Andrew Oliver (#2 2012 Boys Recruit) has committed to Indiana. He's currently a member of the U17 Mens National Team and ESPN wrote an article a couple weeks back claiming he's USA's next Landon Donovan or Brian McBride. Commit: http://topdrawersoccer.com/players-...-19723/No-2-player-in-US-makes-college-choice ESPN: http://insider.espn.go.com/sports/s...occer/blog?name=us_national_soccer&id=6189315
Of coursed, Donovan never went to college, and when McBride did, there weren't any other choices. Should we assume that Latham was promised Hoosier season tickets by Yeagley-the-Elder (complete with Armstrong Stadium parking pass) for that fine piece of journalism?
With the dubious track record that the Bradenton program has,in my opinion,of identifying and developing players I will wait and see.
Agreed. And if he's as good as touted, I'll also wait and see if he actually matriculates rather than sign a pro deal.
I'm assuming that those scoffing didn't watch the CONCACAF U-17 Championship? Oliver was quite impressive and was tied for most goals at the Championship with 4, Including the lone goal against Panama and the 2nd OT goal versus Canada in the Final.
I think what they're saying is the "next Landon Donovan" isn't going to college and will be playing professionally somewhere at this point in his career. I would take training at pretty much any top flight big four league over Bradenton if I were thinking about my development at a young age.
I would take training at almost anywhere over Bradenton. It is a joke in terms of player development. The percentage of players coming out of there in relation to the $$$ invested is a disgrace.