Compound that with the fact his cousin was an Israeli policeman killed in a recent synagogue attack that was the focus of worldwide attention.... he might feel attachment to Israel with his family's service and sacrifice to the nation. I understand the interest of U.S. fans to win every dual national recruit but this one might not go their way... I hope they let it slide and not lament over it too.
Totally forgot that you reported that little tidbit a while back. Sad. Truly sad. He would pay the ultimate homage to his late Father and Cousin by repping Israel. If would be a crime if he did not. Agreed. I've always had the attitude you win some; you lose some with dual nationals. I never get bent out of shape when one chooses another nation. It has to be a tough decision and I can never fault one for going with their heart.
why would they? I made an effort to watch a couple of Gent games just to check this kid out and I certainly didn't see a future international star or anything. He's a decent enough player but doubtful he'd be good enough to make a real impact with the full US national team. It's certainly not a loss anyone should be fretting over.
The good news? He's a newly-arrived 21 year-old who's played 15 games out of 27, and been on the bench for another 5 for a team that's in third, four points off the leaders. The bad news? There's a lot of garbage minutes in there, and he's gone over 45' in only 7 of those appearances. Not at all bad for a 21 year-old in a new league of a higher standard. Nothing outstanding either, given the strength of the Belgian League. Nobody would lose any sleep if a player with those stats for, say, the Sounders chose Israel over the USA.
On the bench today against RSCA. Article on his father's death (translated): Kenny Saief lost on February 18, his father and shortly thereafter he flew to Israel for the farewell ceremony. "I had the coach got a few days off, something my family and I greatly appreciated," explains Saief in Latest News. "You know what AA Gent has done for me, I never forget. Their gesture, the banner after the victory against Club took all news channels in Israel and it was picked up in American newspapers. My father has now found peace and I have by. C'est la vie." "I am the oldest of three children, and it is now my duty to take care of everything. That's why I stayed a few days longer in Israel to support my mom and tell her to stay strong. I will do everything to to make my father proud." http://www.voetbalnieuws.be/news/17...en_om_mijn_vader_trots_te_maken#ixzz3UScbCYcM
Make that Gent's league opener as defending champions!! They finished second in the regular season, but won the playoff tournament. It was their first title in their 150 years as a sports club, and 115 years as a football club! This means that Kenny Saief will play in the group stages of the Champions' League this season
Went 90' in the CL loss to Zenit http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/kenneth-saief/leistungsdaten/spieler/209019
http://www.socceroverthere.com/?p=20727 Kenny Saief went the full 90 minutes and assisted on Gent’s first goal in their 2-2 draw to KV Oostende yesterday.
Gent vs. Lokeren Highlights https://t.co/6rv2wv7W4h After assisting on a goal over the weekend, Kenny Saief assisted on a goal on Tuesday.— Over There (@socceroverthere) October 28, 2015
Gent vs. Sporting Charleroi Highlights https://t.co/kDPLhayXkY Kenny Saief scored his second goal of the season this weekend.— Over There (@socceroverthere) November 9, 2015
Went 67 minutes in a 2-1 road win against Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday. Gent have a 1 point lead over Valencia for 2nd heading in the last match day. Highlights
On the bench for Gent in today's UCL match: Gand-Zenit: la feuille de match. Avec Simon et Rafinha côté Buffalo @lavenir_sport pic.twitter.com/x1BfAXSeVD— Stéphane Lecaillon (@StephLecaillon) December 9, 2015
And Gent win 2-1, which means that Gent become the first Belgian side in 15 years to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League, consigning Valencia to the Europa League and Lyons to . . . well, nothing. An amazing achievement. It's Real or Barca up next!!
Interesting news for United States National Team supporters. According to a Sport5 report, Gent MF Kenny Saief will be called up to USA NT.— Raphael Gellar (@Raphael_Gellar) December 10, 2015 Israeli Abroad Kenny Saief playing at Gent called up by the US National Team. "At least the US appreciates me" https://t.co/ON4tPxndN1— Sports Rabbi (@thesportsrabbi) December 10, 2015 @thesportsrabbi I should clarify, he said today that he expects to be called up by the US National Team who have been following him closely— Sports Rabbi (@thesportsrabbi) December 10, 2015 Young forward for Gent. Born in Florida. Played for Israeli youth national teams. Eligible for U-23 team. https://t.co/TqIxQhMRI8— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) December 10, 2015 Edited - searched his name and found some craziness on twitter.
Note: according to UEFA, he has 6 caps for Israel in youth competitions in Europe. That means he needs a one-time switch. http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=250043054/profile/index.html
Looks like it: http://www.espnfc.us/united-states/...s-to-play-iceland-in-january-friendly-sources But it's doubtful Kenny would be in camp as their schedule resumes January 17th.