He's an interesting one. You know, I had thought that he was a regular callup for Ramos. But even before his injury, he'd only been called into 3 camps this cycle. While injured, other players like O'Neill have stepped up their games. Zimmerman just returned to fitness too late. And to be honest, with the Hedges-John combo working so splendidly for FCD, and London Woodberry now filling in well when needed (like last night)..............playing time is going to be tough for Zim this year. Honorable mention last night to Diego Fagundez...............who had a great game. Last night I believe was his best performance in the league. I know he's not US eligible, but a rising tide lifts all boats.
Nice story about Kekuta Manneh......... http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...-vancouver-whitecaps-kekuta-manneh-far-homela Manneh may never be US eligible. I don't know. He was called up to Gambia's U20 team at one point, but I don't know if he actually played. Still...........a success story. [maybe too old for this thread anyway..................]
Long editorial about Jose Villarreal and the future of MLS youth development. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...al-explains-future-mls-youth-development-word I haven't seen this type of figure reported for other academies......... Still, the success hasn’t come without a serious financial investment. Klein confirmed for MLSsoccer.com reports that the Galaxy's total investment in their academy is between $1.5 and $1.75 million, placing "among the top three in MLS in terms of how much we’ve invested,” according to Klein.
Yup. Manneh's an interesting success story. From a DA team (Texas Rush outside of Houston) to a team in the USL (Austin Aztex) and then into MLS. It's the path that should have worked for a player like the much-hyped and now utterly forgotten Felix Garcia. Although that was PDL and not USL.
Too late? You act like we have a million decent CB's. The only two locks at CB should be JAB and O'Neill. After that, there are two spots left. Assuming, Stanko plays as a DM, which he should, that leaves two spots for Payeras, Torre and Zimmerman. Do we even know that Payeras plays for his club team in Guatemala? Who says that he is any good? Did Torre really impress anyone in qualifying? I am not saying that Zimmerman should be a lock for the U-20 WC, but I would assume that he has at least a decent shot to make the roster.
Actually, it is the same path as Felix Garcia. When the pro Austin Aztex moved and became Orlando City, a new PDL version of the Aztex was formed.
I know it. But the guy has now played 1 minute of game action since the last game he played for Furman. He hasn't even played in an MLS reserve game. He's gonna have to prove he's not just back, but fit enough to be of use to us. Which he very well might. There's just not a lot of time.
If it provides stats for games, I don't see why it would not be accurate. Going off of Soccerway, is there any reason to believe that Payeras is better than Zimmerman? He doesn't get more playing time with his club team, he plays for a worse club and he barely has any experience with the U-20 team.
Well, the Toulon tournament officially starts in 16 days, and the U-20 WC officially starts in 40 days. Zimmerman was fit enough for FC Dallas to use him yesterday, although it was only for a few garbage minutes. Lets say that he has another full week of training with FC Dallas and then gets another short appearance off the bench for FC Dallas, he should be fit enough to play in the Toulon Tournament. After that, assuming no further set backs, he should also be fit enough for the U-20 WC. Payeras and Torre aren't match fit either. From all indications, Payeras gets no playing time for his club and Torre isn't match fit because College Soccer is out of season.
Anyone know what heppened with Felix Garcia? Its a shame he didn't want to pusue a professional career with Houston.
Part of our problem is that many of us haven't seen much of either player. I personally have no clue about Payeras other than accounts from the last camp. For all we know he could be better than Zimmerman. Prior to the draft some believed Zimmerman was/is a better prospect than Andrew Farrell, who's looking quite good. We knew based on the timeline given for his return from injury that this was going to be a really close one......................maybe he'll make it to Toulon. As an FCD fan, I certainly would like to see it.
Garcia continued to play with the Laredo Heat in the PDL through the 2011 season. I googled him a bit, and the most recent piece of information was a BigSoccer post in the Dynamo forum from March 2012: Garcia was probably overly romanticized in a Cory Gibbs kind of way thanks to his extended absence, but it's too bad his pro career never got off the ground nonetheless.
I don't want to over judge a few minute stint where he didn't touch the ball, but Zimmeran moves so effortlessly and quickly. This is after not playing for so long too. He looks truly to be that National level pure athlete where he could have been an NFL WR. His touch on the ball and reading of the game could very well be terrible but I like how he floats around the field. Good basis to start from.
The downside of taking Zimmerman to Toulon seems minimal. Prior to his injury woes, he was shaping up to be one of Ramos' core players and it's not like he's going to be playing much in Dallas anyway. Furthermore, Javan Torre is a serviceable player against CONCACAF competition but he's really the kind of player you try to improve upon if you can. If Zimmerman isn't healthy enough or can't shake off the rust, send him home. No harm done.
If we can improve our backline with inform JA Brooks and Zimmerman to add to O'Neil and Stanko and add Yedlin we no have a backline in my mind that rivals our attackers. Oh what could have been with Pelosi and Packwood.
It should be noted that Acosta was an unused sub again yesterday for FCD. I was hoping FCD would open up a good lead against DCU, which would have been the perfect opportunity for his debut. But alas, while the club is doing well...........they don't open up a big lead against anybody. It seems every game is a nailbiter. Hence there's less of an impetus for Schellas to bring on a youngster.
Saying "Dallas HG Player X was on the bench today" is just a fancy way of saying "Hyndman only named six substitutes". Say what you will about Hans Backe, at least he didn't lead you on!
You know FCDallas really well. I have a question for you. London Woodberry looked pretty good. Is he U20 eligible? Looked decent but always try to project forward a few years and noticed that while listed at 6-1 160 his frame looked tiny like a little kid. Kinda like Kristin Wigs 'baby hands' character. Playing along side M. Hedges who I think will develop into a USMNT level defender is tall and skinny but Woodberry looked like he has a mini me torso. I did have a few beers so my impression could be skewed on the game last night. Just didn't seem to have the physical presense to compete at higher levels or might plateau out.
Not U20 eligible. He's a 91. He's a former USYNat, having played at the U18 age group multiple times. Woodberry was a CB at Maryland like Okuwono is a CB at UNC. But many believe that both project better as RBs in MLS. In fact, I'm not sure who Zach Loyd's backup at RB is if it isn't Woodberry. With Ihemelu on IR, John and Keel out, and Zimmerman not ready to go 90..........Woodberry was the de facto starter yesterday. So I wouldn't read more into it that than. He held his own which was good. Another defender to keep in mind regarding FCD is homegrown Moises Hernandez, who's getting plenty of playing time while on loan at Saprissa. Don't know how he fits in, but he's also now a CB it seems. My gut feeling is that Acosta is different. From Hyndman's quotes, they're REALLY high on him. But I've been proven wrong before................................ [Jacobson was out yesterday for FCD, which opened up that bench spot for Acosta in all likelihood. Ferreira was out too......]
On your last part about Acosta, he was rated a lot higher by most people around the country than several of their HG's (Top, Ulloa, Hernandez).
If the player makes the Toulon roster, then they are under serious consideration for the WC. It will basically be a warm-up for the U20WC team. It's the last competitive action until then so it's very important.