s legacy (among other things).The North American partners appear to be heavy favorites thanks to their stadiums, infrastructure, size and economic potential (especially considering FIFA’s current financial and sponsorship concerns). But there are always other factors in play. On its own, the USA lost out to Qatar for the right to host in 2022 for reasons that appeared to have little to do with infrastructure, and Gulati acknowledged here Thursday that he’s once again wary of the intangibles.“This will be a tough battle,” he said during a Q&A at the United Soccer Coaches convention. “This is not only about our stadiums and our hotels and all that. It’s about perceptions of America and it’s a difficult time in the world. So, there’s only certain things we control. We can’t control what happens with the 38th parallel in Korea. We can’t control what happens with embassies in Tel Aviv. We can’t control what happens with climate change accords. We do the best we can. We have the support of Washington … we’ll now have to go out and convince what will eventually be 104 [FIFA members] to vote for us.“This won’t be easy.”The partnership with Canada and Mexico—which would see the USA host 60 games in the expanded 48-team competition while its neighbors each host 10—seems to be a savvy hedge against potential concerns about Donald Trump’s administration. But, as Gulati said, politics and the USA’s global image remain issues. The World Cup host will be decided with an election, after all.Gulati has been keeping an eye on this potential pitfall since before Trump took office.“I think the world’s perception is affected by who’s in the White House, yes, and so it has some bearing,” Gulati said in June 2016 when discussing the World Cup bid. “I think having somebody in the White House that gives a the country an outward-looking view and a personality that’s more easily accepted around the world is positive for the United States, and then more specifically for hosting events here and our general image from a sports perspective. But it’s far beyond sports.”In December, Gulati said, “An important part of what we’re doing has got very little to do with the sport, frankly. It’s a lot to do with the [three] countries. … So the message that hopefully this sends about relationships and international relationships is extraordinarily important.”The final bid books and proposals are due to FIFA on March 16. There are 32 cities currently under consideration to host matches, comprising 25 in the USA, four in Canada and three in Mexico. If the United Bid is successful, decisions on host cities likely won’t be made until 2021.

Indy Eleven coach Martin Rennie has a lot to do in a hurry

Kevin Johnston, Special to IndyStarPublished 10:30 p.m. ET Jan. 18, 2018 | Updated 1:24 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2018

CONNECTTWEETLINKEDINCOMMENTEMAILMORE

ew Indy Eleven coach Martin Rennie should probably have an asterisk beside his official title. Well, both he and holdover assistant coach Trevor James: *technical director.Some clubs have a lone individual filling the role, while others rely on a general manager or other front office employees to perform the job duties. While it’s certainly not unheard of for a coach to double as technical director — see Jurgen Klinsmann during his U.S. national team tenure or Sporting Kansas City’s Peter Vermes — it certainly puts more on a coach’s plate and adds pressure.For the last year and a half. that’s been the case for the Indy Eleven, since former team president and soccer startup junkie Peter Wilt left the club toward the end of the 2016 spring season. Wilt possesses an advanced soccer acumen, which helped ease the workloads of former coaches. Ex-manager Tim Hankinson and then-assistant coach Tim Regan began having to take the reins in other areas upon Wilt’s departure.Wilt told IndyStar that while he unequivocally gave final say on player decisions to the coach, he took on quite an active role in scouting, networking with agents and overseeing player signings.“I find the type of players (the coach) wants, and then negotiate to try to get them at a price that makes sense for building a team,” Wilt explained of the dynamic during his time in Indy. “I make recommendations based on my knowledge and experience, but really it was (the coach) who had final say.”Wilt was replaced by current team president Jeff Belskus, whose background is in auto racing, having previously served as president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corp. and its mothership, Hulman & Co. Unlike Wilt, Belskus had no background in professional soccer prior to joining the front office. Belskus’ limitations place the majority of the technical director responsibilities squarely on the coaching staff.It’s a role that Rennie is prepared for, however. Rennie confirmed that he and James will team up to assume the technical director responsibilities just like Hankinson, Regan and James did over the past year and a half.”Yeah, that’s right,” Rennie said. “We’re working on it and we’ve put a lot of time into it, networking and speaking to a lot of people we know.”I’ve built a lot of good connections over the years, and I believe built a good reputation for taking care of players and helping them develop in their careers. It’s exciting to see the players and people who want to be a part of Indy Eleven.”While the Eleven are newbies to the United Soccer League (USL), Rennie certainly isn’t.The veteran Scottish manager coached from 2007-11 for the now-defunct Cleveland City Stars of the former USL Second Division and the Carolina RailHawks, who re-branded to North Carolina FC, in the then-USL First Division.Wilt, who’s currently forming a league, the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), added that he felt Indy’s jump to the USL was a practical one.“The move to USL will give Indy Eleven much-needed stability,” he said. “So I’m happy for the club in that regard.”Though the Eleven haven’t officially announced any roster moves this offseason, Rennie hopes to have players signed and in training around Feb. 7.

REINER FERREIRA, BRAD RUSIN, KEVIN VENEGAS SIGN WITH INDY ELEVEN

By IndyEleven.com, 01/25/18, 2:30PM EST

Veteran defenders lay foundation for 2018 roster

Indy Eleven Professional Soccer announces the signings of 2017 NASL Best XI defender Reiner Ferreira, and MLS veterans Brad Rusin and Kevin Venegas to the 2018 roster pending league registration.“I’m pleased to let Indy Eleven fans know we have our first new signings for the 2018 squad,” Indy Eleven Head Coach Martin Rennie said. “These players bring exceptional professional soccer experience and position expertise that will form the nucleus we need to build a dynamic and exciting team.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining Indy Eleven,” said former San Francisco Deltas defender Ferreira. “The feeling of winning a championship is incomparable and Coach Dos Santos and I know that firsthand from last year’s success in the NASL.” Ferreira led San Francisco’s back line all year long, starting in 31 games and finishing as the league leader in interceptions with 86.

Rusin, who was born in Crown Point, Indiana, has 73 appearances under Coach Rennie during stints with North Carolina in the USL and Vancouver in MLS. Most recently, Rusin spent time with Miami FC as part of their stellar defending corps that led the NASL in goals against in 2017.
“It’s quite special to come back home to the state I was born and raised in to play for Indy Eleven and its great fans,” said Rusin. “I’m excited to get to work on making 2018 a memorable year for soccer in Indianapolis.”Venegas joins the “Boys in Blue” after spending the last six seasons with Minnesota United FC. The right back was one of the first two Major League Soccer signings in Minnesota United FC history and in 2015 earned a spot in the NASL Best XI.
“I am very excited and anxious to play for Indy Eleven,” said Venegas. “I can’t wait to contribute to an already highly competitive club and hear the support of the Brickyard Battalion every weekend.”

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of the Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com , Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

1/19/18 Indy 11 New Coach, Eric Dick 13th Pick in MLS Draft to KC, US Ladies play Sun – Men next Sun; Man City vs New Castle Sat 12:30 NBC leads TV Game slate

January 19, 2018January 29, 2018 gatorbest

So interesting month for our Indy 11 – as they announce moving to a new league – USL, MOVING to Lucas Oil Stadium, and hire a New Head Coach for the new season. Martin Rennie seems like a pretty experienced coach – having coached in every professional level in the US. The PDL, USL, NASL and MLS. His time in MLS was with Vancouver Whitecaps from 2011-2013 where he took them to the playoffs, while also winning a Cascadia Cup and reaching 2 Canadian Cup Finals in his 3 years there. I for one am excited to be in the USL with local matchups against Cincy, Louisville and Nashville now on the docket along with some stalwarts like the Tampa Bay Rowdies and NC. The first game has been set for Sat, March 31^st vs FC Cincy (spring break for me of course –oh well). I for one am excited for the move to Lucas Oil.

Huge CONGRATS to former Carmel Dad’s Club and Carmel High School star Goalkeeper Eric Dick who was picked 13th in the MLS Superdraft today by Sporting Kansas City. Dick was the Goalkeeper of Year in the Big East this season at Butler. I will try to update other IU and local players next week.

Moving overseas it was nice to see Man City finally take a loss in the EPL as Liverpool hung 4 on them and had a 4-1 lead before finally hanging on and winning 4-3 at Anfield last weekend. Man City is going to win the league but it was nice to see they aren’t invincible. For Liverpool it keeps them in the top 4 in a very tight race for Champions League spots. Not a ton of marquee games on the docket this weekend. Man City does host New Castle United and US left back Deandre Yedlin on Saturday at 12:30 pm on NBC, while Brighton host Chelsea at 7:30 am and Man United travel to Burnley at 10 am on NBCSN. Arsenal host Crystal Palace fresh off their collapse last weekend at 10 am on CNBC. Perhaps the best game is on Friday as Dortmund travels to Hertha at 2:30 pm on Fox Sport 1 with Christian Pulisic slated to return off injury for Friday’s match. And of course on Wednesday Arsenal will host Chelsea this time at 3 pm on ESPN2 in League Cup play. (they played to a 0-0 tie at Chelsea last round- so winner advances).

Excited to see the US Ladies play this Sunday night vs Denmark on ESPN at 7:30 pm – the US team honoring former US Goalkeeper Hope Solo should be interesting. Despite her battles with US soccer and her coaches and everyone else – there is no denying she was the best female goalkeeper in the world for a long time – maybe ever. Of course a super young US team will take the field next Sunday night at 9:30 pm on Fox Sports 1 vs Bosnia & Herzegovina. Also next week US Soccer will choose a new President – a few stories below on the leaders to win that spot.

