Yes, but he's French born-and-raised who just happens to have one American parent, no? Has he even been to the States? IMO it's doubtful he'd have much interest in coming to the States to play: with his background he'd fancy his chances as a depth keeper in Ligue 2, or starter for a D3 promotion contender. Either way, his wages would surely be higher than in USL/NASL, at least as good as those for an MLS no. 2, and paid for a 52-week year instead of just for the season. In addition, lower D2 and nearly all D3 teams would be in relatively small towns, which means that his wages can go a lot further than they would in Tampa or Sacramento because there's fewer ways to spend it than in a big city. If he gets a short-term deal (under 18 months) his accommodation will most probably be in a club/club owner-owned apartment and there'll surely be a club sponsor's car. If he's single, there may even be a restaurant in town where he can get dinner on the house. Once you tot it all up, life as a journeyman pro in Europe is usually better than in the US. That's why so many Americans prefer to stay even in the Scandinavian lower leagues rather than come back to the US/Canada.
All I know is @letskillrobots @Howie_OT @PhilaUnion I wouldn't mind it at all ;)— Quentin Westberg (@QuentinWestberg) September 11, 2014
He has caps for the US U17, U20 & U23 squads, so it's not like he just happened to realize he has an American passport. Yeah, 2nd division soccer in the US probably isn't the best route to a rewarding career, but sometimes, just like Mix, foreign born Americans want to check out the US on more than a short trip. Being a GK is a huge disadvantage as we have an oversupply of those. If only he were a decent striker...
Westberg really opens up about what was happening here although the translation is little rough. What's crazy is that you go from the joy of playing in Ligue 2 at the outright dissolution of the team ... It's just a continuation of the whole affair. We walk on the head altogether. These people who have deprived us of access to Ligue 2, then the National, are the same people who type in the image that footballers return on what they spend their money or how they behave in public . They give lessons in rhyme. But when it comes time to help a small amateur club, there's nobody. While our only crime is not having built a concrete case to the last word. And what is the official reason for the denial? The stage in which we will evolve does not guarantee the safety of fans who will come to see us play ... It's a joke. When we know that this stage is completed fortnightly by supporters of one of the best rugby clubs in Europe, it makes me chuckle anyway. We had our heads for financial problems for two months before being validated as the contents of the folder was the same. I was on the tribunal, so I did not invent anything. And the court removed all doubts that hung over the case. Because the League had doubts that, huh! There was no real basis in denial. Basically, they looked nit every time? Yes, and everything was done in succession. When the club came before the DNCG in June, they did not talk about the stage, they just said, " Beware of finances . " And once the story was set finance, they say " Ah, but you did not address the issue of the stadium? "
IIRC, his extended family was from Rhode Island, and he spent a good portion of his childhood here. Here's something from when he was still a prospect. http://www.yanks-abroad.com/content.php?mode=news&id=000092 "I've always wanted to play for the United States and I'm [expletive] proud as hell to put on the U.S. jersey. I love the country and my roots are there." I believe you're right -- all things being equal he'd like to stay in France, probably because he now has a family. http://news.yahoo.com/column-france-small-team-makes-big-point-144835420.html
I didn't take the time to google his US YNT record and his comments on being American. Careless of of me. I think the rest of my post stands up, but still: very careless for making such a sweeping statement. My bad.
Westberg is one of my favorite YA stories to follow. Hope he finds a place to play soon. Is he worse than Joe Nasco? Asking for a friend.
Headed to Colorado in some capacity (article is in French): http://www.20minutes.fr/toulouse/1533671-20150204-luzenac-quentin-westberg-ariege-etats-unis
Sounds like he is going on trial with the Rapids. He had 3 offers from National teams (3rd Division) he turned them down.
MacMath, Irwin and Berner appear to have already seen off one challenge, as 28-year-old trialist Quentin Westberg, who has spent his career in France's Ligue 2, left Colorado's preseason camp after just two weeks. http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...ds-continue-tradition-goalkeeping-competition Move to Yanks in Limbo forum.
Quentin Westberg signs with Sarpsborg of Norwegian Tippeligaen: http://www.sarpsborg08.no/news/arti...1p7n/title/--veldig-glad-for-denne-muligheten
I guess we should start calling him Quentin NORDberg! Ha ha ha. (And yes, I'm aware that this opens up the thread to Naked Gun jokes.)
Sarpsborg is in Norway's top division. Westberg has never had much success outside of France's third division, so this is perhaps a good opportunity for him. Sarpsborg's incumbent GK is a Jamaican, Duwayne Kerr. He's been with Sarpsborg for two years and in Norway for four. Last WCQ cycle he was the primary backup to Donovan Ricketts.
A start and a shutout for Westberg in a Cup game against Grorud. http://www.sarpsborg08.no/news/article/5d9lxrz6tqyc16u0fygjtzk55/title/greit-gjennomfort-mot-grorud
Westberg starting against Stabaek for some reason: http://us.soccerway.com/matches/201...stabak-idrettsforening/1975078/?ICID=PL_MS_08 Game is at 12 noon Eastern time.
No idea why he started, Duwayne Kerr has played the first ten games and done very well as far as I know. He played ok though. Stabæk didn't test him too much but he seemed solid enough. Not enough shots on goal to really prove himself in this match.