Reports out today that Sporting KC will be bringing in another defender on trial in the month of June. That player is 16 year old defender, Alexis Velela, a defender for the US U17 national team. He's captained the team on a number of occasions.
Velala has been in the US Soccer residency program, but recently hired an agent. Velala apparently has multiple professional options.
If KC wants to sign Velala, the acquisition process would need to be sorted out. Since he's on trail the assumption would seem to be that Velala would not be a Generation Adidas player or previously offered a contract by MLS. Because if either of those occurred, then Velala would be required to go through a weighted lottery (unless all other teams pass, in which case he could be claimed as a waiver). In this instance it would appear the more likely acquisition process would be as a waiver selection or discovery signing.
From looking at some of his previous matches, Velela appears to be an outside back. If KC were to end up signing him, it'd give Sporting three teenager defenders on their roster, joining Igor Juliao and Erik Palmer-Brown.
Showing posts with label US Under 17. Show all posts
Showing posts with label US Under 17. Show all posts
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Sporting KC Defeat US U-17's, Kronberg Out 4-6 Weeks
Sporting KC's last announced preseason game is now in the books as the Wizards took on the US U17 team today out at ESPN's Wide World of Sports. Sporting took the lead through Konrad Warzycha who headed home a cross from trialist, Mozzi Gyorio. Shortly after KC grabbed the lead, the US team was level off of an indirect free kick inside the box. Rubio Rubin fired in just under the cross bar after a touch from Junior Flores.
Early in the second half, Sporting retook the lead, as Kyle Miller took a pass from Gyorio and slotted it into the far post making it 2-1. In the 64th, Soony Saad got on the score board firing a shot into the opposite corner making it 3-1. Shortly after Saad made it 3-1, he made it 4-1. Saad played Shawn Singh into the box, where he was fouled. Saad stepped up this time and buried the penalty kick past the keeper to make it 4-1 to Sporting KC.
Here are the highlights.
Kronberg Out
Eric Kronberg hasn't gotten much action so far this preseason due to one injury or another. Now he's going to miss the next 4-6 weeks due to a lower back injury. With the injury, that currently leaves Sporting with only 2 keepers on their roster, Jimmy Nielsen and Jon Kempin. Meaning the teenager is going to be Nielsen's backup until Kronberg comes back from injury. It's certainly a blow for Kronberg, who I was really hoping would really push Nielsen this year. With Kronberg in the final guaranteed year of his contract (next year is an option year held by the team), him impressing this year would be a good way for him to earn a starting job either with KC or elsewhere.
It's a huge opportunity for Kempin though, as he's now only an injury or red card to Nielsen from making his first team debut. And while he's a good keeper, I'm not sure he's quite ready to step up the way Zac MacMath did for Philadelphia last year.
The question becomes whether KC will look to put Kronberg on injured reserve and add a third goalkeeper for the short term or not. With trialist goalkeepers, Steve Spangler and Scott Angevine having been in camp since Arizona. It'd be possible that KC could sign one of them in the short term, or another possibility is that one of them could be signed as a league keeper and train with KC, similar to the situation when Andrew Kartunen was drafted by the team but then signed as a league keeper.
Early in the second half, Sporting retook the lead, as Kyle Miller took a pass from Gyorio and slotted it into the far post making it 2-1. In the 64th, Soony Saad got on the score board firing a shot into the opposite corner making it 3-1. Shortly after Saad made it 3-1, he made it 4-1. Saad played Shawn Singh into the box, where he was fouled. Saad stepped up this time and buried the penalty kick past the keeper to make it 4-1 to Sporting KC.
Here are the highlights.
Kronberg Out
Eric Kronberg hasn't gotten much action so far this preseason due to one injury or another. Now he's going to miss the next 4-6 weeks due to a lower back injury. With the injury, that currently leaves Sporting with only 2 keepers on their roster, Jimmy Nielsen and Jon Kempin. Meaning the teenager is going to be Nielsen's backup until Kronberg comes back from injury. It's certainly a blow for Kronberg, who I was really hoping would really push Nielsen this year. With Kronberg in the final guaranteed year of his contract (next year is an option year held by the team), him impressing this year would be a good way for him to earn a starting job either with KC or elsewhere.
