Soccer Carnival Series: Retaining US Talent Part 2
January 29, 2007
How does MLS retain/lure the top American talent?
There are so many ways and angles by which this question could be answered but, I will focus on two points. Let me preface this question by stating, currently the MLS is not recognized as the TOP LEADING LEAGUE. With that in mind, TOP PLAYERS will always pursue to be of THE ELITE and rightfully so. Given the talent and opportunity you would go too.
First, MLS must raise its Global Presence as a TOP FLIGHT OR PREMIER LEAGUE. Although this has much more to do with the business end of marketing and strategic business models, compensation, transfer fees, etc. Let us also keep in mind MLS is only 12 years old, it has not even reached the teen years. It is just now establishing soccer-specific stadiums and launching a league youth development system. I’d say we have some growing up to do still and good times are ahead.
Retaining Top American talent is being achieved today but raising the level and numbers of American players that can compete on the world stage is what the league needs to do. US Soccer for so many years has been operating under what I call "The Labratory Strategy", which is to try and define or identify the TOP Players and put them in a training camp. From my perspective, this system has not produced the level of quality and importantly quantity of players per the US population. In essence, it is my opinion that US Soccer needs an overhaul and the MLS Youth Development System can be part of the solution.
A case in point: Look at the 400+ professional clubs in Brazil. Then look at how many clubs around the World are enjoying the benefits of these highly skilled 200+ players primarily in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. These players are going out to compete and earn a good living.
Considering that MLS is a young league with 13 teams and with the USL’s many tiers of leagues, it would behove the powers-that-be to collaborate more in order create a better flow of player development. By maximizing club competition opportunities to create the highest and most intense competition possible could help to raise American level of play. I am suggesting that if MLS and USL could become more aligned and cooperative with player development, technical direction and increased competition we might see more players being produced at the elite level. Moreover, having more international competitive opportunities for youth clubs to compete against another could serve as a critical component to raise the level of play.
Of course, I see this all being connected to the local MLS or USL clubs with their technical direction and coaching curricula. This connection with the club also serves as a retention tool in itself. If I grow up a Newcastle or Man U fan and go through the player development system there is much more of an emotional connection to "The Club" and players might be willing to pass on other opportunities.
– Jason
** Jason Cronkhite is co-founder and CEO of Ziga-Zoga, one of soccer’s
newest community-based websites. A former college soccer player,
Jason’s background includes sports marketing, branding and interactive marketing/media. He can be reached at jcronkhite<at>zigazoga.com .
Soccer Carnival Series: Retaining US Talent
January 29, 2007
How Can the MLS retain American Talent?
In my book this is not a valid question, when you look at the # of American players that are overseas, and compare them with the # of American players in the MLS. I think we all can see is that the majority of American talent is in MLS. The only problem with this is that the players that are overseas would be considered the best of the American talent.
When you look at leagues across the world, you will find that the majority of players within that league are traditionally comprised of that country’s talent pool. However, the superstars within those countries always look for the best team and opportunity for their style of play, since each league is known for varied playing styles Cristiano Ronaldo in the EPL, Ronaldinho at FC Barcelona, Thierry Henry at Arsenal, are a few examples of this. This is why players like Brian McBride, Kasey Keller, Tim Howard, and others find themselves playing in their respective European leagues.
I think the more appropriate question is how does the MLS obtain better talent. The new "Beckham Rule" will definately assist in this area, as it allows teams to now spend more to obtain quality athletes from overseas. David Beckham is definately the start but he cannot make that change all by himself. Other players such as Edgar Davids, Luis Figo, and Ronaldo are other names that are rumored to be interested in a move to the MLS. We need to get to the point where the MLS can start truly competing in the transfer window to get better players and creating a league that can truly become another option for almost any player looking to move to a new team. This is when you will see the tide turning.
The league needs to focus on increasing quality so it will not be seen as a springboard for players to move onto Europe and a landing platform for those ending there careers, it will be a league that is a viable option for those players at any time during their career. Since the MLS is a very young league in comparison to others around the world, the league will still need time to blossom into a mature league that is respected throughout the soccer community.