Indy 11

Indy 11 Hire former Vancouver Coach Martin Rennie to Lead Jump into USL – Dakota Crawford – Indy Star

Indy 11 Sign New Coach – Martin Rennie –

Opinion – Potential Hang-Ups in Indy 11 Lucas Oil Deal – Kevin Johnston – Soctakes.com

Indy 11 in Eastern Division in USL with Louisville, Cincy, Nashville, Atlanta, TB, and more- soctakes.com

Indy 11 parts ways with Eamon Zayed

MLS

Former Carmel Dad’s Club and Carmel High School GK Eric Dick is 13^th Pick in MLS Draft to Sporting KC

Schweinsteiger Returns to Chicago

USA

USSF Presidential Candidates answer ESPN Questions –

Question and Answer Interviews with all the US Soccer Prez candidates

Pulisic Returns to Game Action on Friday for Dortmund – SI

Landon Donovans Comeback to play for Leon in Liga MX Feels Different – Jeff Carlisle ESPNFC

Leon Coach calls Donovan a Winner

What to Expect of Donovans Return to Action – SI – Grant Wahl

Check out the New Players on the US Men’s Roster for Jan 28^th game – US Soccer

See the U20 US Men moving to the Full National Team – us Soccer

5 Things to Know about Denmark playing US Ladies 1/21 7:30 pm ESPN

Jan Camp leading into Sunday Night’s Game – starts big year for US Ladies – US Soccer video

US Ladies to honor Hope Solo at Denmark game Sunday Night on ESPN 9 pm

WORLD

Power Rankings– Barca back top, PSG up, Man City Falls

Will Renaldo leave Real Madrid? Dermot Corrigan EPSNFC

Gap Between Superclubs and Rivals must Be Addressed – Gab Marcotti

EPL

Is Pressing the Key to Beating Man City ESPNFC

Tottenham recalls US defender Carter – Vickers

Liverpool needs longturn answer at GK

Top Story Lines – Week 24

GAMES ON TV

Fri, Jan 19

2:30 pm Fox Sports 1 Herta BSC vs Borussia Dortmund (Pulisic)

Sat, Jan 20

7:30 am NBCSN Brighton vs Chelsea

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Leverkusen

10 am beIN Sport Real Madrid vs La Coruna

10 am NBCSN Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

12:30 pm NBCSN Man City vs New Castle (Yedlin)

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Schalke

Sun, Jan 21

9:30 am FS1 Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen

11 am NBCSN Southampton vs Tottenham

12:30 FS2 schalke vs hannover

2:45 pm beIN Sport real Betis vs Barcelona

7:30 pm ESPN US LADIES vs DENMARK

Mon, Jan 22

3 pm NBCSN Swansea City vs Liverpool

Wed, Jan 24

3 pm EsPN2 ? Chelsea vs Arsenal League Cup

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Munich

9:30 am FS2> Borussia Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Freiburg

10 am beIN Sport Valencia cs Real Madrid

9:30 am FS1 Bayern Leverkusen vs Mainz

2:45 pm beIN Sport Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves

9:30 pm FS1 USA Men vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Tues, Jan 30

2:45 pm NBCSN Swansea vs Arsenal

3 pm NBCSN?? Huddersfield Town vs Liverpool?

Weds, Jan 31

2:45 pm NBCSN Tottenham vs Manchester United

Fri, Feb 1

2:30 pm FS1 Kiohl vs Dortmund (Pulisic)

Sat, Feb 2

7:30 am NBCSN Burnley vs Man City

9:30 am FS 1 Mainz vs Bayer Munich

10 am NBCSN Man United vs Huddersfield (Williams)

12:30 pm NBCSN Aresnal vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Borussia Mgladbach (Johnson)

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Lavente

9:15 am NBcSN Crystal Palace vs New Castle (Yedlin)

9:30 am FS1 Franfurt vs Augsburg

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Tottenham

2:45 pm beIN Sport Atletico Madrid vs Valencia

Thurs, Mar 1

7 pm ESPN2 US Ladies vs Germany (She Believes Cup @ MAPFREE Stadium Columbus, OH)

Read All the stories online – at www.theoleballcoach.com

Indy Eleven hires former Vancouver Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie to lead jump to USL

Dakota Crawford, dakota.crawford@indystar.comPublished 12:42 p.m. ET Jan. 16, 2018

Now firmly planted in the United Soccer League, the Indy Eleven announced the hire of a new head coach Tuesday. Martin Rennie, a Thurso, Scotland native, will take over the Eleven after most recently helping to launch an expansion team in Seoul, South Korea.Before that he had coached in the Premier Development League, USL, North American Soccer League (where the Eleven played last year) and Major League Soccer.“Experienced candidates were a focal point of our search, and few coaches have the domestic and international experience that Martin Rennie does,” Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir said in a release. “On behalf of the Indy Eleven family I want to welcome Martin, his wife Amy and their family, to Indianapolis and look forward to them receiving the support of the most passionate fans in North America.”Rennie coached the PDL’s Cascade Surge starting in 2005. He led that team to a 12-2-2 record while winning the North West Division Title.He then coached the PDL’s Cleveland City Stars for two seasons, winning a USL title along the way.His next stop was with the Carolina RailHawks, who had only made the USL playoffs once prior to his arrival. He quickly turned the team around and jumped up to the MLS after three seasons.The peak of his coaching career was 2011-13, when he coached the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, leading them to the playoffs in his first season. He was fired in 2013 after compiling a 24-25-19 record in league play and a 28-27-22 mark overall, which set him up to take on the opportunity with Seoul E-Land.“It’s an honor to be selected to lead Indy Eleven in their inaugural USL season,” Rennie said in a release. “My coaching experience through the professional ranks here in North America, as well as coaching internationally, has prepared me for this opportunity. I look forward to leading a great team that Indiana fans can be proud of, both on and off the field.”

RENNIE TO LEAD INDY ELEVEN AS HEAD COACH

By IndyEleven.com, 01/16/18, 11:45AM EST

Scottish native draws on success from Major League Soccer (MLS) ranks and international coaching experience

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (January 16, 2018) – Indy Eleven Professional Soccer has concluded the search for its next head coach by officially welcoming Martin Rennie to the technical staff of “Indiana’s Team.” “Experienced candidates were a focal point of our search, and few coaches have the domestic and international experience that Martin Rennie does,” Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir said. “On behalf of the Indy Eleven family I want to welcome Martin, his wife Amy and their family, to Indianapolis and look forward to them receiving the support of the most passionate fans in North America.”
“It’s an honor to be selected to lead Indy Eleven in their inaugural USL season,” stated Martin Rennie. “I’m grateful to owner Ersal Ozdemir and President Jeff Belskus to have this wonderful opportunity to join Indy Eleven and continue to build on the success of soccer in Indianapolis and throughout the State of Indiana,” said Rennie. “My coaching experience through the professional ranks here in North America, as well as coaching internationally, has prepared me for this opportunity. I look forward to leading a great team that Indiana fans can be proud of, both on and off the field.”
“I’m excited to be adding such a well-qualified candidate that understands what it takes to be a winner,” said Jeff Belskus, President of Indy Eleven. “Martin’s knowledge, leadership, and experience are the qualities needed to help Indy Eleven succeed in our inaugural USL season. We look forward to working with Martin to build a team Indiana soccer fans will be proud to support.”
Rennie was born in Thurso, Scotland and graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University in 1996. Rennie began his soccer-coaching career in 2007. He has spent the last ten years coaching soccer in the US, Canada and Korea. He is the only coach to have worked his way through the North American soccer pyramid having been a Head Coach in the PDL, USL, NASL and MLS, taking only 5 years to transition through the professional ranks. Rennie holds many prestigious coaching qualifications including the UEFA Pro License. The UEFA Pro License is the highest coaching qualification available anywhere in the world and has afforded Rennie the opportunity to learn from some of the most highly decorated coaches and leaders in the world of soccer.Rennie has built a winning team everywhere that he has been. He coached the Cascade Surge to a North West Division Title in 2005, the Cleveland City Stars to a USL Championship and a 2nd placed finish during 2007-2008, and the Carolina RailHawks to two 1st and one 2nd place positions during 2009-2011. Rennie capped that off his ladder of success while coaching the Vancouver Whitecaps during 2011-2013, when the first Canadian team in MLS history reached the Playoffs while also winning a Cascadia Cup and reaching two Canadian Cup Finals.In 2014, Rennie was given the unique opportunity to build an expansion team in Seoul, South Korea. Seoul E-Land competed in the highly competitive K League where his young team performed beyond all expectations with a 3rd place finish in the first season.

Per club policy, terms of the contract that bring the former North American Soccer League and Major League Soccer veteran coach to the Indy Eleven sideline will not be released.

About Indy Eleven Professional Soccer
Since its launch in 2013, Indy Eleven’s mission – “To win championships with and for the community” – has stayed true to its aim of fielding a team that represents the State of Indiana proudly on and off the field. The 2018 season marks the fifth year of play for Indy Eleven and its first year to compete in the United Soccer League (USL), a professional soccer league based in the United States and Canada. On January 31, 2017, Indy Eleven submitted a bid for an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS), the First Division of pro soccer in the United States and Canada as recognized by U.S. Soccer.

USL announces 2018 conference alignment

January 12, 2018 – soc Takes

After a few offseason changes to its stable of clubs, the United Soccer League (USL) revealed its conference alignment for 2018 on Friday morning.

With 33 total teams, the league will be divided up into 16 sides in the Eastern Conference and 17 in the Western Conference. The Mississippi River separates the two divisions, with Saint Louis FC becoming the eastern-most team in the Western Conference, and Nashville SC the western-most squad in the Eastern Conference.The Eastern Conference will consist of ATL UTD 2, Bethlehem Steel FC, Charleston Battery, Charlotte Independence, FC Cincinnati, Indy Eleven, Louisville City FC, Nashville SC, New York Red Bulls II, North Carolina FC, Ottawa Fury FC, Penn FC, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Richmond Kickers, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Toronto FC II.The Western Conference will include Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Fresno FC, LA Galaxy II, Las Vegas Lights FC, OKC Energy FC, Orange County SC, Phoenix Rising FC, Portland Timbers 2, Real Monarchs SLC, Reno 1868 FC, Rio Grande Valley FC, Sacramento Republic FC, Saint Louis FC, San Antonio FC, Seattle Sounders FC 2, Swope Park Rangers and Tulsa Roughnecks FC.The league also confirmed Friday that Orlando City B will not partake in the 2018 season. The USL schedule is expected to be released in the very near future.

Opinion: Potential hang-ups in Indy Eleven’s Lucas Oil Stadium deal

January 16, 2018by Kevin Johnston – SocTakes

INDIANAPOLIS — The antiquated confines of IUPUI’s Michael A. Carroll Stadium have served as the home of the Indy Eleven since their inaugural 2014 campaign. For all the charm “The Mike” possesses, the beyond-dated venue has some significant drawbacks.A lack of proper locker room facilities and sufficient plumbing negatively affect both the players and fans. The nearest showers are across the street at the Indiana University Natatorium, while standing “water” is too often a staple of the built-in restrooms fans use behind the grandstand. Using on-site portable toilets is the other option. No brick-and-mortar concessions nor kitchens exist on the premises. There’s also no true concourse for fans to seek shelter during foul weather.Alas, the USL-bound Indy Eleven are now in talks to call Lucas Oil Stadium their home pitch. And oddly enough, the pitch itself might be one of the hang-ups currently stalling an agreement between the two parties. The club’s former public relations and communications director John Koluder recalled a FIFA compliance issue with the stadium’s turf, which was designed specifically for American football.In 2013, Chelsea bested Inter Milan 2-0 at the $720 million mega-stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, that comfortably seats over 62,000 with the potential to hold up to 70,000 for some events. The match, part of the International Champions Cup, drew nearly 42,000 supporters. The caveat? Natural grass was brought in for the match, a move that’s likely too expensive to even be in play for the Eleven. An artificial surface is the only practical option.

The city’s Capital Improvement Board (CIB), which operates Lucas Oil Stadium, might be unwilling to pay for an expensive, entirely-new surface that satisfies FIFA regulations, leaving the Eleven in a pricey quandary. In addition to purchasing the new turf, there are likely substantial labor costs associated with installing and uninstalling the surface to alternate from football to fútbol.

FIFA bylaws state that an artificial playing surface “must meet the requirements of the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf or the International Artificial Turf Standard, unless special dispensation is given by FIFA.” The criteria outlined in the FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf is quite complex, and it’s unclear which specific categories the current Lucas Oil Stadium turf isn’t up to par in.