It's a huge opportunity for Kempin though, as he's now only an injury or red card to Nielsen from making his first team debut. And while he's a good keeper, I'm not sure he's quite ready to step up the way Zac MacMath did for Philadelphia last year.
The question becomes whether KC will look to put Kronberg on injured reserve and add a third goalkeeper for the short term or not. With trialist goalkeepers, Steve Spangler and Scott Angevine having been in camp since Arizona. It'd be possible that KC could sign one of them in the short term, or another possibility is that one of them could be signed as a league keeper and train with KC, similar to the situation when Andrew Kartunen was drafted by the team but then signed as a league keeper.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
One More Preseason Game Added
Sporting KC announced today that the team had added one more preseason friendly to their schedule down in Orlando before returning home. The team has scheduled a friendly for tomorrow against the US U17 team at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the morning. With the majority of the first team getting the run out tonight, expect it to be a team filled mainly with reserves and trialists that takes on the young national team tomorrow morning.
The team also announced one early change to their reserve league schedule. Originally on March 13th the reserves were set to take on Creighton University at Livestrong Sporting Park. Today the team announced that the game will actually be against Rockhurst. The time and location has remained the same, only the opponent has changed for the Swope Park Rangers.
The team also announced one early change to their reserve league schedule. Originally on March 13th the reserves were set to take on Creighton University at Livestrong Sporting Park. Today the team announced that the game will actually be against Rockhurst. The time and location has remained the same, only the opponent has changed for the Swope Park Rangers.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Juniors Player, Eduardo Moreno Invited to US U17 Camp
SKC Wizards' Juniors' player, Eduardo Moreno has been invited down to Bradenton, FL for a US U-17 camp this week. The camp is designed for players to experience the environment that comes along with the residency academy in Bradenton. Moreno is from Liberal, KS, which is down in the southwest corner of the state, just north of the Oklahoma border. This is a fantastic opportunity for Moreno to get some great training with some of the best young players in the US and bring that back to the Juniors.
In other Juniors news today, Jonathan Kempin and the US U-18 team was supposed to play Germany today in Israel. The game though was postponed to Friday because Germany had been unable to land in Israel due to weather. The US team takes on France tomorrow.
In other Juniors news today, Jonathan Kempin and the US U-18 team was supposed to play Germany today in Israel. The game though was postponed to Friday because Germany had been unable to land in Israel due to weather. The US team takes on France tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rangers Defeat U-17's
The Swope Park Rangers (the Wizards reserves) defeated the US Under 17 national team tonight out at the Swope Park training complex 3-0 on goals by Roger Espinoza, Herculez Gomez, and Kevin Souter. The Rangers dominated their younger opponents for much of the game, but the 17's still did well throughout, having their moments. The lineups to start the game, looked like this:
Both teams started the game off a little cautiously in the rain tonight with very few chances early on. The 17's had a free kick from about 25 yards out that was easily taken by Boris Pardo while the Rangers were sending in some crosses that weren't finding any one on the end of them. The best chance early fell to the 17's, who had a 2v2 break, but Lance Watson did well to shield the 17's forward out of bounds for a goal kick. As the half went on, the Rangers started to control more of the possession and create more dangerous chances. Most of those dangerous opportunities fell to Gomez, who ended up with shots being saved both by the keeper and going just wide of the post. The 17's almost caught the Rangers on the counter, as Jack McInerney got played in behind the Rangers defense. Unfortunately on the wet turf, McInerney got too much of a touch on the ball and Pardo beat him to it before he could get another touch.
The Rangers took the lead late in the first half, as Gomez crossed a ball along the deck. The ball deflected to Espinoza at the back post, who had his shot partially blocked by Earl Edwards in the 17's net, but not enough, as it made it past Edwards, giving the Rangers the lead. The 17's almost answered immediately, as McInerney was played over the top of the Rangers defense. He rounded Pardo, but in doing so went wide of the goal, when he turned and shot from a tight angle, he only hit the post. KC had one more late chance, as Chance Myers broke with Gomez and Zoltan Hercegfalvi on a 3v3 break. Myers found Gomez on the right, but Gomez's cross was easily handled by Edwards.
