This rumor has been mentioned on BigSoccer before, and now it appears '02 US U17 GK Damian Las is leaving Chicago Fire for Fulham.https://t.co/TGOvSa4PuU— ChuckMe92 Soccer (@ChuckMe92Soccer) August 12, 2019
Leaving Chicago Fire = good Leaving for Fulham/England as an academy player = bad So it's a push. Germany, France, Spain, maybe even Denmark would have been a better option.
I don't think it's the same for keepers. If you're a good shot stopper, you're a good shot stopper. There's not much else to it. Also, I don't think Fulham deserves a bad rep, they promote quite a few academy products.
This last season they were regularly playing Ryan Babel and a fairly vet-centric lineup even after they were officially relegated. LDLT didn't get much of a shot at either level w/ them. Neither did Hyndman. Hard to envision them actually playing a teen keeper especially.
Okay but a lot of 18 and 19 year olds don't feature for Championship teams yet, without being seen as a waste. He had played the whole preseason with the first team last September, and fans were wondering why he didn't play in the first Carabou Cup game, when it was revealed he tore his ACL.
It's official: Another American to add to the #FFC ranks... 🇺🇸We're pleased to welcome Damian Las from @ChicagoFire.— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 10, 2019
On the bench for U23s: 1' We're rolling in Manchester!Against a dangerous, unbeaten @ManUtd side, we will go with this line-up tonight 👇#FFCU23 [0-0] pic.twitter.com/pantQC6OXF— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 13, 2019
Starts for U18s: 1' #FFCU18s are looking to continue their excellent form as they turn to the #PLCup 🏆 We've just started against @NorwichCityFC in blustery conditions looking like this 👇 #FFCU18 [0-0] pic.twitter.com/giuxFaNlNj— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) September 28, 2019
Starts: 1' KICK-OFF.We've gone all in!@JayStansfield1, @SylJasper, Carvalho and Drameh all come in. ↔️Tiehi starts up top. 💪@mc4voy_ partners @luca_murphy3. 🔒#FFCU18 [0-0] pic.twitter.com/n8HD9W2ynl— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 11, 2019
Didn't get much mention in a 10-1 win: 84'@SouthShieldsFC have their goal 👏Ryland lifts over Las!#FFCU18 [9-1]— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 11, 2019
On the bench for the U23s: 1' KICK-OFF.Back come @mattoriley8, @delatorreluca and @_StevenSess! 💪We're looking to head into Christmas unbeaten in December. 🎄#FFCU23 [0-0] pic.twitter.com/2n0vRrBI8f— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) December 16, 2019
Starts in FA Youth Cup: 1' KICK-OFF.A strong side for our #FAYouthCup tie against @SheffieldUnited!Drameh, Carvalho, Ablade & @SylJasper come in. 👋Tiehi keeps his place up top. 💪Murphy & @mc4voy_ partner at centre half. 🔗#FFCU18 [0-0] pic.twitter.com/sTUd6cy2N3— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 15, 2020
83' Goal. Brunt's strike from range takes a wicked deflection and wrong foots Las. #FFCU18 [1-2]— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) January 15, 2020
It's a good thing I tacked on that second goal. We ride the storm to book our spot in the fifth round!
Tough on the goal he gave up. It was hit outside the box going lower corner and deflected to the other side. Las almost managed to recover, but didn't.
Everything I've heard is that Las has impressed. Rodak has cemented himself in with the first team, but maybe Las can supplant one of the Ashby-Hammond brothers for the U23s next season.
A couple of things: Fulham's U18 won 4-1 @ Reading's U18 this past weekend, Fulham still tied for 1st (with a game in hand) in the U18 South. Las again played the whole game, with only an own-goal against. On Thursday there's a big U18 FA Cup 5th-round match @ Man City, leaders of the U18 North.