Moreover, potential NFL scheduling conflicts will need to be manuevered around. The NFL won’t release its 2018 schedule until April, which further complicates matters.

Standard overhead costs — what some might think present the most sizable obstacle in the deal — may actually be reasonable given the two parties were unlikely to sit at the negotiating table in the first place were they not.While a move to Lucas Oil Stadium would be a massive upgrade for the club, a couple hurdles still need to be leaped for that to happen. But it’s entirely possible if a few kinks are worked out.The Indy Eleven will make their USL debut March 24 on the road against the Richmond Kickers before hosting FC Cincinnati in their March 31 home opener — in whichever stadium the financial and political winds take them.Soc Takes staff writer Aaron Gunyon contributed to this story.Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KJboxing.

Read all the Stories on The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

Landon Donovan’s latest comeback, in Liga MX, feels different to past returns

Jan 13, 2018

Jeff CarlisleSoccer

The first time Landon Donovan came out of retirement, the response was, “What took you so long?” Now that Donovan is doing it again, the question is just, “Why?”Donovan announced late Friday night that he would be signing for Liga MX side Leon at the not-so-tender age of 35. On one level the reason is obvious: For just about every soccer player who ever laced up boots, the itch to get on the field and compete never goes away. The legs and the lungs may not comply, but that competitive instinct rarely abates, even for a player such as Donovan who has nothing left to prove. Of course, looking at the entirety of Donovan’s career, that itch to play professional soccer has sometimes seemed more like a rash — or even worse, something uncomfortable that he would just as soon not put up with. Mentally, he was done when he retired for the first time following the 2014 season, burned out on a game that had ceased giving him enjoyment. Later, he candidly and bravely admitted to suffering from depression. The overriding sentiment was that, being just 32 at the time, he still had plenty to give; so when he came back, it wasn’t a surprise.When he retired for the second time, following his comeback in 2016, it was more about his body not being able to put up with the rigors of professional soccer. One of Donovan’s more underrated strengths throughout his career has been his durability, but a hamstring injury forced him out of the Galaxy’s final playoff game that season. He also looked like a player who had accumulated a fair bit of rust during his nearly two-year retirement.Circumstances with the Galaxy also played a factor in his second retirement. When manager Bruce Arena — the “Donovan Whisperer” if there ever was one — left the Galaxy for the U.S. men’s national team, it would have meant playing under a new manager on a team headed in a decidedly different direction. There were rumblings last season that Donovan might end up with Real Salt Lake — and RSL certainly wanted him, but he ended up saying no thanks.And that seemed like the end. Much like he did following his first foray into retirement, Donovan then settled into a life of family and broadcasting work, as well as working on San Diego’s MLS expansion. He seemed content.Now Donovan has come back again, and this time, it feels different. It also seems to carry with it a lot more downside risk. Granted, it’s not only a new team, but also a new league, one that he nearly jumped to back in 2009 when Club America made a strong bid to bring him to Mexico. That can be invigorating, of course: it’s a new kind of adventure for a player who, while reviled south of the border for the way he tormented Mexico’s national team, commanded immense respect. It also seems likely that Donovan won’t be counted on to be the kind of difference-maker he was earlier in his career.That said, this is still Landon Donovan we’re talking about. Expectations have followed him around from the moment he burst on the U.S. soccer scene as a teenager with the U.S. under-17 national team. At times, they’ve been suffocating. They may not weigh as heavy with Leon, but they will be there. Given the intense rivalry between the U.S. and Mexico, it seems as though opponents will like nothing better than to get a piece of Donovan.Yet none of that is stopping Donovan, who clearly hasn’t gotten his desire to play out of his system. He likely never will, either.

U.S. Soccer to honor Hope Solo for 200th cap in match vs. Denmark in San Diego

The controversial keeper’s contributions to U.S. Soccer are beyond question

by Kevin SkiverJan 11, 2018 1 min read

Hope Solo has been through a lot of off-field controversy during her tenure as the goalkeeper for U.S. Women’s National Team, but her legacy on the pitch is one of the best in the world. On Jan. 21, in a match against Denmark in San Diego, U.S. soccer will honor Solo for her 200th cap with the team. Solo, widely regarded as the best keeper in women’s soccer history, has a record of 153-11-27 between the posts.She has earned 202 caps to this point in her career and has started 195 matches. She has played in three World Cups for the USWNT, in addition to three Olympic appearances. In that span, the USWNT won the 2015 World Cup and claimed gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.Solo is one of just 11 USA players to reach 200 caps, and 10th all-time. No. 200 came on Aug. 6, 2016, at the 2016 Olympics against France. The match was a shutout for Solo, as the United States won 1-0. Solo has pitched 102 shutouts in goal for the United States, easily the most all-time.

All things told, Solo has averaged 0.54 goals against per match in her 202 matches. The match against Denmark at San Diego Country Credit Union Stadium will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

2017 U-20 WORLD CUP VETS RISING TO MNT FUTURE IN 2018 JANUARY CAMP

Jan 18, 2018

For the U.S. Men’s National Team right now, it’s all about the future. There’s no better punctuation of that theme than the composition of the current January Camp roster.Upon the opening of camp last week, 21 of the 29 invitees were aged 24 and under. Fifteen of are uncapped and 10 have joined the MNT for the first time.Clearly youth is the movement for the senior side, and the promise in the Youth National Team program is also showing through in this camp as 12 players on the roster have represented the U.S. at a Youth World Cup. Two more players – Russell Canouse and Kelyn Rowe — were part of qualifying rosters during their respective youth team cycles.Perhaps most instructive is the fact that four players from the USA roster at 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup are present in Carson, Calif.: Danny Acosta, Tyler Adams, Justen Glad and Brooks Lennon.
Part of the first U.S. team to win the CONCACAF Championship at the U-20 level, they’re the initial crop from a group which ran to the quarterfinals in Korea Republic last summer to cycle into the senior team. Most certainly, they will not be the last. “From the beginning, we knew we had a talented group,” Acosta, a dual national with the U.S. and Honduras, told ussoccer.com “We had a team that worked hard for each other, represented our country well and showed that the future is bright for our national team program.”At age 18, Adams is the youngest of the rising U-20 quartet, but has some seniority in that he already earned his senior team debut in the MNT’s 1-1 draw with Portugal last November. Long involved in the Youth National Team program, the New York Red Bulls utility man recalled an instance during his time with the U-17 MNT in agreeing with Acosta’s assessment.“When I was in residency, I remember our U-17s scrimmaging the U-20 MNT,” Adams said. “At the time, the U-20 team had Rubio Rubin, Russell Canouse, Marky Delgado, Matt Miazga, Kellyn Acosta. Our U-17 team had myself, Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. It’s nice to see we were all on the field at the same time and respectively everyone’s doing a good job at their club. Now were coming together making a rise with the National Team. That’s pretty cool as well.”One of the underlying themes for the youthful MNT players in this camp and moving forward is taking the first steps in getting the senior team back on track towards Qatar in 2022.“Every time you wear the crest, it’s a responsibility,” Acosta said. “We didn’t make the World Cup. We’re sad about that, we’re disappointed, but it’s a new start for everyone. I feel a responsibility now to help push things forward, and I would say the 28 other guys in this camp feel the same way.”

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION (Club; Caps/Goals):
GOALKEEPERS (4): Alex Bono (Toronto FC/CAN; 0/0), Bill Hamid (Midtjylland/DEN; 4/0), Cody Cropper (New England Revolution; 0/0), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC; 0/0)

DEFENDERS (9): Danny Acosta (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 0/0), Justin Morrow (Toronto FC/CAN; 3/0), Ike Opara (Sporting Kansas City; 0/0), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC/CAN; 0/0), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Brandon Vincent (Chicago Fire; 1/0), Walker Zimmerman (Los Angeles Football Club; 1/0)

MIDFIELDERS (11): Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls; 1/0), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 15/2), Russell Canouse (D.C. United; 0/0), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC/CAN; 0/0), Marlon Hairston (Colorado Rapids; 0/0), Ian Harkes (D.C. United; 0/0), Brooks Lennon (Real Salt Lake; 0/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 1/0), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution; 3/1), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 2/0), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy; 37/6)

FORWARDS (6): Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution; 27/3), Dom Dwyer (Orlando City SC; 4/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC; 24/5), Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United FC; 0/0), Rubio Rubin (Unattached; 4/0), CJ Sapong (Philadelphia Union; 3/0)

Read all the Stories on The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

Gap between superclubs like Man United, Real Madrid and rivals must be addressed

2:25 PM ETGabriele Marcotti

UEFA’s Annual Benchmarking Report, released Tuesday, confirmed what many suspected: the rich are getting richer and leaving the merely well-off far behind. This is perhaps the most stark observation from the hefty study — it runs to 126 pages — of top-flight club football in every league across the continent. If you’re even a little bit wonk-ish, the Benchmarking Report, which is compiled from licensing, transfer and financial data, some of it accessible only to UEFA), makes a fascinating read, filled with all sorts of interesting nuggets.

For example, the median commission paid to agents in the 2000-odd transfers analysed by UEFA stands at around 13 percent. Sometimes it’s lower and sometimes it’s much higher: in fact, there were 28 deals where the transfer fee was more than €10 million ($12.2 million) and the commission was more than 50 percent. Nice work if you can get it.Then there’s the fact that overall, the game is in pretty decent health. In 2011, European clubs recorded operating losses of €382 million while the most recent data available shows operating profits of €832 million.Look at bottom-line losses, which include a host of other elements like transfer income/costs and taxes, and they’ve gone from €1,670 million to €269 million in just six years. Indeed, 70 percent of top-flight clubs from Europe’s big five leagues reported bottom-line profits. Financial Fair Play regulations (first introduced, not a coincidence, in 2011) may have their flaws, but there’s little argument that they’ve contributed to keeping costs down and turning European football into an industry capable of growing at a 10 percent clip annually.

But the single biggest takeaway is confirmation of what we’ve known for a long time. The game is fractured and polarized between the super-rich and everybody else. Most are better off, but the 1 percenters are a lot better off.This is happening both on a macro level across Europe and in individual leagues. Take wages, which correlate to success on the pitch as you’d expect. There are 10 clubs with wage bills of €221 million ($270 million) or above. Then there’s a €60 million ($73.3 million) gap with the club in 11th place (AC Milan, as it happens).Could €60 million in salaries per season buy you a decent amount of manpower? Say a Cristiano Ronaldo plus an Alexis Sanchez? Probably. But the massive disparity exists within individual leagues as well. The top four in England have an average wage bill that is almost twice as high as the next four. In Italy and Germany, it’s more than twice as high; in Spain a whopping three-and-a-half times as high.Go further down the food chain and the picture gets worse. In Portugal, the top three spend (on average) seven times as much on wages as those ranked fourth to sixth. In Scotland, the top two (Celtic and Rangers) pay their guys nearly five times as much as the next two.The reason this disparity exists isn’t rocket science. It’s down to revenue, mostly commercial revenue. Nine clubs earn at least €25 million ($30.5 million) from shirt sponsorship. Another 20 are between €3 million ($3.6 million) and €25 m million ($30.5 million). Everybody else earns less than €3 million, often much less.Or take kit deals: Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid all earn more than €75 million ($91.5 million), which in some cases is 100 times more than some of their rivals in their very same leagues. The top 12 clubs by commercial income (which includes sponsorship) saw their revenues double in the past six years. The other 88 clubs in the top 100 saw far more modest increases, on average less than 25 percent.And this gap is getting bigger and bigger and bigger.