Both teams made some half time changes, as Matt Besler, Eric Kronberg, and Michael Kraus entered for Aaron Hohlbein, Boris Pardo, and Zoltan respectively. The 17's had Andrew Craven enter for Stefan Jerome while Carlos Martinez entered for Nick Palodichuk. In the second half, the Rangers continued their late dominace of the first half, and doubled their lead early on. A corner by Kevin Souter was headed on goal by Kraus, Edwards made a good reaction save, but the rebound fell to Gomez, who biked the ball into the net, past Edwards to make it 2-0. Gomez continued to be the focal point of the Rangers attack, as he got in behind the 17's defense, but had his shot saved on the line by Edwards. By this point, much of the play was in the 17's end of the field, and while the Rangers weren't always getting good attacks out of it, they were keeping the 17's under a lot of pressure. Kraus almost got behind the 17's defense as well, but at the last second had the ball touched away by Perry Kitchen.
Matt Marquess attacked up the left and played a cross into Kraus, but Jared Watts headed the ball out for a corner. Marquess likely should have made it 3-0 on the ensuing corner, but his downward header bounced off the ground and skimmed the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick. Gomez almost made it 3 himself soon after when he connected with an Espinoza cross, but Edwards did well to block the shot and then knock away the rebound before Kraus could pounce on it. As the half wore on, Victor Chavez entered the match for Alex Shinsky. By this point, the Rangers sat back a bit more, which actually gave the 17's more room to attack and they were able to get deep into the Rangers end. They got a few shots off, but none of them really tested Kronberg in the Rangers net. It was KC that almost struck on the counter a few times, as Gomez got played in behind the 17's defense, but Edwards was well off his line and cut down the angle so Gomez had no shot. Kurt Morsink played in Myers on another opportunity. Myers had Kraus and Gomez square but instead tried to take it himself and ended up firing his shot into the side netting.
Finally, late on in the game, Gomez tried to get by the 17's defense, and ended up getting fouled in the box. Kraus stepped up to take the PK, but put his PK high and over the bar. It wouldn't be long, though, until the Rangers hit their 3rd. It came from Souter after KC had pulled back a counter. The ball got partially cleared to Souter about 30 yards from goal. Souter hit a one time volley that looped over Edwards and into the net to make it 3-0. The final whistle came soon afterwards. The Rangers won like they were supposed to, while the 17's had a good showing. I was particularly impressed by the play of Edwards, McInerney, and Luis Gil at times as well.
Rangers Man of the Match - Herculez Gomez - Gomez was all over the forward line tonight and gave the 17's back line trouble all night marking him. With better finishing or a keeper not coming up with some fine saves, Gomez has a hattrick tonight.
For my readers that are following the U-17 team, their man of the match for me was Edwards, without him in net, the 17's would have lost this game by quite a bit more. His hands were ok, but he needs to hold shots better, although the conditions tonight probably didn't help him out much. Good reflexes and read the game well, only 1 real gaff when he misjudged a cross early in the first half. I thought McInerney was the most dangerous player for the 17's he challenged McKenzie and Hohlbein in the first half, but against Besler in the second he disappeared a little bit. Gil did pretty well overall, but Morsink did a good job of helping to shut down the middle of the field for the 17's. Good luck to them in Nigeria.
