A midfielder called into the latest U20 camp: MIDFIELDERS (10): Seth Casiple (California; Rocklin, Calif.), Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna; Sacramento, Calif.), Matt Dunn (OFK Beograd; Dallas, Texas), Daniel Garcia (FC Dallas Academy; Dallas, Texas), Alejandro Guido (Unattached; Chula Vista, Calif.), Benji Joya (Santos Laguna; San Jose, Calif.), Mikey Lopez (North Carolina; Mission, Texas), Collin Martin (D.C. United Academy; Chevy Chase, Md.), Daniel Metzger (Maryland; Staten Island, N.Y.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bollingbrook, Ill.) http://www.ussoccer.com/News/U-20-MNT/2012/02/U20-MNT-Roster-Addition.aspx The Mexican Fed says he's a '93 born in Mexico. His full name is given as Hector Benjamin Joya Jimenez.
"ATTACKING-MID Height : 5'9 Weight : 160 lbs Birth : 22-09-1993 Preferred Foot : Right Nationality : Mexican/American Player's Traits - Benji's tactical game is superb, his creativity on the pitch positively refelts on the score sheets; assisting his team mates and delighting those on the side lines are easy tasks for him. The Brain Observations - Benji Joya was gifted with the ability to equally control both sides of the pitch; throughout his young career he's been able to own the mid field through outstanding passing skills, presence and an unshakable character. Benji recently made it into Santos Laguna's U20 Team where he feels comfortable and happy, ready to shine as soon as the season starts. He is the lord of the pitch, he is Benji Joya. " http://maximilianoroditis.com/benji.html http://ussda.demosphere.com/teams/17276140/17297173-17276233/18560255.html
Wow. Hopefully this guy is as gifted as he sounds. I hope more and more of these midfield maestros continue to come out of this country.
Made his debut tonight as a second half sub. Whens the next U-20 camp?Wouldn't be surprised if Mexico wanted to bring in this kid to their camp.
I doubt it, I mean he's part of the core group of guys this u 20 cycle.. Very promising debuting already. Now its Guido's turn too debut
Next one is in october in Spain, I think. They play Azerbaijan and someone else. He has been invited.
Here's an interview with Joya for an article in the New York Times http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/...u-s-player-makes-a-mark-in-mexico/?ref=global
Entered the game vs Atlante in the 69' http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/348036/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901 Santos Laguna currently lead 2-1 in the 82'... Edit: FT Atlante 1 - 3 Santos
Starting tonight at RW vs. Atlas, Herc on the bench. Game is just about to kickoff (9:00et) on Galavision.
Benji was subbed out at HT, I gave him a 5. Physically has decent size and some good quickness. Santos had him hug the sideline for the most part (then cut in) and they didn't go through the right side as much. He has a nice 1st touch and isn't afraid to take defenders on 1v1, but really wasn't dangerous. He seems to be a good dribbler, but will have to pick his spots better because he did beat someone a couple times but secondary help came and took the ball away, then other times he couldn't beat a guy 1v1. Still like seeing an American prospect willing to go at a defender. Hard to judge in just 45 min, and especially his 1st career pro start, but you can definitely see some tools. Hopefully he continues to get some minutes.
Or Will Packwood or Conor O'Brien. Ventura Alvarado is knocking on the door for the 1st team at Club America