So. By now you have to have heard at least SOME of the hubbub about Mr. Charles Renken, the "Next Freddy Adu" or the "Next Big Thing for US Soccer" blah blah blah.  While I dislike throwing these kinds of comparisons around (the boy is only 14) there's no doubt that Renken has the potential [...] Click to continue reading...

Most people in the US who follow soccer closely know that the U.S. Under-17 residency program in Bradenton, Florida has produced many of the best players in American soccer. They have seen the likes of Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu and many other noteable names that are either in MLS or in Europe. U.S. Under-17 head coach [. Click to continue reading...

Imagine a soccer academy that offers a full residential development program and doesn't charge a thing. Sound like fantasy? For most people it is, but Brad Friedel is looking to change that one player at a time. Click to continue reading...

Hey there, the guys got done not too long ago with our split-squad scrimmages against Toronto and Chicago. Since two games were going on, it was hard for the staff to see both games the entire time, but here is what I have gathered so far:

KCW 0-2 Toronto

-----------Hartman-----------

Jewsbury (Leathers 77)--Conrad---Wahl

-------Zavagnin----Morsink---------

Myers-------Marinelli-------Harrington

----Colombano-----Sealy (Pore 46)----

We'll fill in Toronto's scorers when we find them. Click to continue reading...

First of all, happy birthday to customer service guru and photographic bliss subject Saturday Night Sammie J Pierron. Sam turns the big 3-1 today. He and Jimmy were born but four days apart. More photographic bliss:


Second, don't forget about partial-season select-a-seat tomorrow at CAB from 8:30 a. Click to continue reading...

Sorry for the off day yesterday, Hillcrest was departing Bradenton for wintry Kansas City and travel got a little hectic. The boys were off yesterday, but training starts up again about now. A few quick notes from the game Tuesday:

Conrad and DiCicco were both banged up against D.C. United , but tests on both came back negative. Click to continue reading...

Forget Emeril Live!, Rookie defenders Jonathan Leathers and Rauwshan McKenzie were gracious enough to invite Hillcrest over for some home-cooked dinner. On the menu? Chicken and noodles in alfredo sauce. How did it taste? Great. Leathers and McKenzie made a good combo in the kitchen. Let's hope they can combine well on the field as well! Click to continue reading...

Good morning from gorgeous Bradenton. The weather was impeccable this morning during training. Today was a lighter session and marked the two-week spot for pre-season. Coach told the players that this is the final week of the initial three-week cycle and will be the most intense so far. Then, training intensity will drop down a level and build through another three-week cycle so that our players are at optimum performance when the season starts. Click to continue reading...

I think the Bradenton Wal-Mart is the most populous city in Florida. Chance Myers, Roger Espinoza and I went on a quick Wal-Mart excursion that ended up taking nearly an hour due to the ridiculous traffic outside AND inside the store. Don't worry fans, both players are already thinking like professionals. Click to continue reading...

Well you've seen the final score and the starters. Here is a little more detail and some photos. First the photos:

Some of the younger players play keep away prior to the match.

Coach addresses the first squad that played after the initial 30-minute session.

Davy and Jack knock a ball between each other at short distance. Click to continue reading...

The boys played Columbus this morning, falling 4-0 in a game separated into 3 30-minute periods. Starters v starters, we lost 1-0. Here's the initial lineup. I'll check back in after lunch with some pictures and more details about the goals and the game. Warm and overcast this morning; beautiful weather. Click to continue reading...

Hello all from balmy Florida. The weather is lovely, as is the bay. The accommodations are nice, and we're looking forward to the first scrimmage of this pre-season schedule vs an MLS team. Tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET, we take on the Crew in a full-length match. Jimmy is back with the team and practiced this morning; he is expected to play tomorrow. Click to continue reading...

Israel Sesay, a Sierra Leone-born forward who has attended the U.S. under-17 residency program at Bradenton, has signed with MLS and will be available in a weighted lottery this week, sources in the soccer industry said today. His speed and technical ability have made him one of the top prospects out of the program. Columbus, which won [...] Click to continue reading...