Friday's UCLA-Maryland game was the first time I've seen Gregorio play and I was quite impressed. His assist on UCLA's first goal was pure class, and throughout the game he made some great solo runs. There was one in particular that was Giggs-esque and had it not been for an equally impressive last-second tackle he would have been in on goal. IIRC the announcers mentioned that he's played for the U.S. youth national teams. How much has he featured for the U-national teams? What positions has he played? I understand he's only a junior, but is he planning on going pro? Seems like the kind of player who would be exciting to watch in MLS, but then again, I've only seen him play one game. Needless, to say, I'll be paying close attention to him when I watch the final. What do other people think of his professional prospects?
Gregorio is a Bradenton Baby and was on the U17 team with Landon, Demarcus, etc... that finsihed 4th in the 99 U17 World Championship. He got a brief look from Wolfgang Sunholz with the U20 team and has been in a couple of U23 camps earlier this year with the U23s but wasn't called into the latest U23 camp that starts today. That he wasn't called in is sort of ironic as he is a right mid and right mid is 1 of the 2 big question marks for our Olympic team. Perhaps his performance in Dallas will earn him a late call-up, though I don't know what his situation with final exams is and he may have to go back to LA for those. As for his pro prospects, I think he has a good chance to play in MLS, plus his folks are from Portugal, which means he has an EU passport, which can make it much easier for him to play in Europe.
Gregorio mainly played as a midfield substitute in New Zealand 99. (Then again, so did Bobby Convey.) He wasn't a stand-out by any means, but he has skill on the ball and a great work rate. I was never that impressed with Kyle Martino as a youth national teamer, but could see his skill and work rate. Just look at him now. Perhaps Gregorio will be the same way, but perhaps not.
U-17s v Argentina I think I remember reading about him scoring two or three in a comeback win over Argentina in a friendly before the U-17 WC.
From what I've seen Gregorio has a very good chance to do well in MLS. His speed may be the limiting factor on his national team call ups, but he is quite skilled IMHO.
To me he is a "Ben Olsen" type player, but with only one foot - his right. He has no left peg what so ever. However, he is good on the ball and in college will not lose it very often. He has good speed - not great - and makes killer passes. In MLS or even the A-League he could have problems. He is still a Junior, so he might not be available for the draft. From what I hear he isn't coming out. I like his abilities and the way he plays. I would like to see him in MLS, but a year in the A-League (fat chance) or another one at UCLA might actually be better for him. Is he Project-40 material? Well considering there aren't 40 players in P-40, much less the 80 that are supposed be in the program at this time, yes he is. Basically I think he is among the top 40 (or 80) U23 players in the country at the moment. He was even back in 2000, when he should have been signed by MLS/US Soccer. His pro potential is there and after 3-5 years of MLS he might be ready for a senior international call-up
I'm not one to defend most college boys, however, I did see him swing in a cross with his left foot. I see him being a Ralston level player, and he's way TOO skilled for the college game. He's definitely spinning his wheels. He is still a Junior, so he might not be available for the draft. From what I hear he isn't coming out. I think he's wasting his time. 3/4 of the guys out there don't have even close to his skill. His family is big into education, and that's why he went to college originally. Rumor is that his parents are Portuguese and that would qualify him for an EU passport.
Thanks for the great responses. I noticed that in the final Gregorio played on both the left and right sides of midfield, so he seems fairly versatile. He swung in a few nice crosses, and had one breathtaking dribbling move in midfield, but other than that didn't do much. Of course I didn't think anyone was particularly impressive in the final. It'll be a shame if he doesn't enter the draft this year IMHO. The Wanderer's comparison to Ralston is a pretty good one from what I've seen...Gregorio doesn't have great pace, but his first touch, dribbling, and passing are all very good. It will be interesting to see how he develops...