http://onesport.nzoom.com/sport_detail/0,1278,186100-2-27,00.html New Zealand coach says it's their strongest team ever. Three MLSers (Oughton, Nelsen, and Elliott) are included, as is former Stanford player Gerard Davis.
Batty plays for Leeds right? He is probably just as good as anyone that would wear the Red, White & Blue. Good squad here, and hopefully they'll give France a test
Just to clarify again David Batty http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player?id=7819&cc=5901 James Beattie http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player?id=7866&cc=5901
Don't forget about Portland's very own Gavin Wilkinson. The Timbers captain, resident funny man and all around hell of a guy. W'ere gonna miss him while he is gone for the Confed. Cup.
Jason Batty is really Billy Idol living a double life of soccer player by day and rock star by night! Maybe he'll sing all of his hit songs during halftime of the NZ games!
Out of curiousity anyone know where the MLSers fit in their lineup? Starters, part timeres, strictly bench holders? Any good showing by those players reflects well on our league I think and soccer in America, as thats where they are getting their professional experience.
MLS Kiwis Ryan Nelsen and Simon Elliot will definitely start for The All Whites. Nelsen will be a defensive midfielder and Simon will play the same type of role he does with the Galaxy. Duncan Oughton will play marking back and his play will hopefully earn him some time for the Crew.
Either the New Zealand national team coach or the head of their FA encouraged promising youth players to try to make NCAA teams as a way of advancing their career. That alone should tell you how far they've come. Sachin