– Chris
** Chris Campasano covers and provides editorial on the US National Team & MLS for ZigaZoga.com. He can be reached at ccampasano<at>zigazoga.com.
Dempsey’s Debut at Fulham
January 22, 2007
This past weekend, Clint Dempsey debuted in his first English
Premier League game for Fulham when he entered as a substitute for Volz
during the 81st min, in which Fulham drew Tottenham 1-1. Although he
only saw a few moments of playing time - he was involved in the play
that resulted in their lone goal, as he beat Robbie Keane to a loose
ball which ended up with Montella’s 84th-minute penalty.
"The atmosphere on Saturday was great, and we’ve got good home
support," Dempsey said Monday. "The level is obviously higher (than
MLS) but if I had to make a comparison I would say it’s similar to
playing for the national team - everyone around you is a good player."
Dempsey’s
appearance in the match was the first time that three Americans have
played together at the same time for a English Premier team, when he
joined Brian McBride and Carlos Bocanegra on the pitch. With the # of
quality American players in the EPL, as well as others being
approached, this goes to show how our players are beginning to advance
to the next level and being considered on the world football stage.
Just think, although Gooch is currently being approached by Chelsea, he
turned down an offer with Fulham, which could have put 4 Americans on
the field as well. Add this to the the fact that Americans own
Manchester United and Aston Villa, on top of the news out today that an
American businessman has put in an offer to purchase Liverpool, the US
is taking charge overseas in more ways than one!
GO USA!!!
WHOA! Lets Not Crown Bob Bradley Just Yet
January 21, 2007
After watching the US team beat Denmark 3-1 yesterday, it is somewhat amazing that we have already begun hearing many say that Bradley should have the Interim tag removed from his name and that he should be the next coach of the team. Although we have to give the team kudos, I also think that we need to all take a deep breath and really think this through.
First and foremost, before we annoint Bradley as our team’s savior, this game was against Denmark, and no matter what the FIFA ranking might say, the US should have beaten this team handedly. So the final result of this game shouldn’t have been a surprise, especially since the Danes were missing some key players due to injury.
Secondly, lets remember that the 1st 45 min of this game was a performance that didn’t impress me (or most, for that matter) one bit. The US team played lackluster and tentative soccer, allowed the Danish to control the ball, and was missing the aggresiveness I was hoping to see. The US team barely equalized at the end of the half, as Donovan converted a mediocre PK. On the other hand, the 2nd half was a completely different result and it stemmed from an inspiring performance by some newcomers to the US National Team (i.e. Mapp, Bornstein, Cooper), to light the fire in the bellies of this team.
This game in no way should be the determining factor for Bradley’s future with the team. Although I think the next game vs. Mexico on Feb 7th, will be more of a litmus test, against a better team, and a much more hostile crowd. This will show us how Bradley will strategize with the majority of the team on hand to lend their talents, maybe with exception of Gooch (who is currently rumored to be close to signing with Chelsea), and Dempsey (who just signed with Fulham). Seeing how Bradley incorporates the vets with the hungry youngsters and how they work well together, will definately be something I am interested in seeing.
Another key for the new coach is how he "motivates" Donovan (and a few others that haven’t shown up), which up til now has not been an easy task. For me, Donovan is a massive disappointment, he virtually disappeared in the World Cup and besides converting the PK, showed more cautiousness than agressiveness on the pitch Saturday. In my book, the so-called leader of this team, at his age - should be competing week after week in a European League, as many of the other players that are currently on or have just retired from the National Team (McBride, Reyna, Gooch, Beasley, Howard, etc). His one attempt in Europe, a less than inspiring stint at Bayer Leverkusen in which he was sent back to the MLS, came from the player that has been called the best on our team. I say he has failed to live up to his expectations, and we have to find a coach that can channel him to perform, or have the fortitude to bench him for a much hungrier up and coming star. We also need to find a coach that is willing to expand the player pool with other European players that are being overlooked, like Jay DeMerit, that can contribute to our team.