Pardo
Watson - McKenzie - Hohlbein - Marquess
Morsink (C)
Myers - Souter - Espinoza
Zoltan - Gomez
And for the U-17 teamWatson - McKenzie - Hohlbein - Marquess
Morsink (C)
Myers - Souter - Espinoza
Zoltan - Gomez
Edwards
Kitchen (C) - Watts - Herold - Polak
Shinsky - Gil - Duran - Palodichuk
Jerome - McInerney
Kitchen (C) - Watts - Herold - Polak
Shinsky - Gil - Duran - Palodichuk
Jerome - McInerney
Both teams started the game off a little cautiously in the rain tonight with very few chances early on. The 17's had a free kick from about 25 yards out that was easily taken by Boris Pardo while the Rangers were sending in some crosses that weren't finding any one on the end of them. The best chance early fell to the 17's, who had a 2v2 break, but Lance Watson did well to shield the 17's forward out of bounds for a goal kick. As the half went on, the Rangers started to control more of the possession and create more dangerous chances. Most of those dangerous opportunities fell to Gomez, who ended up with shots being saved both by the keeper and going just wide of the post. The 17's almost caught the Rangers on the counter, as Jack McInerney got played in behind the Rangers defense. Unfortunately on the wet turf, McInerney got too much of a touch on the ball and Pardo beat him to it before he could get another touch.
The Rangers took the lead late in the first half, as Gomez crossed a ball along the deck. The ball deflected to Espinoza at the back post, who had his shot partially blocked by Earl Edwards in the 17's net, but not enough, as it made it past Edwards, giving the Rangers the lead. The 17's almost answered immediately, as McInerney was played over the top of the Rangers defense. He rounded Pardo, but in doing so went wide of the goal, when he turned and shot from a tight angle, he only hit the post. KC had one more late chance, as Chance Myers broke with Gomez and Zoltan Hercegfalvi on a 3v3 break. Myers found Gomez on the right, but Gomez's cross was easily handled by Edwards.
Both teams made some half time changes, as Matt Besler, Eric Kronberg, and Michael Kraus entered for Aaron Hohlbein, Boris Pardo, and Zoltan respectively. The 17's had Andrew Craven enter for Stefan Jerome while Carlos Martinez entered for Nick Palodichuk. In the second half, the Rangers continued their late dominace of the first half, and doubled their lead early on. A corner by Kevin Souter was headed on goal by Kraus, Edwards made a good reaction save, but the rebound fell to Gomez, who biked the ball into the net, past Edwards to make it 2-0. Gomez continued to be the focal point of the Rangers attack, as he got in behind the 17's defense, but had his shot saved on the line by Edwards. By this point, much of the play was in the 17's end of the field, and while the Rangers weren't always getting good attacks out of it, they were keeping the 17's under a lot of pressure. Kraus almost got behind the 17's defense as well, but at the last second had the ball touched away by Perry Kitchen.
Matt Marquess attacked up the left and played a cross into Kraus, but Jared Watts headed the ball out for a corner. Marquess likely should have made it 3-0 on the ensuing corner, but his downward header bounced off the ground and skimmed the outside of the post and went out for a goal kick. Gomez almost made it 3 himself soon after when he connected with an Espinoza cross, but Edwards did well to block the shot and then knock away the rebound before Kraus could pounce on it. As the half wore on, Victor Chavez entered the match for Alex Shinsky. By this point, the Rangers sat back a bit more, which actually gave the 17's more room to attack and they were able to get deep into the Rangers end. They got a few shots off, but none of them really tested Kronberg in the Rangers net. It was KC that almost struck on the counter a few times, as Gomez got played in behind the 17's defense, but Edwards was well off his line and cut down the angle so Gomez had no shot. Kurt Morsink played in Myers on another opportunity. Myers had Kraus and Gomez square but instead tried to take it himself and ended up firing his shot into the side netting.
Finally, late on in the game, Gomez tried to get by the 17's defense, and ended up getting fouled in the box. Kraus stepped up to take the PK, but put his PK high and over the bar. It wouldn't be long, though, until the Rangers hit their 3rd. It came from Souter after KC had pulled back a counter. The ball got partially cleared to Souter about 30 yards from goal. Souter hit a one time volley that looped over Edwards and into the net to make it 3-0. The final whistle came soon afterwards. The Rangers won like they were supposed to, while the 17's had a good showing. I was particularly impressed by the play of Edwards, McInerney, and Luis Gil at times as well.
Rangers Man of the Match - Herculez Gomez - Gomez was all over the forward line tonight and gave the 17's back line trouble all night marking him. With better finishing or a keeper not coming up with some fine saves, Gomez has a hattrick tonight.
