With Premier League side Swansea City languishing in 17th place following a dismal start that’s yielded four points from seven matches, the Swans have acted quickly to fire manager Francesco Guidolin and replace him with former USMNT boss Bob Bradley.
The nominees for the annual Golden Boy award, selected by Italian newspaper Tuttosport and ultimately bestowed upon Europe’s best footballer aged under 21, are out. Among the boys are Tottenham’s Dele Alli, Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele and Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
Throughout the tenure of Jurgen Klinsmann as the head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team, American soccer fans have watched the team take steps forward, as they did by advancing out of the group of death at the 2014 World Cup, only to also watch them take steps back, as they did by losing in the semifinals of the 2015 Gold Cup.
The positive atmosphere surrounding Clint Dempsey’s return to light training on September 14th has been dashed following the devastating Seattle Sounders’ announcement that the 33-year-old forward will not return in 2016.
Noticing the talent of Christian Pulisic and believing he’ll have a great career should no longer be classified as jumping on the hype train. The term 'hype train' is like the plans for a high-speed rail in the United States, a theoretical concept that’s been touted since 1965 but has never materialized. 'Hype train' infers that nothing is settled, that everything is still in the balance.
Alejandro Bedoya has always been something of an enigma for United States National Team supporters. This primarily stems from the 29-year-old's decision to play abroad right after college — neglecting to enter the MLS SuperDraft.
Bedoya spent his time abroad in Sweden, Scotland and France, making his performances largely unwatchable apart from the occasional highlight reel. Compounding the mysterious qualities of Bedoya is Jurgen Klinsmann’s deployment of the natural attacking midfielder or winger in a variety of roles.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez’s preference for the tactically astute Vernon Anita at right-back has made league minutes tough to come by for DeAndre Yedlin. However, a three-match suspension for Anita opened the door for the 23-year-old American.
Yedlin was preferred to the Spaniard Jesus Gamez on Saturday for Newcastle’s league encounter with Aston Villa. The American seized his opportunity with a man of the match display but was unfortunately subbed off due to an apparent ankle injury in the 73rd minute.
Christian Pulisic will eventually be crowned the USMNT’s best player ever.
This hot take is backed with circumstantial evidence in the form of raw talent, technical superiority and a nurturing environment for tactical growth.
17-year-old American midfielder Christian Pulisic made history on Wednesday by becoming the youngest player to ever represent German giants Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League.
17 - Christian Pulisic, who turns 18 in four days, is the youngest player ever to represent @BVB in the @ChampionsLeague. Record.
Newcastle United won their fourth straight league match on Saturday, climbing to second in the English Championship following their 2-0 victory over Derby County. Yoan Gouffran earned Newcastle an early advantage with his 20th minute strike before being substituted in the 73rd minute for DeAndre Yedlin. Yedlin would secure the three points for Newcastle by doubling their advantage in second-half stoppage time.