I personally think that in order for our team to get to the next level, whether it is 2010 or beyond, we need to get a coach with viable international coaching experience AND success. We have a list of potential candidates out there, from well known Club coaches to those with varied International success. But, I would be willing to concede that Bradley is up to task if he could begin to do some of the things that I discussed. At the end of the day, I would love to see another American take us to the next level, but as many other FAs around the world have done, moving toward a successful foreigner might be the way to instill the passion and excitement back into our team and get our fans excited again.
So let us all relax and hold back on the premature coronation of Bradley as our new US National team head coach, and let see the US Team perform on the pitch against quality opponents, rather than just 45 mins of quality ball against a less than stellar side from Scandanavia. There is no need to make this important decision this quickly and we do have some time to make sure we have the right person leading our team!
Message from Ziga~Zoga Founders
January 20, 2007
Dear All Ziga~Zoga Members,
I just wanted to take a brief moment of your time to say thank you for becoming a member of the Ziga~Zoga Soccer Community. It has been a week since we launched the website and more than a year planning out our mission, which is simply to make a positive impact in the lives of people passionate about "The Game".
We have about 40 folks that have become members this week. Some of you are close friends and others we hope to develop a close relationship with soon. The first phase of this website was built to help facilitate and foster communication with people, "our members".
We want Ziga~Zoga to become a place that you can turn to for information and knowledge to help you in your life as a player, coach, parent, fan, referee or professional. This is why we have developed specific forums to open up a series of conversations to help us better understand what your specific needs are for future development stages.
Steve, Ed, Chris and I encourage you to open up dialogue with us and other members of the community. If you have not had an opportunity to post a picture of yourself and fill out your profile please consider doing so to share with others as this only helps others to get to know you. The profile, especially for aspiring players, can be used for coaches or scouts that may want to learn more about you. For coaches, fans and others the profile is simply a way for someone to get to know you however, it is your choice.
Since I wanted to try and keep this message brief, but also let you know we have so much more to share. Therefore, until next time feel free to email me, Steve Arters, Ed Sakiewicz or Chris Campasano with any questions or concerns at feedback<at>zigazoga.com or my personal email is jcronkhite<at>zigazoga.com. Lastly, you can also watch your news box for additional community communication.
Again thank you and welcome to Ziga~Zoga!
Cheers,
Jason Cronkhite
Founder | Ziga~Zoga | Get Stuck In
P.S. To those reading this blog post, if you would like to join simply visit www.zigazoga.com .
US v Denmark Live Blog
January 20, 2007
Analysis - There couldn’t be more of a difference between the 1st and 2nd half. There was a tentativeness in the team in the first half that just didnt impress. Even the lone 1st half goal, the PK from Donovan, was almost saved. But when the changes were made at half and Bradley made his substitutions with those who have never hit the pitch for the National team (i.e. Mapp, Cooper), you could see the tide beginning to turn and the team’s eagerness and agressiveness increase. With 2nd half goals from Bornstein and Cooper, one can’t help but say that the US team has some players that could take it to newer heights. But the remaining question is who will be at the helm of the team in its ascension? Although you have to give Bradley his props for the way he got the team playing in the 2nd half, but on the other hand it was against Denmark. I think that the true test will be on Feb 7th against Mexico in Glendale, AZ, most likely in front of a hostile crowd packed with many wearing green. In this game, you would think that more of the vets from Europe will come home to play in this friendly, and the key is how Bradley integrates those veterans that didn’t play today with the youth that impressed on the pitch this afternoon. Although I don’t think that this game alone will help him remove the interim tag from his name, I think that it might have held off the critics at least for one more game!
FullTime
93rd - Nice attack from the US - Cooper with a nice cross to Beckerman who shot high
89th - Califf in for Boswell
86th - Beckerman in for Pablo Mastroeni - another player with their 1st Cap
80th - Another 1st time National Team player, Kenny Cooper, scored a 1v1 against the Danish GK….got a yellow for taking his shirt off in the celebration - I dont think I can say enough about the new kids on this team and think about how the future of this team could be quite bright! 3-1 is now the scoreline that this game should have been - and Bradley is looking quite good.
