By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 20, 2020) US Soccer Players – The annual January camp gets the year going for the USMNT, especially when it comes to young talent. While largely limited to MLS-based players and those in European leagues with a winter break, it remains an important part of the program. After all, these camps proved vital in the past, especially in years where World Cup . . .
The MLS youth movement continues
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 13, 2020) US Soccer Players – Bobby Convey was once the youngest player in MLS history, signing with DC United for the 2000 season when he was just 16. At age 14, Freddy Adu became the youngest American ever to sign a major league pro contract in any team sport, drafted first overall by DC United back in 2004. That same year, Adu made his debut as a second-half . . .
Inter Miami surprises by hiring Diego Alonso
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 6, 2020) US Soccer Players – The end of 2019 made waves with Inter Miami hiring Diego Alonso as their first coach. Alonso built his reputation in Liga MX. He wasn't the big name some had expected the MLS expansion side to sign, but he is an interesting choice. The 44-year-old Alonso, a former journeyman striker, is a two-time Concacaf Champions League winner . . .
Soccer in 2020
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 30, 2019) US Soccer Players – One year may be ending, but another is about to begin. That means a 12-month marathon of games and tournaments played around the world in what has increasingly become a congested fixture schedule for players and fans alike. There will be no shortage of games in 2020, including a summer with the Euros, Copa America, and the . . .
The USMNT in the 2010s
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 23, 2019) US Soccer Players – The next two weeks mark the end of not just another year, but a decade. For the USMNT, it was another ten years full of joyous moments and historic milestones. It was a decade that saw the United States win two Gold Cups while reaching the finals of two World Cups. The team scored some big goals and stunned various opponents. The . . .
The early MLS contenders
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 16, 2019) US Soccer Players – The close of a calendar year is often a time for reflection. It is also a time to look ahead to the new year and what 2020 may have in store for all of us. For MLS, the big question is how will teams navigate player signings, preseason, and the Concacaf Champions League as a new MLS season approaches. While MLS is unpredictable, . . .
Charlotte’s quick arrival as an MLS expansion target
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 9, 2019) US Soccer Players – The expansion sweepstakes to bring the 30th team to MLS has intensified over the past few weeks. As the ever-growing league looks to add yet another franchise, Charlotte has emerged as the frontrunner against Las Vegas and Phoenix. Last week, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league was working with Charlotte to award it a . . .
Henry the coach in Montreal
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 2, 2019) US Soccer Players – Thierry Henry is back in MLS. This time, it's with a suit and tie. Named the new head coach of the Montreal Impact just last month, his hiring is about injecting some newfound energy and optimism to a team that has lacked both for much of the past decade. For Henry, the Montreal job is a second chance at coaching under relatively . . .
The USMNT in 2019
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 25, 2019) US Soccer Players – It has been quite a year for the United States. After losing to Mexico in the Gold Cup final over the summer, they ultimately did what was expected of them this Fall in the Concacaf Nations League. The recent wins against Canada and Cuba gave the USMNT confidence going into 2020 and allowed for younger players to get much-needed . . .
Nashville and Inter Miami in the expansion draft
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 18, 2019) US Soccer Players – Moments after the Seattle Sounders lifted MLS Cup, that was also the official start to the offseason. The upcoming Expansion Draft will be the focal point once again this month, a process that culminates with the SuperDraft in January. In this case, it's Nashville SC and Inter Miami that are looking to build competitive rosters . . .