It used to be that broadcast revenue was the big discriminant, the real difference maker between the haves and have-nots. That’s still true on a league-by-league basis: the average Premier league club receives more than twice what the average Italian club gets (Serie A has the second biggest contract) and 28 times as much as the average Dutch side (the Eredivisie ranks eighth, for reference).But within the leagues, thanks to centralized collective deals, the earnings gap has in part been eroded. The top earning club in England gets roughly 1.3 times as much as the median club while in Spain, the multiple is 4.1. That’s highest among major leagues but a lot lower and more equitable than it once was: indeed, it’s interesting to note that if La Liga’s method for awarding TV money were used in the Premier League, a method skewed more towards rewarding historical results and the size of a club’s fanbase, Manchester United’s broadcast revenues would shoot up from €146 million ($178.7 million) to a whopping €362 million ($443.2 million).The real secret to the club’s dominance is that they are massive universal brands that have learned to monetize their fan base at a time when the game is as globalised as it ever was and as new money is flowing into it. In many ways, that gives the big clubs a perpetual advantage because while some fans are fickle, most aren’t going to withdraw their support.Consider Manchester United. They haven’t won the Champions League since 2007-08 or Premier League since 2012-13; they’ve generally been underwhelming since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Yet guess what? They have the highest revenues in football and the second-highest wage bill. They built up a heck of a lot of credit with their success in the previous 25 years and those fans aren’t going away any time soon.Being a universal brand generates a virtuous cycle of success: because you’re rich, famous and successful, folks will flock to you. Sponsors and money soon follow. And, unless you’re a fool who squanders it (and there have been cases…) that will only increase your wealth, fame and success.It’s probably not a coincidence that what the UEFA Benchmarking Report calls “non-wage operating costs” shot up 10 percent last year. Some of that is down to exceptional items and impairments but a lot of it is clubs investing even more in commercial and sponsorship activities. Everybody wants their slice of the pie but the chosen few are already at the table, gorging themselves.Football has always had its rich and poor, its Manchester Uniteds and Huddersfield Towns. But the reality is that more than ever, there’s a glass ceiling and the folks looking down on the plebs are flying around with Iron Man’s jet pack while the plebs below press their noses longingly upwards.People have talked about luxury taxes, salary caps, centralized marketing and even redistributing commercial income along the lines of TV income (like the NFL does). UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin raised the issue last August and mentioned it again in his foreword to the report. It’s basically market engineering along the lines employed to introduce Financial Fair Play.The problem with FFP was that while it achieved one of its goals — namely, turning club ownership from a perpetually loss-making vanity project into a viable, and often profitable, business — it hasn’t done much for making the playing field equitable. But there are tweaks that are worth considering and this report provides plenty of evidence of why we might want to do that. Oh, and provided, of course, that there are enough folks out there who care to make it happen.Frankly, the impression is that between those who are happy to watch their superclub squash the rest of the league, those who support mid-sized teams and make do with the scraps that fall to them (the odd cup run or home draw with a one-percenter) and those who came to the game in the past decade, think this is normal and can’t imagine any other way, it may well be a losing battle.

Top Premier League storylines — Week 24

By Nicholas Mendola Jan 18, 2018, 3:35 PM EST

It’s the first week of the Premier League season which follows a Manchester City league loss, so you know our top storyline of the week is going to begin with Pep Guardiola‘s men.

Just how big of a bounce back will there be for Man City?
Manchester City vs. Newcastle United — 12:30 p.m. ET Saturday on NBC

The manager, who turned 47 on Thursday, saw Liverpool use a frantic second half spell to boost a 4-3 win and end hopes of an unbeaten PL season.And while Jurgen Klopp‘s high press kept them off-kilter for most of the first half and had them rattled early in the second, City still came within a late free kick to finding a point.Enter Newcastle, a club that flustered them at St. James’ Park last month and came within a Dwight Gayle-turned header of finding a point for Christmas.So how angry is City after its first loss of the season? Maybe a better word is motivated, and we expect that City will hang a big number on Rafa Benitez‘s men considering the Spaniard isn’t likely to try to repeat what worked for Klopp.

Wobbly Burnley plays host to sound Manchester United
Burnley vs. Manchester United — 10 a.m. ET Saturday on NBCSN

Jose Mourinho’s men head to Turf Moor with Alexis Sanchez expected to join their side any day and both Liverpool and Chelsea three points behind the Red Devils.Believe it or not, though, the match is more pivotal for the hosts, who are in danger of slipping deep into the back of chasers after their stingy and resolute start to the season had the Clarets aiming for a Top Seven place.Now Leicester is within three of the 7th place Clarets, and Everton is seven back with two big additions in place of need. If Burnley wants to stay in the race for seventh, it needs to get its first win in seven tries. Seven’s the number, you see?

United hasn’t allowed a goal in four matches, dating back to a 2-2 draw on Dec. 26… against Burnley.

Will the Gunners show signs of life after tumultuous week(s)?
Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace — 10 a.m. ET Saturday on CNBC

Arsenal’s first loss in a month turned “unbeaten in seven” to “one win in five,” and Arsene Wenger‘s men look set to lose Alexis Sanchez and have already watched last season’s second-leading scorer, Theo Walcott, skip town for Everton.eanwhile, Palace played the Gunners tight in a 3-2 loss on Dec. 28, and that was the Eagles’ only Premier League loss since a 1-0 defeat at Spurs on Nov. 5.

Is Liverpool going to stay motivated?
Swansea City vs. Liverpool — 3 p.m. ET Monday

On the surface this is silly, especially with Virgil Van Dijk happy to return to the fold. Yet Liverpool has a knack of playing down to its opponents. The Reds are coming off a major win over Manchester City and have the knowledge of a recent battering of cellar-dwelling Swans in their back pocket. Will they rise up on Monday? The national focus could help.

Liverpool’s future at goalkeeper may not currently be on their books

11:16 AM ETDavid Usher

There’s a saying in the NFL that if you have two quarterbacks then you have none. The same applies to goalkeepers. There are exceptions of course, but most successful teams have a top goalkeeper who is a clear and undisputed No. 1.Liverpool are edging closer to becoming a successful team again and solving the uncertainty that surrounds their goalkeeping position could be the biggest remaining hurdle to overcome. They have a top quality attack led by centre-forward Roberto Firmino, they’ve just added a quality central defender in Virgil van Dijk and this summer the centre of their midfield will be strengthened with the arrival of the all-action Naby Keita.A world-class spine is taking shape but the goalkeeper they need to complete it is almost certainly not currently on their books.Simon Mignolet spoke earlier this week about the “not healthy” situation he finds himself in after Jurgen Klopp benched him in favour of Loris Karius for the 4-3 win over Manchester City. Klopp has been rotating his keepers for much of the season but revealed before the City game that, form permitting, Karius would now get a run of games to establish himself as Liverpool’s No. 1.How long that run lasts is anybody’s guess, because Karius has yet to show anything to suggest he can be the long-term solution. Klopp wants to take an extended look at his young compatriot but that will only be possible if his performances justify his selection.Mignolet has been dropped before but he has always regained his place quickly. Brendan Rogers once benched him for Brad Jones but had to do an immediate about-face when the Australian meekly shipped three goals in a loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford in December 2014.History repeated itself a year later when Klopp replaced Mignolet with Adam Bogdan. That short-lived experiment ended when Bogdan dropped the ball at the feet of Nathan Ake just three minutes into what would eventually result in a humbling 3-0 defeat for the Reds at Watford in December 2015.The Belgian responded well to those setbacks but neither Jones nor Bogdan posed a serious threat to his place. With Karius, it’s different. Unlike Jones and Bogdan, Karius was not signed to serve as a backup. Klopp clearly wanted him to be his No. 1 but a preseason injury put that on hold initially.Once Karius regained fitness, he was given the opportunity to make the position his own. It didn’t go well. He looked overawed and after a particularly poor performance at Bournemouth (in December 2016), when the Reds blew a 3-1 lead and lost 4-3, Klopp turned once more to Mignolet.He played well in the second half of last season and helped Liverpool secure a top-four finish. He deservedly began this season as first choice but his grip on the position always felt somewhat tenuous, with Karius being given the nod for Champions League fixtures as well as starting the occasional Premier League game, tooThe sense was that Klopp wanted Karius to be his first choice but in the interest of fairness and consistency he needed Mignolet to “play his way out of the team.” A costly error in a 3-3 draw at Arsenal in — you’ve guessed it — December, seems to have been the watershed moment for the Belgian. Klopp did not drop him immediately as that’s not his style, but that mistake probably made Klopp’s mind up once and for all.Mignolet has hinted that he may need to move on because he cannot be sitting on the bench at this stage of his career, especially with a World Cup place at stake. If it were just a case of seeing off the challenge of Karius, things might be different as that’s a battle he probably feels he can win. Mignolet’s problem is not Karius — it’s the likelihood that Klopp will go out this summer and spend big on a top goalkeeper.Roma’s Alisson Becker and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak are rumoured to be potential summer targets. If either of those were to come in, Mignolet could not compete and at this point in his career probably would not want to.If a club he fancied came in for him this month, it would make sense for Mignolet to leave. It would probably suit Liverpool too, but only if the offer was too good to turn down. Moving Mignolet on in this transfer window might also benefit Karius, who — like Mignolet — has been playing this season with the fear that any mistake could cost him his spot.The risk in selling Mignolet is that Karius might not be up to the job. In that scenario, Klopp would be forced to turn to Danny Ward. In the eyes of many supporters that would be no bad thing, but it would undoubtedly be a gamble due to the Welshman’s lack of top-level experience.If nothing happens and Mignolet is still at Anfield when this transfer window closes, don’t bet against him regaining his place before the end of the season. Beyond that though, his future almost certainly lies elsewhere as Liverpool are ready to compete at a level where good is no longer enough. They need great.

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of the Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com , Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com

1/12/18 Its Official – Indy 11 USL Bound at The Mike, Carmel FC Welcomes Juergen Sommer, US Mens & Women’s Camps Start, Liverpool vs Man City leads games on TV

January 12, 2018 gatorbest

So its Official – our Indy 11 are headed for the USL – D2 United Soccer League for the 2018 season. I am excited because of the more Regional Feel it will provide. Instead of Ottawa or Jacksonville – we’ll have games against the likes of Cincinatti, Louisville, Nashville, St Louis and maybe someday Chicago. Road games might become a realistic concept and having legit crowds come from Cincy or Louisville could give us some Real Rivalries we can sink our teeth into. We’ll see about the stadium situation as no mention was made of moving to Lucas Oil away from The Jake. I for one would love to see a handful of game at Lucas Oil just to see what the experience would be like (maybe opening game and Louisville or Cincy games?) But I would have to think the Jake is a more realistic size for our current fan base on a normal game day. Either way I sure am glad the Indy 11 are not going anywhere – now we’ll have to see who they get as a coach and which players might return for the USL Spring Season which starts March 16 or so.