For my readers that are following the U-17 team, their man of the match for me was Edwards, without him in net, the 17's would have lost this game by quite a bit more. His hands were ok, but he needs to hold shots better, although the conditions tonight probably didn't help him out much. Good reflexes and read the game well, only 1 real gaff when he misjudged a cross early in the first half. I thought McInerney was the most dangerous player for the 17's he challenged McKenzie and Hohlbein in the first half, but against Besler in the second he disappeared a little bit. Gil did pretty well overall, but Morsink did a good job of helping to shut down the middle of the field for the 17's. Good luck to them in Nigeria.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Wizards to Play U17's Tuesday
Yesterday I posted about the US U17 team training in KC in their preparations for the U17 World Cup and how there was likely to be a game while the they were here. Today on Bigsoccer, Robb posted again saying that the game would be Tuesday out at Swope Park.
I've gotten some more information on the game. The game will take place on Field 3 out at the Wizards complex at Swope, the turf field, Tuesday at 7 pm. The opponent for the U17 team will be a team made up mainly of the Swope Park Rangers, along with potentially some first teamers as well. I know I'll be out there for this game to not just see the reserves, but to see the up and coming US national team players with the US U17 team.
I've gotten some more information on the game. The game will take place on Field 3 out at the Wizards complex at Swope, the turf field, Tuesday at 7 pm. The opponent for the U17 team will be a team made up mainly of the Swope Park Rangers, along with potentially some first teamers as well. I know I'll be out there for this game to not just see the reserves, but to see the up and coming US national team players with the US U17 team.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Wizards to Play US U-17 Team?
That's what it sounds like if you've been reading Robb Heineman's twitter posts. Almost a day ago, Heineman posted on his twitter account "looking like we will play the usmnt 17s in kc". The US U-17 national team is preparing for the U-17 World Cup which begins for the US on October 26th against Spain in Nigeria. The US will also play Malawi and UAE while in Nigeria. From reading into the post, it sounds like the Wizards are going to have a friendly against the US team as they prepare to go to Nigeria. The two team's played back in January of this year in the Wizards first preseason game, which the Wizards won 7-0.
Was able to ask Robb Heineman about this tonight at the Jimmy Conrad show. He said that apparently the U-17 team had some stuff not work out in their run up to the U17 World Cup and the Wizards appear ready to step up to help the team out. The U-17's would train in KC for a week or so and play probably 2 games in KC. One against the Wizards reserves and one against one of the Wizards Juniors teams.
Was able to ask Robb Heineman about this tonight at the Jimmy Conrad show. He said that apparently the U-17 team had some stuff not work out in their run up to the U17 World Cup and the Wizards appear ready to step up to help the team out. The U-17's would train in KC for a week or so and play probably 2 games in KC. One against the Wizards reserves and one against one of the Wizards Juniors teams.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wizards Begin Preseason with Win
The Wizards won their first game of the preseason today, as they beat the US U-17 team 7-0 today down in Florida. Hillcrest Road has write ups on each of the goals and the lineups for each half. In goal for the U-17's was Wizards' Juniors' player, Jon Kempin. Players getting goals today were Kevin Souter and Aaron Hohlbein in the first half, with Nelson Pizarro, Chance Myers, trailist Ferenc Béres (more on him later) getting two, and Michael Kraus.
Absent from the game today were Herculez Gomez and Michael Harrington with injuries, and Jack Jewsbury and Roger Espinoza due to national team duty. Also absent, but not mentioned specifically were forwards Josh Wolff, Abe Thompson, and Adam Cristman, and back up goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg.
Absent from the game today were Herculez Gomez and Michael Harrington with injuries, and Jack Jewsbury and Roger Espinoza due to national team duty. Also absent, but not mentioned specifically were forwards Josh Wolff, Abe Thompson, and Adam Cristman, and back up goalkeeper, Eric Kronberg.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Wizards Preseason Schedule and MLS Schedule
The Wizards have announced a few of their preseason friendlies while they are down in Florida for training. They'll begin with a game on Friday against the US Under-17 team. As I mentioned earlier today, week from tomorrow, the Wizards will take on their first MLS opponent, the Chicago Fire. Saturday the 7th, the Wizards will play MLS Cup finalist, New York Red Bulls. The Wizards will finish out preseason in Florida with a game Wednesday February 11th against an opponent to be named.
