Gatt was a two time adidas ESP invitee, two time adidas esp All-Star, ranked 5th in his class nationally by TopDrawer Soccer, and a two time NSCAA All-American. He was in the 2008 U18 National Pool. He was also a starter on two Michigan Wolves National Championship teams. I predict we will see him moving up and on in the not too far off future.
Gatt netted two goals in an 8-0 win over SVG Reichenau in the Stiegl Cup. http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=6639
The first team plays a match today which is available to watch via stream if the channel is not available. (myp2p.eu)
Gatt played 15 minutes in the derby vs Lustenau. http://www.scra.at/nc/aktuelles/details/archiv/2010/08/16/article/11//derby-in-lus/
His last league appearance was on August 20. Since then I believe he picked up a minor knock, but lately he's re-appeared on the bench. He did go the full 90 on Sep. 16 in the Austrian Cup.
Josh Gatt started and played all 90 minutes for SCR Altach in a 1st League game against FC Gratkorn. SCR Altach won 1-0.
Yes, the it's the Erste Liga, which is below the Austrian Bundesliga. Altach are off to a very nice start; after 12 matches they are 8-2-2. Unfortunately, they are six points off Admira's pace and there's only one promotion slot. Prior to this match, Gatt had made five substitute appearances in the league and two starts in the cup. I believe he did miss a few weeks with a minor injury. I am glad to see Gatt jump right into things. He's one of a precious few US U20 players to be earning first-team playing time, albeit at a relatively unimpressive level.
This might be the wrong place for this type of discussion but I feel like their is value playing in a professional environment. Just the daily demands of being a professional (training, eating right, taking care of your body, fighting for you place) no matter what league is only a good thing. Josh is working hard (I imagine) and playing with much older and mature players which has to help his development.
And he's going to get a lot more games and tough practices than in a US college environment. I'm sure this experience will help him with his soccer career.
I agree. Altach looks like it will serve as a nice entry point to the professional game for Gatt. I suppose the Austrian second level isn't a bad place to get your feet wet coming from HS/club soccer, but let's hope he moves onward and upward in a few years. Eventually, the market speaks and players find the level. When the music stops, you don't want to be in the Erste Liga. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets called into a U20 camp. The midfield situation is very crowded and Gatt might not have much of a chance, but Rongen seems eager to reward players for getting into a professional situation by giving them one callup to strut their stuff, even if they aren't in a top-tier league (he mentioned as much regarding Korey Veeder at Crystal Palace Baltimore).
Other than his call up to the U18 pool two years ago, it does not seem like the National teams are interested. I think that is a mistake but what he is learning playing as a pro in a foreign country can only make him a better player.
I think he can play as a forward though there may not be any spots available in that position either. I think he can also play on the wing, I want to say left but I'm not 100% sure. As for the national team he is still young so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Even if he was called up who knows if Altach would want him to leave, he seems to be a good option off the bench. I say let him stay and learn at least for the first year.
He is a young player who is just starting his professional career. He should take a page out of Any Najar's book and just focus on his club career. The national/youth national teams will come eventually
Article on Altach's 1-0 win over FC Gratkorn: http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=6840 This was Josh's first start in five league appearances. I hope it is the beginning on a consistent trend for him.
http://www.laola1.tv/en/us/soccer/a...scr-altach-fc-gratkorn/video/0-153-32874.html Josh Gatt looked good in these highlights from the game.
Yes, and he had the first pass in the succession of passes leading to the Altach goal. From what I saw he could be scoring his first goal for Altach rather soon.