Fantastic story on new Carmel FC’s Director of Soccer Operations Juergen Sommer in the Current in Carmel in December. Having worked with Juergen some in training our Goalkeeper’s I can tell you I am excited to have Juergen on board. The former US National Team Goalkeeper, who was the first American GK to play in the Premier League, also won a National Championship at Indiana University. He also served at the first coach of the Indy 11. “My kids all participated in soccer, baseball, basketball and football,” said Sommer, who moved to Carmel in 2002 after retiring from pro soccer. “We’ve been around the organization for quite a while. I’m just excited to be inside now and overseeing the vibrant and growing soccer program they have.” Sommer said he hopes the CDC recreation program, the recreation-plus program and travel team can form one comprehensive platform.

The US Men have invited a very young team to the January Camp of mainly MLS and US based players. It will be interesting to see who excels when they face Bosnia & Herzegovina on Jan 28^th on FS1. The US Ladies have invited a much more experienced team as they get ready for the She Believes Cup in the US in March. (Including a match on Thurs, March 1 vs in Columbus at MAPFREE Stadium. They do play Denmark first next Sun, Jan 21^st at 7:30 pm on ESPN.

So as we look ahead to the weekend on TV – a huge match as Liverpool will host Man City looking to break that Man City unbeaten streak on Sunday at 11 am on NBCSN. I was sad to see Coutino leaving Liverpool for Barcelona – but I think that was the one team he would leave Liverpool for. I would love to see US Superstar Christian Pulisic take that midfield spot that Coutino is leaving but I think Pulisic is smart to continue his learning at Dortmund where he starts and is still a key cog (see story below). When he makes the move to a bigger club – and it will happen eventually – he needs to be sure he’s going to be not only a starter – but a key cog for the team. Sat at 10 AM Chelsea will host Leicester City on NBCSN fresh off tying Man United this week in League Cup play. Tottenham and the world’s top scorer Harry Kane will host Everton and Wayne Rooney on Saturday at 12:30 pm on NBC I think – if not NBCSN. Dortmund and Christian Pulisic will host Wolfsburg on Sunday at 12:30 on Fox Sports 2 and they play again next Friday at 2:30 on FS1.

INDY 11

Indy 11 moves to USL – Stay at the Mike

Its Official Indy 11 Joins USL – Nuevo

Indy 11 to Join USL – Soc Takes

Indy 11 to Join USL in 2018 play games at Lucus Oil – Indy Star – Matt Glenesk

Indy 11 Joins USL in 2018 -Indy 11 site

$50 Deposit gets you a Season Ticket start for the 2018 Season

USA

US Invites 30 Youngsters to Camp – ESPNFC – Jeff Carlisle

US Men 30 Players Invited to Jan Camp

EPL will have to Wait for Pulisic – eSPNFC

Bayern’s U-20 Tim Tillmen Switches from Germany to US Team – ESPNFC

How Mexico Wooed US National Jonathan Gonzales – ESPNFC

Mexico coming after US Nats with Mexican Heritage

Getting to Know the New US Players in Camp – US Soccer

USA Ladies Called to Jan Camp – US Soccer

Eric Lichaj Scores 2 Goals vs Arsenal for Nottingham Forest in win over Arsenal

World

EPL What to Watch For this Weekend

Power Rankings World – Man City on top

Sanchez Fee Might kill the Man City deal

Renaldo from Brazil says PSG is Step Back for Neymar

Liverpool Had No Choice but to Sell Coutinho

GAMES ON TV

Fri, Jan 12

2:30 pm FS1 Bayern Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

Sat, Jan 13

10 am NBCSN Chelsea vs Leicester City

10 am beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Villareal

12:30 pm NBCSN Tottenham vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Schalke

Sun, Jan 14

8:30 am NBCSN Bournemouth vs Arsenal

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Man City

12:30 FS2 Borussian Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Wolfsburg

2:45 pm beIN Sport real Sociadad vs Barcelona

3 pm beIN Sport Nantes vs PSG

Mon, Jan 15

3 pm NBCSN Man United vs Stoke City (Cameron)

Fri, Jan 19

2:30 pm Fox Sports 1 Herta BSC vs Borussia Dortund (Pulisic)

Sat, Jan 20

7:30 am NBCSN Brighton vs Chelsea

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Leverkusen

10 am beIN Sport Real Madrid vs La Coruna

10 am NBCSN Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

12:30 pm NBCSN Man City vs New Castle (Yedlin)

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Schalke

Sun, Jan 21

9:30 am FS1 Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen

11 am NBCSN Southampton vs Tottenham

12:30 FS2 schalke vs hannover

2:45 pm beIN Sport real Betis vs Barcelona

7:30 pm ESPN US LADIES vs DENMARK

Mon, Jan 22

3 pm NBCSN Swansea City vs Liverpool

Wed, Jan 24

3 pm EsPN2 ? Chelsea vs Arsenal League Cup

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Munich

9:30 am FS2> Borussia Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Freiburg

10 am beIN Sport Valencia cs Real Madrid

9:30 am FS1 Bayern Leverkusen vs Mainz

2:45 pm beIN Sport Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves

9:30 pm FS1 USA Men vs Bosnia & Herzegovina

Tues, Jan 30

2:45 pm NBCSN Swansea vs Arsenal

3 pm NBCSN?? Huddersfield Town vs Liverpool?

Weds, Jan 31

2:45 pm NBCSN Tottenham vs Manchester United

Fri, Feb 1

2:30 pm FS1 Kiohl vs Dortmund (Pulisic)

Sat, Feb 2

7:30 am NBCSN Burnley vs Man City

9:30 am FS 1 Mainz vs Bayer Munich

10 am NBCSN Man United vs Huddersfield (Williams)

12:30 pm NBCSN Aresnal vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Borussia Mgladbach (Johnson)

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Lavente

9:15 am NBcSN Crystal Palace vs New Castle (Yedlin)

9:30 am FS1 Franfurt vs Augsburg

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Tottenham

2:45 pm beIN Sport Atletico Madrid vs Valencia

Thurs, Mar 1

7 pm ESPN2 US Ladies vs Germany (She Believes Cup @ MAPFREE Stadium Columbus, OH)

Read All the stories online – at www.theoleballcoach.com

Indy Eleven (officially) announces move to USL, plans to remain at Carroll Stadium

Dakota Crawford, dakota.crawford@indystar.comPublished 3:32 p.m. ET Jan. 10, 2018

The Indy Eleven announced it will join the United Soccer League on Wednesday following several days of speculation and reports surrounding the club’s move away from the North American Soccer League.”We enjoyed our run in the NASL, and we want to wish them the best,” team president Jeff Belskus told IndyStar after announcement. “But we’re very excited about being in the USL. It’s a very stable, growing league. This is very positive for Indy Eleven.”The Indy Eleven’s future has been up in the air since U.S. Soccer didn’t grant the NASL Division II status in September. The league lost a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation and is currently awaiting word on its appeal.The Eleven didn’t wait around. Indy joins Fresno FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, Nashville SC, North Carolina FC and ATL UTD 2 as new additions to the USL. This league has a strong relationship with Major League Soccer, Belskus said, which could help the Eleven in its long-term goal of bringing a top-tier expansion to Indianapolis.As for current season ticket holders, this doesn’t change much. They will get first priority on seats for the upcoming season with renewal information to be distributed in the coming days. Despite a report that the Eleven could play at Lucas Oil Stadium, the team, for now, plans to remain at Carroll Stadium on IUPUI’s campus. Belskus said they’re asking around the city and “exploring other options,” but has no timetable for picking somewhere new. Efforts to build a publicly-funded stadium have previously failed. The team is searching for a head coach, and Belskus said an announcement could come within the next week. Current players could sign agreements to keep playing for the Eleven in the USL, but Belskus said that is yet to be decided in many cases.

NOTE FROM THE BYB – January 11, 2018

Today, the Indy Eleven announced that they will become a new member of the United Soccer League (USL) for the 2018 season.

Our viewpoint has always been that we are supporters of the Indy Eleven first and foremost. This move changes nothing. The Brickyard Battalion supports our Boys in Blue no matter the league or opponent.
This news certainly brings mixed emotions for all members of the Brickyard Battalion. We have enjoyed playing in the NASL where we’ve seen some great rivalries develop. The independent and, at times, rebellious nature of the NASL was something we supported and were excited to be a part of. We celebrated our first match and first piece of hardware in this league. Nothing will taint those memories, but there is sadness to see all of that come to a close. We are hopeful that all of the supporters of our former opponents see their teams continue either in the NASL or another league. Nobody deserves to lose their team no matter how much we hate them on gameday. At the same time, there is excitement in joining the USL. The USL is a stable D2 league with 34 teams playing in 2018 and more on the way. We will renew rivalries with San Antonio, North Carolina, Ottawa and Tampa Bay. We will also see real local rivalries for the first time with Louisville, Cincinnati, St. Louis, and Nashville–all within 5 hours of Indianapolis. Plus, teams in Memphis, and possibly Chicago, will be joining in future seasons. And of course, North Carolina is still only 10 hours away. Plans for road trips are already in the works!Another positive, in 2017 all USL games were available in HD on YouTube, as well as select games on ESPN3 and the final on ESPN U. Even if these agreements only maintain this coverage in 2018, that’s certainly an improvement over what we had last season in terms of broadcasts.We are actively preparing for the 2018 season. Watch for announcements about tailgating, merchandise, new board members, road trips, and much more in the coming weeks!Kickoff is less than 3 months away! We can’t wait! The BYB Board

W2W4: Van Dijk set for Man City test, Tosun to solve Everton’s scoring woes?

After a week break for the FA Cup, the Premier league returns this weeked. Here’s what to watch for…

How will Liverpool’s new-look defence fare against Man City?

