As far as other US Nats go, he played at least one game against Sacha. And Sacha got a yellow in the match, so that's something. Sacha starts the build up for the first goal, Kenny sends in an excellent corner that should have been a goal, and then if I'm seeing it right (bad video quality), they team forces on the same play: Kenny sends in an awful cross and Sacha responds with a near penalty in the box
Saief's switch covered in the Israeli press: https://translate.google.com/transl...es/Article.394.244977.html&edit-text=&act=url
US Soccer profile: http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2017/06/29/18/03/20170629-feat-mnt-five-things-to-know-kenny-saief “It was very special. I was very excited to meet the guys and the people here that helped me with the paperwork to switch. It was a really special moment for me. When I got my clothes from here and put it on, I was looking at the U.S. crest. I called my mom first to tell her I got here and told her about my new U.S. National Team gear. She asked me to send a picture, so I took a selfie and sent it to her.”
Was watching some highlights earlier and the comparison that kept jumping into my head was Jack Harrison.
Profile: http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/...ch-bigger-than-playing-for-israel-kenny-saief Saief was left to play a tense waiting game. Should he go for the sure thing or wait for a U.S. call that might never come. He said he was never contacted by the U.S. when former manager Jurgen Klinsmann was in charge, but when Bruce Arena took over, the interest picked up. Saief had been playing primarily as a left wingback in Gent's 3-5-2, impressing with his ability to take on players one-on-one and get in crosses. Sensing an opportunity, the U.S. finally pounced in May. "I saw the number from the U.S., and then I just picked up," said Saief. "He said, 'My name is Kenny [Arena] and I'm the assistant coach of Bruce Arena.' I was like a few seconds on my own saying, 'Okay.' Then he said, 'We've been following you for a long time. We like the way you play.' He was asking more how I feel. That's how it started. He asked me if I was interested to play [for the U.S.] and I said yes I am."
I am ecstatic to see this guy play for the US. I feel confident he will measure up. Would be disingenuous to pretend I've seen a whole lot of him. I haven't. But what I have seen, he's shown a lot of guts. Must be something about the guy to be so willing make his own path and so openly share his own unique story. Tons of respect for Kenny.
Out of the Gold Cup with an injury: NEWS: @ChrisPontius13 joins our #GoldCup2017 roster as an injury replacement for Kenny Saief (groin).Details: https://t.co/vOosRoalqE pic.twitter.com/zo4L9ba0aF— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 5, 2017
Worse still, replaced by Chris Pontius. That's getting kicked in the balls and then kneed in the face when you're keeled over.
Without any inside knowledge (on this matter), it sounds like Kenny pushed himself too hard last week and was far below where he should have been to start camp. Too bad. I would have rather have seen Tommy Mac replace him, but it really isn't that big of a deal.
It sounds like the effects of a long and grueling Euro season finally caught up to him. These guys aren't machines and their organisms need ample rest and recovery to avoid just this type of injury. Not sure how you can reason he "was far below where he should have been"? He's practically coming straight off his club season to the Nats. Looks to be a smart, sharp player. Guess we wait for the full impression.
He's not coming straight off his club season to the USMNT. His last game for Gent was on May 21. USMNT camp opened on June 26. That's 37 days
Was there any commentary to the effect that his conditioning was "far below" where it should be? These guys are professionals. Their bodies are their livelihoods. Gone are the days of laying around, getting fat and out of shape in the ever-shorter off-season. With a regular, low intensity fitness regime, a month without a 90 minute competitive game is not going to leave him "far below" his best..
He admitted he was out of shape. Bruce also commented on it. And now he's injured. So facts suggest Kenny was indeed quite out of shape. Too bad.