Speaking of schedules, tomorrow MLS and the Wizards will announce their schedule for the 2009 season. The schedule will be announced at 11, with a press release going out around 11:30. Check Hillcrest Road for when the schedule is announced. I'll take an indepth look at the schedule tomorrow night.
Speaking of schedules, tomorrow MLS and the Wizards will announce their schedule for the 2009 season. The schedule will be announced at 11, with a press release going out around 11:30. Check Hillcrest Road for when the schedule is announced. I'll take an indepth look at the schedule tomorrow night.
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Wizards Junior Makes US U-17 Residency
Wizards Juniors goalkeeper, Jonathan Kempin, has been named to the new US U-17 national team residency class for this fall. The team, coached by Wilmer Cabrera, is made up of 40 players. The majority of the team for the 2009 U-17 World Cup will come from this residency. Congratulations to Kempin on this great achievement.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Wizards Start Preseason with Win
Today in their first preseason game of the season, the Wizards defeated the US Under 17 team 3-0. Goals came from Carlos Marinelli, Kurt Morsink, and trialist Andrew DiCicco. All the scoring came in the first half. The team played in a 3-5-2 both halves, with full multiple changes through out the game and at half time.
Here's the Wizards first half line up.
First half changes saw Watson make way for Ryan Raybould, Roger Espinoza come on for Harrington, and Andrew DiCicco come on for Sealy.
The start of the second half saw many more changes to the team. With Eric Kronberg apparently injured, Boris Pardo, who was a "league keeper" last season played in net. Here's how the lineup looked in the second half.
Second half substitutes saw the Wizards number one pick, Chance Myers come on for Espinoza, Michael Kraus come on for Raybould, and Pat Healy coming on for Lowery.
The 3-5-2 definitely looks like the formation of choice for this upcoming season. Course how that line up is going to end up shaking out is unknown as there look to be a few spots up for grabs this preseason. The only player missing was Jimmy Conrad, who had been training with the US Men's National team in LA.
Here's the Wizards first half line up.
Kevin Hartman
Jon Leathers - Aaron Hohlbein - Tyson Wahl
Kerry Zavagnin - Kurt Morsink
Lance Watson - Carlos Marinelli - Michael Harrington
Scott Sealy - Eloy Colombano
Jon Leathers - Aaron Hohlbein - Tyson Wahl
Kerry Zavagnin - Kurt Morsink
Lance Watson - Carlos Marinelli - Michael Harrington
Scott Sealy - Eloy Colombano
First half changes saw Watson make way for Ryan Raybould, Roger Espinoza come on for Harrington, and Andrew DiCicco come on for Sealy.
The start of the second half saw many more changes to the team. With Eric Kronberg apparently injured, Boris Pardo, who was a "league keeper" last season played in net. Here's how the lineup looked in the second half.
Boris Pardo
Matt Marquess - Yomby William - Rauwshan McKenzie
Amir Lowery - Ryan McMahen
Ryan Raybould - Ryan Pore - Roger Espinoza
Andrew DiCicco - Tom Gray
Matt Marquess - Yomby William - Rauwshan McKenzie
Amir Lowery - Ryan McMahen
Ryan Raybould - Ryan Pore - Roger Espinoza
Andrew DiCicco - Tom Gray
Second half substitutes saw the Wizards number one pick, Chance Myers come on for Espinoza, Michael Kraus come on for Raybould, and Pat Healy coming on for Lowery.
The 3-5-2 definitely looks like the formation of choice for this upcoming season. Course how that line up is going to end up shaking out is unknown as there look to be a few spots up for grabs this preseason. The only player missing was Jimmy Conrad, who had been training with the US Men's National team in LA.
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