Virgil van Dijk passed his first test at Liverpool with flying colours last week, scoring the winning goal in the Reds’ FA Cup tie against Everton. It was a debut to savour for the Dutchman in front of the Anfield crowd, but the visit of Manchester City on Sunday will offer a much more thorough examination of his credentials.With 64 goals already this season — 10 more than Manchester United managed in the entirety of the previous campaign — City’s runaway lead at the top of the Premier League has been powered by Pep Guardiola’s devastating attacking style. Liverpool will be keenly aware of that fact, having been thrashed 5-0 at the Etihad Stadium in September at the start of a run that saw them pick up just one win in eight matches over all competitions.Gabriel Jesus scored a brace that afternoon, but in the Brazilian’s injury absence much of the burden this weekend will fall on Sergio Aguero, who opened the scoring at the Etihad before Sadio Mane’s controversial red card. Although the Argentine is no longer guaranteed a starting spot under Guardiola, 19 goals in 25 matches suggests he remains as potent as ever and the greatest threat to Jurgen Klopp’s side avenging September’s heavy defeat on Sunday.While most defenders would have sleepless nights preparing to face Aguero, Van Dijk commands an impressive record against the City striker. In three previous meetings, Aguero hasn’t found the net once, failing to muster a single attempt on target in 90 minutes against Southampton earlier in the season. With Van Dijk marshalling the defence, the Saints were a competitive prospect against the top six, and it required a 96th-minute winner from Raheem Sterling to eventually get the better of them in November.Van Dijk’s performances against imposing opposition undoubtedly played a part in Liverpool’s decision to spend £75 million on his services, and Sunday’s clash against City is a chance for the centre-back to build on a solid start against Everton. If he can keep Aguero quiet once more, it may hint that Liverpool finally have the foundation on which to mount their own title challenge next season.

Can Tosun solve Everton’s scoring woes?

It is now five games without a victory for Everton in all competitions as Sam Allardyce’s honeymoon spell on Merseyside grinds to an abrupt halt. Of all the mistakes in a haphazard approach to the summer transfer window — which ultimately cost Ronald Koeman his job — failing to sign a striker to replace Romelu Lukaku was the least forgivable. Having scored just two goals in their winless run, it was little surprise to see the Toffees’ hierarchy hastily sanction a £27m move for Turkish striker Cenk Tosun.It is likely Tosun will be thrown straight in against Tottenham on Saturday, and Allardyce needs his new man to adapt quickly to the Premier League to avoid a seven-point gap to the bottom three from shrinking any further. While Wayne Rooney has performed better than many anticipated on his return to Everton, scoring 11 goals so far, his recent displays — particularly in the 2-0 defeat to Manchester United — have reinforced the view that he is no longer capable of leading the line. That responsibility now falls to Tosun.The striker has an impressive pedigree, helping fire Besiktas to back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles with his direct style and lethal eye for goal. Displaying excellent movement off the ball, Tosun is strong in the air and makes well-timed runs into the box. That is exactly what Everton have been lacking and, with Yannick Bolasie and Gylfi Sigurdsson providing the ammunition, they will head to Wembley to take on Spurs with renewed confidence.

Stoke must stop Lingard

Everton may have been sorely missing Lukaku this season, but the Manchester United striker arguably isn’t the biggest concern for managerless Stoke when they travel to Old Trafford on Monday night. Instead, Jesse Lingard is the player they should fear most, with the midfielder cementing his status as the clutch individual for Jose Mourinho’s side in recent weeks.The 25-year-old has scored seven times in his last nine Premier League appearances, compared to five top-flight strikes in the rest of his career as a whole (60 appearances). A brace against Arsenal earned a vital victory at the start of December, while Lingard also bagged the winner at West Brom, rescued a point against Burnley and helped secure all three at Everton — not to mention his late goal in a 2-0 win over Derby in the FA Cup to ensure United avoided a replay in an already packed fixture list.There are few players in better form in the Premier League at present, and Gareth Southgate will be paying close attention as he ponders his England World Cup squad. Stoke would also do well to keep a careful eye on Lingard — otherwise his penchant for late goals could punish yet another opponent.

Is Sanchez close to the exit door at Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger’s team selection for Sunday’s trip to Bournemouth could reveal whether Alexis Sanchez will be staying at Arsenal this month or finally completing a protracted move to Manchester City. The forward only appeared as a second-half substitute in Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final against Chelsea, hinting that Wenger is planning for a future without one of his star players.

West Brom in the last chance saloon

It is 20 matches since West Brom last won in the Premier League and eight since Alan Pardew replaced Tony Pulis in the hot seat. For the manager and his players, time is quickly running out — even Championship side Bristol City boast more wins (4) against top-flight opposition than the Baggies this season.Perhaps a 2-0 victory over Exeter in the FA Cup — a first in any competition since August — will serve as the springboard for a renewed shot at survival when Brighton travel to The Hawthorns on Saturday.

U.S. Soccer calls in youthful squad for January national team camp

Jan 8, 2018 Jeff Carlisle Soccer

Acting United States men’s national team manager Dave Sarachan has called in a youthful 30-man squad for the team’s annual January camp, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced on Monday.The camp, which starts on Jan. 10, will conclude with a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Jan. 28 at StubHub Center in Carson, California.The roster includes 21 players aged 24 and under, while half the group is comprised of uncapped players. A conscious decision was also made to leave out more veteran players such as the Toronto FC duo of captain Michael Bradley and forward Jozy Altidore.”Obviously, this is a unique January camp in that we’re solely preparing for the future and to give opportunity to players that have a future in the program. We didn’t bring in a lot of the veteran players for that reason,” Sarachan said.Only four of the players on the roster have more than 10 appearances with the U.S., led by LA Galaxy attacker Gyasi Zardes (37 caps), New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (27), Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris (24) and D.C. United midfielder Paul Arriola (15).With the Bosnia match taking place outside a FIFA international window, the USSF needed the permission of clubs for players to be released. Among overseas players, only FC Midtjylland goalkeeper Bill Hamid was released by his club.Conversely, FC Dallas denied the USSF permission to include any of its players, including midfielder Kellyn Acosta. FCD is one of five Major League Soccer teams that will play in the CONCACAF Champions League before the start of the MLS season, but it was the only to take this approach.All but two players come from MLS clubs, and now the chance for those players to make an impression awaits.”The message to this group is, ‘You belong here, and always take advantage of any opportunities that you have with the national team,'” Sarachan said. “We have 18 days before we play our game against Bosnia.”The whole idea for this group of players is to take advantage of the training, take advantage of getting to know one another and take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself because this is going to be part of our future going forward.”The roster announcement comes on a day on which sources confirmed to ESPN FC that Monterrey and U.S. youth international midfielder Jonathan Gonzalez plans to file a one-time switch with FIFA to represent Mexico. Sources told ESPN FC that over the last month both Sarachan and U.S. Under-20 manager Tab Ramos tried to reach out to Gonzalez, and that he was among the list of call-ups for the January camp.While it seemed nearly impossible that Monterrey would release him during its season, it was a way of letting the player know he was in the U.S. team’s thoughts. However, sources said Gonzalez never responded to Sarachan or Ramos.

The full U.S. squad (club and caps):

Goalkeepers: Alex Bono (Toronto FC, 0), Bill Hamid (Midtjylland, 4), Cody Cropper (New England Revolution, 0), Zack Steffen (Columbus Crew SC, 0)

Defenders: Danny Acosta (Real Salt Lake, 0), Justen Glad (Real Salt Lake, 0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes, 0), Justin Morrow (Toronto FC, 3), Ike Opara (Sporting Kansas City, 0), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps, 0), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire, 0), Brandon Vincent (Chicago Fire,1), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC, 1)

Midfielders: Tyler Adams (New York Red Bulls, 1), Paul Arriola (D.C. United, 15), Russell Canouse (D.C. United, 0), Marky Delgado (Toronto FC, 0), Marlon Hairston (Colorado Rapids, 0), Ian Harkes (D.C. United, 0), Brooks Lennon (Real Salt Lake, 0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders, 1), Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution, 3), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC, 2), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy, 37)

Forwards: Juan Agudelo (New England Revolution, 27), Dom Dwyer (Orlando City, 4), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders, 24), Christian Ramirez (Minnesota United, 0), Rubio Rubin (Unattached, 4), C.J. Sapong (Philadelphia Union, 3)

SARACHAN CALLS 30 PLAYER ROSTER TO NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER FOR 2018 JANUARY CAMP

HEAVY YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM AND U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY EXPERIENCE IN GROUP TO FACE BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA ON JAN. 28 AT STUBHUB CENTER

Bayern’s Timothy Tillman to switch from Germany to U.S.

3:16 PM ETESPN staff

Bayern Munich prospect Timothy Tillman will switch to the United States after playing for Germany youth teams, U.S. under-20 coach Tab Ramos has told Goal.

Tillman, 19, last played for Germany’s under-19 team in European Championship qualifiers in October, but rather than rejoin them in March, he will join up with the U.S. under-20s instead.”He told me he’s ready to go and ready to join us and I’m excited to have him in the group because we haven’t had him in before,” Ramos told Goal.Born in Germany to a U.S. serviceman, Tillman will need to file a one-time switch with FIFA in order to play for the U.S. ahead of the 2019 Under-20 World Cup.Tillman plays for Bayern’s reserves but has appeared with the first team in a smattering of preseason friendlies including the Audi Cup.After playing from Germany’s youth international teams since the under-15 level, he moved to Bayern from SpVgg Greuther Furth for €500,000 in 2015.Furth president Helmut Hack said at the time: “Timothy Tillman is the biggest talent we have had for 30 years. His departure is a catastrophe for our club.”Last year, Bayern president Uli Hoeness personally vetoed Tillman’s potential move to Barcelona, his agent told Sport Bild.The news will come as a welcome boost to U.S. Soccer, which recently lost out on another highly rated teenager, Jonathan Gonzalez, who switched to Mexicoafter playing for U.S. youth teams.Tillman’s younger brother, Malik, has already played for the U.S. under-15 team.

Pulisic’s comfort in Dortmund means Premier League will have to wait

10:00 AM ETRaphael Honigstein

MARBELLA, Spain — As he breaks away from a gaggle of Borussia Dortmund players flooding out of a post-dinner team meeting, Christian Pulisic looks almost a little embarrassed by the prospect of being put under the spotlight. Listening to the the 19-year-old contrast the incredible amount of attention and hope heaped upon him in the States with being “just a good team player, a piece of the puzzle” in one of the Bundesliga’s leading clubs, it’s clear where his preference lies.”I’ve come into a bigger role with the national team, but the environment here [with Dortmund] definitely helps,” he says. “I’m still trying to figure it all out.”In northwest Germany, Pulisic is still just a kid, a foreign teenage recruit with a slightly exotic background working hard on turning regular game time — he’s played 16 out of 17 league games and started four of out of six Champions League matches — into consistent end product in the shape of goals and assists.Away from the hype that rages back home, he can concentrate on growing, safe in the knowledge that coach Peter Stoger and the club will evaluate his progress on its own terms. There’s no team to be carried all by himself, no hero status to live up to, no premature comparisons with the game’s superstars to be met. As a relatively small name, he’s still allowed to worry about the small things at Signal Iduna Park. Wisely, that’s exactly what he does. – WATCH: How good is Christian Pulisic’s German?