74th - Heath Pearce replacing Rolfe - who just took a foul on the left line. This move is a defensive move to attempt and preserve a 2-1 lead
72nd - Kenny Cooper showing some Heart and Hunger right there with his effort
69th - The game in general has become tentative with the only good chance in the last 8 mins was a header from the Danish team. The US team had a few changes - Namoff and Cooper in for Albright and EJ in the 63rd min
61th - You can start to see the team, especially the youth, starting to attack - from Mapp, Bornstein, and the last play from Rolfe, you can see the young guns starting to show their hunger in their quest to become regulars on the pitch for the US National Team
57th - The Future of the US team just showed the vets how it should be done - Justin Mapp with a beautiful attacking move and a gorgeous cross to Bornstein, which resulted in his 1st goal as a member of the US National Team - US 2 - 1 Denmark. That was one beautiful play.
54th - Kvist gets a yellow card on a bad tackle on Donovan
50th - Another attack off of a US free kick. Another display of the US team not really getting stuck in. Both Donovan and Johnson just didn’t attack on this attempt, and a weak shot from EJ.
Start of 2nd half
46:00 - End of 1st - My thoughts are that the US team is very tentative - and the Danish team is playing their game and causing some issues for the US Midfield and Defense. Landon Donovan has continued to "unimpress" me - he seems to still have a lack of confidence - as could be seen by his extraordinarily long process before his penalty kick. All in all - this was not how the US team should have come into this game against this team from Denmark - even with a team that consisted of some younger players - Even the vets haven’t shown me anything to stand up and cheer! Lets hope the 2nd half will show us something much different.
42nd - Penalty Kick - Clark gets a friendly call as he was fouled just outside the box. Landon Donovan thought WAY TOO MUCH ABOUT IT - and Christiansen got his hand on it, but it still went in - GOAL - US 1 - 1 Denmark. It seems like Donovan has some confidence issues he is dealing with still, this goal isn’t going to help as it almost was denied.
37th Min - GOAL Denmark - Paulsen cross from left side onto the head of Sorensen! - 1st shot on goal for Denmark results in a score. The Denmark team is breaking down the US defense, which allowed way too much time.
33rd - Yellow Card for Albright
32nd - Donovan is VERY tentative - doesnt want to attack - lost the ball in the box as he was passing instead of attacking
30th - The US team is attacking a little better - Bornstein with a blaster from the left - save by Christiansen. Resulting corner didn’t connect….
23rd - Corner taken by Donovan - Header on Goal from Albright - Saved by Christiansen - Best shot so far. This and the Rolfe shot right before have been the best chances by the US and at least are showing more results from their attacking then earlier in the game.
17th - Donovan has yet to impress me - very tentative - Good commentary from how the Danish team looks more comfortable. They are causing the US to not play their game…they honestly are controlling the game thus far.
14th - US hasn’t as of yet shown their superiority, Denmark (as Bruce Arena just mentioned), should be happy with their performance thus far. The US has had some chances, but mostly the attack hasnt amounted to anything
Now in game time
5:05pm - Kickoff - Bradley’s debut begun!
The US team has announced their starting IX:
Goal - Matt Reis …
Defenders - Jonathan
Bornstein, captain Jimmy Conrad, Bobby Boswell, Chris Albright
Midfield - Chris Rolfe, Ricardo Clark, Pablo
Mastroeni and Landon Donovan
Forward - Nate Jaqua
and Eddie Johnson
Ziga Zoga will have a live blog during the US / Denmark match.
US Friendly vs. Denmark
January 20, 2007
Tomorrow, Saturday 1/20, the US National team will play its 1st friendly since the World Cup and since Bob Bradley was named interim head coach. We should see some new players on the pitch replacing those that retired (i.e. Brian McBride, Claudio Reyna, and Eddie Pope) after their departure from Germany this past summer, including Jonathan Bornstein. But there are still some players, such as Jay DeMerit, that are currently having some success in their respective leagues, that are being left off the player pool.
Even though in the scheme of things this game really means nothing, it means a lot for Bradley and his campaign on taking the interim tag off of his name and muting the calls for a marquee name to replace him. (As there are plenty on potential replacements on the back burner, Houllier from France, Queiroz from Man U, Pekerman from Argentina, and some incredible rumors, such as Mourihno from Chelsea, and even Klinnsmann returning into the mix after some cooling off time between he and Sunil Gulati, the head of US Soccer).
