For those wondering, he is a 9 and he is by far the best dual nat and currently abroad player we have for the 04-05 u17 cycle. Unless Dantouma Toure learns the game of soccer and cleans up his first touch Sanogo should be our locked in starter. Also we may not even get Dantouma Toure as we don't know if he's even age eligible as there have been some serious rumors that his age ranges from an 04 all the way to an 01. Apparently coaches in Europe laughed at him when he told them he was born in 2004.
I know Toure’s age is widely discussed, but I don’t know if there’s actually any instance where USSF has fielded an ineligible player. This is not an area where I’d go against their understanding. He missed some time due to injury, but otherwise the federation seems to rate the kid. He was even in an ‘03 camp 1.5 years ago, and they listed him as an ‘04. There is, of course, a chance he may be found to be ineligible. Sometimes these African born players aren’t even trying to cheat. The poor record keeping in certain parts of the continent leads to some instances where the players don’t know their true age, but I think we should use the federation’s understanding until there’s reason to think differently. I’m sure they’ve properly vetted the situation to the best of their capability.
None of those players were ever eventually found to be ineligible for the age groups they played in or older than stated, despite the speculation.
I’m hoping that this week’s Winter Showcase (AKA DA Cup round 2) will be scouted for the best 2004s in the country. I would love to see the player pool expand from the 2004s that played in the U-15s CONCACAF competition this summer. If the rumor of 2004 Nike Friendlies at the beginning of the year is true, these guys should be evaluated head to head here. Dropping one name, I know that Evan Rotundo played for the San Diego Surf U-19s in qualifiers. Both U-17 and U-19 Surf teams are in Florida, so it will be interesting to see which team he will play for.
I've talked to Dom, Evan is expected to be with the 19's. Unless they are injured, in europe, or with Mexico all the big prospects will be at this showcase
For those wondering, Evan started and scored for the San Diego Surf u19's today. Another eventful showcase performance was a 2004 Pearse O'Brien who started and scored against the NYRB 19's. He was the best of two 2004's out there... the other was Dantouma Toure who every single person who cares about following the development of 15 year old's know about.
Here are some clips of possibly relevant players to cycle from the FCD/Union u17 Winter Cup game. Quinn Sullivan had a difficult game, but remains my favorite 04 player to watch. Levi Stephens had some rough moments. Should have done a Ty Reynolds but forgot he was mentioned here. I didn't watch him closely due to comp making process but he had some good moments IRC. Carrera was good too but GK comps are boring. Please send requests Jonathan Dadzie https://streamable.com/rbi7t Jordan Jones (05) https://streamable.com/a3nou Quinn Sullivan https://streamable.com/hyokp Levi Stephens https://streamable.com/p9979 Nelson Pierre (05) https://streamable.com/8l3jh
Aronson and Sealy, please. I've watched about half of the minutes, but Aronson looked as good as Sullivan and Sealy was a mixed package, but somehow the most impactful player on his team.
Alas they are not eligible for the 2021 u17 WC. No doubt video of them would be good to have in another thread
Assuming they have a camp in January if everyone is healthy what's the first choice 11? With guys like Brandon Craig and Zac Booth moving positions as showed in the showcase I imagine that it is a little different.
Personally my 11 is Slonina Reynolds-Leone-Craig-Clarke Hot-Pukstas (dual 8's, not too confident on any of the 6's) Rotundo Sullivan-Sanogo-Torres Fede Oliva or Osvaldo Cisneros could also start on the wings for this team as they're both quality players. Dantouma Toure is another guy who I don't view as a starter and rate long term but would not be mad if he was there because at this level I think he can help win games.
Now 11G, 3A in 17 games playing up a year in the U-17 Bundesliga. He's not yet eligible for Germany, only US and Ivory Coast right now. USSF didn't bring Malik Tillman in early enough. Only one camp, and then he left for the German setup. We don't want that to happen with Sanogo.
So .... the only coach willing to live in Chicago full time to coach a youth level nats team just left for the pro team in ... Chicago? Can't make this stuff up.
Wicky and Chicago's recently hired Technical Director Georg Heitz worked together many years at FC Basel. From the moment Heitz was rumored Wicky looked to be the obvious choice for coach.
U17 National USA team!!!👏👏⚽️⚽️@FedericoOliva15 que alegria enorme ❤️ pic.twitter.com/y2k9Jveq4w— Carofeni (@carofenico) January 8, 2020 U-17 camp soon
From what i know Rotundo and now obviously Oliva are on the roster, an early shocking omission is Kenan Hot.
GA Cup qualifying runs February 12 to 17. This camp opens Feb 15. Getting a sense this could be a heavily Europe based group of players.