“I set [myself] the huge goal of being a professional soccer player,” he says. “Now that I’ve kind of got there, I try to set smaller, short-term goals for myself. I look at certain things within in the game, certain points where could have I done better. I try to work on them throughout the week. I think about them, and I think what I want to do, how I can play my best game.”Pulisic adds that he always watches game footage of himself to learn from his mistakes, and after some gentle prodding, he also reveals that he’s benefitted from watching how teammate Marco Reus makes his runs beyond the defence.”I was running but I didn’t get the timing right. So I looked at players, looked at Marco, at how he would time his runs. I showed it in the last game [before the winter break] against Hoffenheim with a perfectly timed run and Shinji [Kagawa] played the ball through perfectly.” Pulisic scored his third goal of the season to complete the move and secure Dortmund’s second consecutive win under new coach Stoger, who was brought in to relieve Peter Bosz.Pulisic jokes that Stoger’s Austrian dialect is hard to understand — “I have to concentrate really hard” — but there’s little doubt that the 51-year-old’s more pragmatic defensive setup has yielded some instant stability. Third-place Dortmund start the second half of the Bundesliga campaign at home to Wolfsburg on Sunday, confident that they will make the Champions League again next season and provide a serious challenge in the Europa League.”It’s early, obviously,” Pulisic says. “We just got a new coach. But [the winter break] has given us good time in the training camp to learn some things and see how we want to play and figure things out. I think the start’s been good, and we want to continue to learn his style. I think the team is going to be ready however we want to play.”Despite BVB’s failure to qualify for the knockout stages of this year’s Champions League and their disappointing run of results domestically, Pulisic’s form hasn’t really suffered. Gradually, his decision-making process is improving as maturity refines his youthful fearlessness. “Routine, experience: it all comes with the territory once you get older,” he says.No wonder those close to him believe Dortmund, a medium-sized city with fanatical but also forgiving and realistic supporters, provides the ideal place to further his career. Pulisic himself seems too level-headed to eye up a move to bigger, more pressurised clubs before he’s fully formed as one of those rare attacking midfielders who can make the difference every single time they touch the ball.”Of course I always dream big, but I don’t put a plan out for myself,” he says, deflecting talk of a move. “I try to focus on the next week and the next game every time, focus on what I’m doing right now and just to continue to improve every single day. If I do that, I should have a good future.”Time is on Pulisic’s side. Reading between the lines of his thoughts on the U.S. national team after its World Cup failure, he seems to believe that “a new kind of player,” perhaps on a similar level to his own, for the game make a giant leap forward in his native land. Even if that were to happen, however, Pulisic will still be burdened by being the outstanding talent of his generation, the man destined to smash through U.S. soccer’s glass ceiling.His unique combination of skill and marketability in the world’s biggest economy have established him as a key strategic talent for the biggest clubs. Liverpool, who already tried in in vain to sign him in 2016, and Manchester United are particularly keen to acquire his services in light of their American owners. Dortmund are certainly braced for more forceful attempts to lure Pulisic to the Premier League next summer.His emergence as arguably the best-ever U.S. player will see him outgrow the confines in northwest Germany some time in his early 20s, at the latest. Right now, however, the time seems not yet ripe to trade in the comparative anonymity of being a bright puzzle piece with the Black and Yellow for the big-money, big-expectations frenzy of wearing a red shirt in the northwest of England.When you’re 19 years old, you want the world at your feet, not its weight on your shoulders.

GALLERY: GET TO KNOW THE 10 MNT DEBUTANTES AT 2018 JANUARY CAMP

MNT Jan 8, 2018The MNT’s annual January Camp always serves up new opportunity for a crop of rising players, and this year’s gathering will be no different. Fifteen of t he 30 players summoned to Carson, California are looking for their first MNT cap, while 10 of those are making their debut in senior team camp.Get to know the 10 taking their first strides with the MNT:

Danny Acosta | Defender | Real Salt Lake
One of three RSL products from the U.S. Soccer Development Academy coming to January Camp, the left back arrives at his first MNT gathering on the heels of a great calendar year for club and country. The Salt Lake City native was a key piece for the U-20 MNT throughout 2017, appearing in 11 of 12 matches in helping the USA to its first CONCACAF U-20 Championship title and a quarterfinal finish at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Korea Republic. On the club front, RSL went 9-5-3 in matches Acosta appeared in, with the defender aiding in the side’s late-season resurgence along the way.

Russell Canouse | Midfielder | D.C. United
At just 22, Canouse already has a ton of club experience thanks to seven years in Germany with Hoffenheim and later VfL Bochum. During his time abroad the central midfielder was an integral part in Tab Ramos’ U-20 MNT side during the 2015 cycle, captaining the team at that year’s CONCACAF Championship and making the World Cup roster before having to pull out due to injury. A product of U.S. Soccer Development Academy sides PA Classics and New York Red Bulls, Canouse, who pronounces his last name as though is rhymes with “house,” returned stateside this past August when he signed for D.C. United alongside fellow January Camp attendees Paul Arriola and Ian Harkes as part of a youth resurgence at a D.C. United team that moves into its new home at Audi Field this summer.

Marky Delgado | Midfielder | Toronto FC
One of three members of MLS Cup winners Toronto FC called up by Dave Sarachan, Delgado has been rewarded for his workman-like performances in leading the Reds to the unprecedented treble this past season. A simple and efficient box-to-box midfielder, the 22-year-old has teamed with and learned from MNT captain Michael Bradley the past three years in doing much of the dirty work that has allowed the TFC attack to flourish. While it’s his first appearance in MNT camp, Delgado is no stranger to the U.S. setup, having come through the U-17, U-18 and U-20 levels. Most recently, he started all five matches during the USA’s run to the quarterfinals of the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. With his arrival in Carson, he’ll be come the eighth member of that side to be part of an MNT camp. Delgado’s other contemporaries from that group are Kellyn Acosta, Paul Arriola, CameronCarter-Vickers, Emerson Hyndman, Matt Miazga, Rubio Rubin and Zack Steffen.

Justen Glad | Defender | Real Salt Lake
RSL Academy experience? Check. RSL First Team? Check. U-20 MNT World Cup Alum? Check.

A physical center back with good vision, Glad is the third player on this list to tick all the above boxes and has become a mainstay in the middle of the RSL backline the past two seasons. His club play carried over to Tab Ramos’ U-20 MNT side for which he earned tournament Best XI honors at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. An injury coming out of that tournament hampered his ability to fully contribute at the U-20 World Cup, but Glad still took part in three matches and returned to RSL to aid in their late-season push for the playoffs.

Marlon Hairston | Midfielder | Colorado Rapids
One of the more enigmatic new-comers to MNT camp, Hairston is the only player on this list to play in each of his club’s 34 regular season games last season. Early on, those appearances were necessitated at right back, but Hairston later moved into a more natural attacking position further up the wing and finished the campaign with three goals and four assists. Now going into his fifth season with the Rapids, the pacey attacker could become the first Mississippi-born player since Justin Mapp in 2007 to earn a cap for the MNT.

Ian Harkes | Midfielder | D.C. United
If that name looks familiar to long-time MNT fans, that’s because it is! The son of former MNT captain and two-time World Cup veteran John Harkes, Ian takes his first step in senior team camp following a promising rookie season with D.C. United. After winning the 2016 MAC Hermann Trophy following his senior season with Wake Forest, Harkes followed in his father’s footsteps by joining United on a Homegrown contract where he performed admirably, logging 25 appearances, two goals and an assist mostly in a central midfield role. Should he take the field on Jan. 28 vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Harkes family would become the sixth father/son tandem to make an appearance for the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Q: Can you name the others?

A: (fathers listed first) James and George Brown; Phillip and Joe Gyau; Harry and Ty Keough; Joe and Alain Maca; Tim and Taylor Twellman

Brooks Lennon | Midfielder | Real Salt Lake
One of three MNT camp debutants from Real Salt Lake, Lennon comes to Carson fresh off a fantastic year in 2017. The crafty winger was vital in leading the USA to its first CONCACAF U-20 Championship, scoring four goals on the way to collecting a spot on the tournament’s Best XI. He continued his run by adding two goals and two assists as the MNT drove to the Quarterfinals of the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. On the club front, following a stint with the Liverpool Academy, Lennon returned stateside to join Real Salt Lake on loan where he recorded three goals and four assists across 24 games before making his stay permanent at the club in December 2017.

Nick Lima | Defender | San Jose Earthquakes
Just a shade more than 12 months ago, Lima was putting pen to paper on his first professional contract when he signed a Homegrown deal with San Jose Earthquakes. Flash-forward and the dependable right back has been summoned for his first MNT camp. Thrust into the starting lineup during MLS Opening Weekend last season, Lima was given the tough task of marking venerable Montreal Impact attacker Ignacio Piatti and performed splendidly in the Quakes’ 1-0 win. Though he would see his season end early due to injury, Lima contributed 22 appearances during his rookie season, helping push the club to its first U.S. Open Cup Semifinal appearance since 2004 and first postseason berth since 2012.

Ike Opara | Defender; Sporting Kansas City
At 28, Opara is the oldest of the first-timers, but he likely would have been here sooner if not for injuries. The 6-2 center back was actually tapped for January Camp back in 2011, but ended up withdrawing as he was just coming back from a foot injury. A member of the U.S. side at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup and in 2012 for Olympic Qualifying, Opara makes his long-awaited MNT camp debut after being crowned 2017 MLS Defender of the Year, a season that saw him record a career-high 30 appearances, three goals and also help Sporting KC to a fourth U.S. Open Cup title.

Christian Ramirez | Forward | Minnesota United FC
A prolific goalscorer during Minnesota United FC’s NASL days, Ramirez continued to find the back of the net during his debut MLS season, leading the line with 14 goals and three assists in 30 games for the expansion club. Another first-timer who’s on the older end of the spectrum, the 6-2 forward’s January call is well-deserved after finishing third among U.S.-eligible players on the MLS goalscoring chart behind fellow camp attendee CJ Sapong (16 goals) and veteran MNT striker Jozy Altidore (15).

Liverpool had ‘no option’ but to sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona – Klopp

9:25 AM ETGlenn PriceLiverpool Correspondent

LIVERPOOL — Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool had “no other option” but to sell Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona after it became clear there was “no chance” the Brazilian could play for the Reds in the second half of the season.Coutinho left Liverpool for the Nou Camp earlier this month in a £142 million deal (after add-ons) that makes him the second-most expensive footballer of all time.Liverpool had resisted three offers from Barcelona in the summer, with the 25-year-old eventually returning to the squad after missing the entire month of August as he attempted to push through a move to Spain.When asked at his pre-Manchester City news conference on Friday why Liverpool sold Coutinho, Klopp replied: “Because there was no other option. That’s, I would say, a pretty easy answer.”If there’s somebody, maybe, who should be angry or massively disappointed — or whatever in this case — then it could be the manager of the club, but I’m not. Because I know we tried absolutely everything. The club tried everything to convince Phil to stay here and carry on going the way together with us.”It was his dream and it’s the truth when I say he left Liverpool only for one club — and it was Barcelona. That was the moment when we really had to accept that. The club was fighting until the last second, if you want, and really tried everything. That’s the case.”I knew when it will come up again in this transfer window. It came up massively that it would be very difficult if we say: ‘Here’s your contract, you have to stay here’ and to use him as a player in the second part of the season. That’s the decision I have to make — does it make sense? Do I think I can use him still and help us?”To be honest, it was 100 percent clear [there was] no chance. He was not ready to do that anymore.”He did fantastic in the first part of the season after the thing we had to deal with in the summer. The team did really brilliant with that — how the whole club did, Anfield itself. But it was clear that’s over now and we cannot do anymore. We made that decision.”

