Pepi's dalliances with Mexican youth national teams also don't hurt his chances. The Mexican federations sees talent just like we do. I don't know which way his heart tells him to go; Mexico or the US. All I know is that Mexico is ready to pounce. I don't think kids should be selected JUST because they're waffling dual nationals. The coaching staff should pick the players they feel are the best long-term prospects for the national team program regardless of situation. I do use it as a tie-breaker, though............................
Great pic. 🇺🇸Photo credit: @jono1971 pic.twitter.com/SbpCDUMBR2— Daniel (@DanielSmith1022) October 15, 2018
I feel pretty decent about our chances with Pepi. He could have easily refused a US U17 callup with his rising stock and the interest and callups he is getting from El Tri. I'm sure they are very interested in him after seeing how he played at the Liga MX youth tournament, with 6 goals in 440 minutes against pretty good youth sides, and seeing his DA performances, with 10 goals in 3 starts so far this season. Other Mex-Am youth players like Hinojosa and Lara left the US when Mexico became interested, and have recently come back to the US only after they fell out of favor with Mexico. Pepi's case seems to be different, not that he is committed to the US yet, but it's at least a more even battle.
I think Lopez is also eligible for Mexico, so this shouldn't be as much about cap-tying Pepi because Lopez also could defect, but I think you take the year younger player if the two players are around even in ability.
US u17 lineup vs. Russia u18. Credit to @SeanGosling5 pic.twitter.com/U2fMzx3xub— Daniel (@DanielSmith1022) October 16, 2018
He seems to be the captain, and our youth coaches seem to rate off the field leadership quite highly lately.
Anyone have their thoughts on Axel Alejandre and what he does well and what he needs to improve? He flies a little beneath the radar, but every time I look up, his name is in the first XI.
FC Dallas tells DA players they can't train or try out with any international clubs and then allows certain favored player to do just that.
Mobile left footed CB. Good passer, reads the game well. Might be too small for the position physically as he moves up to higher levels. If you pair him with a taller player (or play 3 at the back with him at LCB like I’d prefer), it’s not a big worry at this level. He’s a quality player, although not great.
USA U17’s 2-1 Russia U18’s - GGGGOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Fg0d0usw4g— Witton Albion Football Club (@WittonAlbion) October 16, 2018
According to the person who runs the twitter account of the ground where the match was held, Kobe played really well on the night. Yes he was. He played really well 👍— Witton Albion Football Club (@WittonAlbion) October 16, 2018
You like goals.We like goals.Watch all six U-17 #USMNT strikes from the three-game tourney! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UeopXbs0ZN— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) October 17, 2018
The Witton Albion FC Twitter says the US standouts of the match were Bello, Hernandez, Yow, and Odunze. Here are some nice photos from the game: https://personalactionphotography.wordpress.com/2018/10/16/usa-u17-v-russia-16-oct-2018/
Some more photos from the Russia match: https://www.facebook.com/pg/karlbrooksphotography/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1862394537129399
Fuentes got his debut today. Came on in the 89th for Tommy Thompson. I think that makes him the third U17 to make his debut after Busio and Bello.