Very exciting comeback win at Sacramento tonight - gave up goals in the 50 something and 50 other something, then scored three in the last twenty minutes.
http://www.socceramerica.com/article/69982/roster-us-u-17-boys-convene-in-utah.html The U.S. U-17s rallied to beat Utah Valley University, 4-3, on Tuesday. They will also face the USL's Real Monarchs during the camp.
Baez didn't come on until the 82nd minute and (surprise!) wasn't able to get too involved before the game ended. His touches were not USL touches though, so that's something. The highlight of the night was Leo the HENDRIX Lion shredding the national anthem on electric guitar! Skip to the 6:00 mark:
I'd love to see him get some minutes with the senior squad. His work rate is high and he's a decent passer. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Not sure if anyone watched the Monarchs v Tulsa on Saturday, but I had a few RSL-related thoughts - 1. Velazco should get a trial with RSL. Looks more like Javi's heir than Jordan Allen, to me. 2. Sunny looked rusty AF. Had a couple of really bad giveaways, including a horrible backpass (or amazing through pass to the other team's forward, if you rather) which led to Tulsa's only goal. 3. I was really impressed with Amass Amankona. Looks like a Joao Plata clone. Quick, clever, tenacious. His size will likely prevent him from making a significant impact, unless he gets stronger. 4. Pedro Baez showed flashes of great ability, but mostly played like a 19 year old. I think RSL should try to hang on to him. He has good size, average pace, but great touch on the ball/instincts. 5. Schuler looked ok. Slower and less sure of himself, though. I've always thought he had an awkward look about him when he played. A little hunched over, kind of gangly movement. But his reflexes and athleticism always saved him. If he's lost a step, that doesn't bode well for his future with RSL.
It just happened. http://www.rsl.com/post/2016/09/06/real-salt-lake-signs-homegrown-forward-ricardo-velazco
Velazco has been pretty good on working with the other players, but superior on his shots this season. Really nice placement on his shots - very Javi-like on that. He hasn't matched up to Javi on playmaking, but maybe he can pick some of that up. Baez has looked pretty dynamic and energetic - but - his choices to take on defenders hasn't been backed up by skill. He needs more time with Burrito to learn the ball-skills or learn to do the Plata-Javi-Burrito pass and move plays. I agree that Amass has been playing very similar to Plata. I think he's been tougher to get off the ball than Joao though. He's got speed and decent ball-skills, but he hasn't had quite as many shots on goal, so his scoring rate is far lower. He's got pretty nice free kick skills too. The new Englishman (Charlie Adams) was interesting vs Tulsa. He was very involved in the game, but wasn't in long enough to get a big conclusion on him yet.
Either way, the Monarchs are a success. It's fantastic that RSL is building the talent base more and more, and we're just at the beginning.
Yeah, but when are we getting the next Messi for free? We're way behind schedule compared to my Fifa save.
That is, if we don't immediately waive these Monarch players next year or lose them to a League MX club.
http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/731059?referrer_id=2333971 Juarez Named Real Salt Lake Assistant Coach 12/6/2016, 3:15pm EST Former Monarchs Head Coach ‘elated’ with new opportunity after two seasons with USL side
Ha ha ha ha ha... Under his guidance, the USL club has produced three players who have gone on to sign contracts with Real Salt Lake – Emery Welshman in 2015 [out most of season with busted leg and options waived at end of 2016] and Ricardo Velazco and Chris Schuler in 2016. [Really? They're going there as justification for the move. Really?] If you're going to justify the move, wouldn't you use Academy experience, coaching same system alongside Cassar, experience with first team players doing stints with the Monarchs, etc.? The player promotion rate for the Monarchs to RSL is the last reasonable metric to use, as it (put politely) not good.
They seriously listed Schuler as if it was some kind of accomplishment? The guy was cut for being injured at least 50% of the time. Just because he finally didn't get injured during a season shouldn't be some accomplishment of the Monarchs.