Klopp has vast experience of losing key players during his managerial career, having seen the likes of Mario Gotze, Robert Lewandowski and Nuri Sahin leave Borussia Dortmund during his seven years in charge there.”It’s normal in this business — you lose players, you buy players, you bring players through,” he added. “You always need to react. It’s all about the atmosphere in the club. On Sunday, for example, if there’s a free kick in the stadium from 18 or 20 yards and everyone is thinking: ‘ah, Phil’. That would be not too cool. It’s how it always is with the past — use it, but don’t suffer because of it.”In terms of replacing Coutinho, Klopp admits Liverpool will explore the transfer market for potential new signings, but will not be rushed into reinvesting the £142m. A source has told ESPN FC that Liverpool are in dialogue with RB Leipzig about the possibility of bringing forward Naby Keita’s move to Merseyside this month.”If we do something then it needs to be the right decision. We don’t have to replace him, we have to step up,” Klopp said.”We will have 11 players and we played fantastic football with Phil. I don’t want to sound disrespectful because I really liked him. He was five years here and was here since I came in. You miss a person and I’m sure he’s missing us — maybe he doesn’t realise in the moment when everything is new there!”And replacements, first of all, we have to replace him internally, but we go through with open eyes in this transfer window, as you can imagine. But we will not make crazy things. That’s how it is. ‘Right’ before ‘expensive’.”On Keita, the Liverpool manager continued: “There’s nothing to say about it. When we had this conversation around Phil Coutinho, I said the same — nothing to say — and I won’t change that. He is a player of Leipzig, that’s what I know and will be here in the summer, that’s what I know as well. All the rest, nothing to say about it.”Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah will be fit for Liverpool’s encounter with Premier League leaders Manchester City on Sunday after missing the last two matches with a groin injury. Alberto Moreno (ankle) and Daniel Sturridge (muscular) are back in full training, while Jordan Henderson continues with his recovery from a hamstring issue.”If nothing happens in this moment, Mo is back, he is training completely normally,” Klopp concluded. “[Sturridge] is back in training, healthy and on the way to be fit again. Hendo is in this moment out on the pitch and is training. It looks good — he wears football boots, that is always a good sign. He was not in team training so far.”Alberto Moreno was in team training yesterday, the first full session. He is a little bit early but after that he should be ready. He needs time for proper training of course.”The boys really do a lot in their rehab situation and, if we have time, we bring them a little bit later into team training so that they can do a little bit more specific physical work. But still they need time to adapt to the intensity of a football game. It looks really good, cool.”

Earn your Degree While You Watch Your Kids Soccer Practice – ½ the time and cost of Traditional Schools

Proud Member of the Brick Yard Battalion – http://www.brickyardbattalion.com , Sam’s Army- http://www.sams-army.com , American Outlaws http://www.facebook.com/IndyAOUnite

Check out The Ole Ballcoach online www.theoleballcoach.com –

1/6/18 Indy 11 to USL, Year in Review –

January 2, 2018January 6, 2018 gatorbest

Late Breaking News that the Indy 11 may be joining the USL – United Soccer League for 2018. See story from the Soc Takes and Indy Star Below – more to come on this as it officially breaks on www.theoleballcoach.com. I for one welcome the move the USL – the chance to build local rivalries with Louisville and Cincy. I have no idea what this means for roster size or quality of players we can sign. But this sound good to me!

Ok soccer fans – so I didn’t get a chance to finish up my Year End Wrap up of the soccer year. So here goes. First who can forget the disappointment of the US National Team men not qualifying for the World Cup in Russia next summer. As an ardent follower of the US men’s team since 1990 I can honestly say I have never been more stunned or disappointed. Who is to blame can laid at many people’s feet – Klinsmann, Arena, the players, US Soccer for playing that stupid game vs Costa Rica in New York/New Jersey (stupid!) with half the crowd Costa Ricans – that 2-0 loss is one huge reason we did not advance. Tie that game and we advance even though we lost to T&T. Now we should never lose to T&T but still. It will be interesting to see if changes are afoot in US Soccer. I am happy to see a new US Soccer President – though I hope this doesn’t hurt our chance of hosting the 2016 World Cup with Canada/Mexico. It was great to see young US Star Christian Pulisic – US Player of the Year – play in both Champions League for Dortmund and become the go-to star for the US.

The World Cup run of the US Ladies was fantastic and fun to watch – I am still kicking myself for not going to Canada to watch a game. Still having the Women’s World Cup Championship and that 3rd star was fantastic. Great job ladies!!

Overseas Real Madrid’s defense of their Champions League trophy was impressive – unfortunately it came at the cost of my favorite GK Gigi Buffon of Juventus winning that elusive trophy. That was probably Gigi’s last legit change at the only trophy he hasn’t won. Still a great accomplishment by Player of the Year Renaldo and the Madridista’s. Now I don’t see them capturing a 3rd in a row however. Of course Real Madrid won 4 trophy’s last year the League Cup, La Liga, Champions League and the World Club cup – pretty amazing overall. Perhaps it was the good luck we gave them as my family had a chance to go to our first Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid games in Spain in the spring. Truly a magnificent experience! Also overseas Chelsea’s winning the EPL was quite an accomplishment and I think show’s what a great coach like Conte can achieve. Of course Man City, Man U, Tottenham with the leading scorer of the year Harry Kane, and Liverpool all had great year’s as well.

Back in the US — MLS featured a repeat of last year’s Championship game with Toronto completing the Best ever season by beating my Seattle Sounders. Great to see Bradley, Altidore and Giovincho finally win the title. Though I was sad Clint Dempsey couldn’t etch his name on the trophy – still a great playoffs and deserved Championship for Toronto.

Locally both Butler with Carmel High grad All-American Goal Keeper Eric Dick and Indiana U made good runs in the College Soccer play-offs. IU was ranked #1 for much of the season and just barely lost the final to now 3 time defending Champion Stanford. Still a good run for the Hooisers.

Finally I will selfishly end with my experience. Though I am still involved with helping coach the Goalkeepers with Carmel FC – I wrapped up my 20+ seasons of head coaching Travel Soccer by coaching my son Tyler’s final season the U18/19 boys this past spring. I have worked with this group of boys since many of them were 10 year-olds – in our first full season as Carmel FC. I helped Coach Carla and Tom Baker that first season before taking the 2nd Team thru U14 then taking the first team thru the high school years. We were proud to put 15 boys off that U14 team onto high school rosters at Carmel High and Guerin and even prouder when 3 of them went on to win a state title at Guerin as Juniors. But overall it was just fun to keep the boys playing soccer many after they had left the Carmel soccer program but still showing a love (hopefully a lifelong) love of the game. The boys in the picture below played with Carmel FC since they were 10 year-olds, most played each spring season with us. I also selfishly thought this was a good time to drop in my first Carmel pre-FC team in 2008 with my daugher Courtney as the Goalkeeper – see photo below. I was fortunate enough to coach that group from U13-U16.

CFC_U18B_u11all — First CFC U11 Boys finished up with us at U18/19 this past Spring. Front Max Toubin, Mason Hester (Back) Jake Madden, Allesandro Theilmann., Tyler Best, Coach Shane Best, Noah Swanson, Ast Coach Todd Beck

CarmelFC-U14F

my first pre-Carmel FC – team coached with Asst Ian Smith in Fall of 2008 – great group of girls! My daughter Courtney the GK up front.

I certainly want to Wish everyone a Happy Happy New Year — keep watching the Beautiful Game – and keep an eye out for The Ole Ball Coach Soccer updates each week – usually on Fridays. Best Wishes – Coach Shane Best

GAMES ON TV

Sun, Jan 7

10:15 am beIN Sport Barcelona vs Levante

10 am Fox Sport 1 Tottenham vs AFC Wimbeldon FA CUP

9:30 am FS1 Hannover vs Bayer Leverkusen

11 am FS1 Nottinghams Forest vs Arsenal FA Cup

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Celta de Vigo

Tues, Jan 9

2:45 pm? ESPN3? Bristol City vs Man City – League Cup

Wed, Jan 10

3 pm EsPN2 Chelsea vs Arsenal League Cup

Fri, Jan 12

2:30 pm FS1 Bayern Leverkusen vs Bayern Munich

Sat, Jan 13

10 am beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Villareal

12:30 pm NBCSN Tottenham vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Schalke

Sun, Jan 14

8:30 am NBCSN Bournemouth vs Arsenal

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Man City

12:30 FS2 Borussian Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Wolfsburg

2:45 pm beIN Sport real Sociadad vs Barcelona

3 pm beIN Sport Nantes vs PSG

Mon, Jan 15

3 pm NBCSN Man City vs Stoke City (Cameron)

Sat, Jan 20

7:30 am NBCSN Brighton vs Chelsea

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Leverkusen

10 am beIN Sport Real Madrid vs La Coruna

10 am NBCSN Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

12:30 pm NBCSN Man City vs New Castle (Yedlin)

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Schalke

Sun, Jan 21

9:30 am FS1 Bayern Munich vs Werder Bremen

11 am NBCSN Southampton vs Tottenham

12:30 FS2 schalke vs hannover

2:45 pm beIN Sport real Betis vs Barcelona

7:30 pm ESPN US LADIES vs DENMARK

Mon, Jan 22

3 pm NBCSN Swansea City vs Liverpool

Wed, Jan 24

3 pm EsPN2 ? Chelsea vs Arsenal League Cup

9:30 am FS 1 Hoffenhiem vs Bayer Munich

9:30 am FS2> Borussia Dortmund (Pulisic) vs Freiburg

10 am beIN Sport Valencia cs Real Madrid

9:30 am FS1 Bayern Leverkusen vs Mainz

2:45 pm beIN Sport Barcelona vs Deportivo Alaves

Tues, Jan 30

2:45 pm NBCSN Swansea vs Arsenal

3 pm NBCSN?? Huddersfield Twon vs Liverpool?

Weds, Jan 31

2:45 pm NBCSN Tottenham vs Manchester United

Fri, Feb 1

2:30 pm FS1 Kiohl vs Dortmund (Pulisic)

Sat, Feb 2

7:30 am NBCSN Burnley vs Man City

9:30 am FS 1 Mainz vs Bayer Munich

10 am NBCSN Man United vs Huddersfield (Williams)

12:30 pm NBCSN Aresnal vs Everton

12:30 FS2 RB Leipzig vs Borussia Mgladbach (Johnson)

2:45 pm beIN Sport Real Madrid vs Lavente

9:15 am NBcSN Crystal Palace vs New Castle (Yedlin)

9:30 am FS1 Franfurt vs Augsburg

11 am NBCSN Liverpool vs Tottenham

2:45 pm beIN Sport Atletico Madrid vs Valencia