Will the US Men take a lowly Denmark team to task and beat them with ease, or will they play an uninspired game and not perform as they should? If the latter is the case the hollers from those calling for a big name replacement of Bruce Arena will only get louder and more emphatic. I, as many of those interested in this new chapter of US Soccer, will be tuned in on ESPN at 5pm EST and will surely cram the blogs after the final whistle is blown to discuss this game in great detail.
Just released are the 18 man roster for the game:
Roster by Position
Goalkeepers (2) – Joe Cannon (Los Angeles Galaxy), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)
Defenders (7)
– Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United),
Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Jimmy Conrad
(Kansas City Wizards), Bryan Namoff (D.C. United), Heath Pearce (FC
Nordsjælland)
Midfielders (4) – Kyle
Beckerman (Colorado Rapids), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Justin
Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)
Forwards (5)
–Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Eddie
Johnson (Kansas City Wizards), Nate Jaqua (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chris
Rolfe (Chicago Fire)
It is great to see some fresh faces on this team and start getting some of these kids some well needed experience and exposure. GO USA!!!
Recap of NSCAA Coaches Convention
January 18, 2007
This past weekend, as you know, we traveled to Indianapolis for the NSCAA convention. The trip was great, the convention good and the MLS Draft entertaining. The best part for me was seeing all the soccer friends and coaches that you don’t get to on a regular basis. Its always nice to connect and share the game with friends while making new ones especially when others have a similar passion for the game. If you have yet to make it, I would definetly recommend attending. If you are a young coach wanting to get some good training by some of the best coaches around you cannot go wrong.
Moreover, there are some very interesting sessions put on by 1st class coaches from all over the country. Just make sure that you have a plan of what you want to accomplish going into the convention as there are many, many sessions to attend. As far as the exhibition/tradeshow goes, I was in the middle on this. There was certainly some great products and service-based companies represented. Although, some of the companies I really felt just did not add value as they were a bit to gimmicky for me - you know who you are.
If you plan on picking up some good reading material or DVD’s there certainly was an abundance of content to be had. Plus, all the latest gear was at hand from all the major suppliers. It was also exciting to see that there are growing number of soccer magazines out there producing some great editorial. Many local associations are producing some great material for their players, parents and coaches as well but, especially the So. Cal. groups - WoW! Now, we just need to get some of their best practices implemented across the states to others as it could certainly help to grow the game.
Bottomline? Great People. Great Time. Good Educational Opportunity. Thanks NSCAA for putting on such a great event.
Chyzowych Iraq Coaching Clinic
January 14, 2007
After spending the weekend with our soccer community, it has made us
realize how the things we all think are important, are truly not. An example of this, was a uplifting new project which can bridge the
soccer community with those who are fighting for our country in Iraq. While attending the 2007 Walt Chyzowych Award Ceremony, we had the opportunity to speak with his nephew, Ihor, who is spearheading this project. Ihor, and other interested coaches, including Anson Dorrance would travel to Iraq, complete youth soccer certification for interested military personnel for no cost. Because of this, it would allow these individuals to become youth coaches upon their return stateside, without having the expense of paying for the certification themselves, many of them able to coach their children, which they have been separated from for several years. This selflessness is a great example of the majority of those involved in our beautiful game. Please donate now and help us get some well needed funds for this terrific idea and morale builder for our troops.
2007 Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund Award Ceremony
January 13, 2007
Ziga Zoga was honored to attend the 2007 Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund Award Ceremony at the NSCAA Conference in Indianapolis on Saturday, January 13th. This year the award was presented to Lothar Osiander, who has been a very influential force in the U.S. Soccer scene for over 40 years, from a player in the 60’s throughout his coaching career, which included a position with the US National Team, where he coached with Dettmar Cramer. Lothar Osiander is still coaching the U-17 level in San Ramon, CA.
This ceremony celebrated the early foundation of the United States National Team and was a fantastic event for any knowledgeable soccer fan that is interested in learning more from the legends of our game. We are hoping to have some video of this event posted shortly.
