Charlie Kelman may only be on the radar of the most ardent of USMNT supporters, but that may change after Saturday.
The 17-year-old forward has been called up for the U.S. U-18 squad and is currently playing for Southend United in England’s third division. Kelman marked his first appearance with the senior side with one of the best goals in all of England on Saturday (though not all of the UK).
Wednesday marked the third day of training at the USMNT’s annual January camp, and judging by all the social media responses, your perception of how Gregg Berhalter is doing on the job is greatly influenced by one of two things: Either (1) you don’t understand that this isn’t a FIFA international window — the requirement for European clubs to release players — and you’re outraged by the amount of MLS inclusions or (2) you understand that no European players can be called, and that includes midfielders Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, but you’re mad as hell that Michael Bradley is there.
There's been a lot of news surrounding American players abroad in Europe lately.
The MAC Hermann Trophy is soccer's equivalent of the Heisman. Started in 1967, the Missouri Atheltic Club honors the top male and female collegiate player each year. Much like the college football award, the recipients list is full of players who went on to international success and others who failed at the professional level.
Tyler Adams officially began life in Germany this week, the 19-year-old American’s move from New York Red Bulls to sister club RB Leipzig now complete. On Friday, he trained with the club for the first time. Afterword, he joined manager Ralf Rangnick at his introductory press conference, meeting the German media for the first time.
Christian Pulisic, a 20-year-old from Hershey, Pennsylvania, is the 25th most expensive player in the history of soccer.
Really?
As much as we here at The18 love Christian Pulisic, we were a bit blown away by the fee he garnered on his transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea this week. We understand why, but the more you look at it, the more absurd it appears.
When Neymar made his record-breaking transfer from Barcelona to PSG, his former Brazilian club Santos, with which he played from the age of 11, received a windfall of nearly $16 million as a solidarity payment.
In a couple of days, it will officially be the winter silly season. But that doesn’t mean the silliness can’t start a little early, as with the latest Christian Pulisic transfer rumors.
According to German tabloid Bild, Chelsea will purchase Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund for $57 million in the summer.
BVB fordert Millionen-Ablöse - Pulisic einig mit Chelsea! https://t.co/Zv6sQ3zrQN
In some respects, 2018 was a marvelous year for U.S. Soccer. The USWNT went unbeaten, won its 500th game and qualified for the 2019 World Cup with ease.
In many other respects, 2018 was a poor year for U.S. Soccer. The USMNT didn’t record a single win of note and both the U-20 and U-17 women’s national teams flamed out in the group stage of their respective World Cups. Plus, U.S. Soccer had a divisive presidential election campaign, eventually settling on Carlos Cordeiro.
In an unexpected announcement, Sigi Schmid, an incredibly important figure in American soccer, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday. It was reported that he was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center due to a heart-related condition.