3.28.14
ASN Morning Read: Backpacking Across Europe
We get a peek at Andreas Herzog and the U.S. network across the Atlantic; Aron Johannsson misses another penalty kick; Arsenal fans in America finally have something to get excited about.
BY
Jesse Yomtov
Posted
March 28, 2014
8:08 AM
Kristan Heneage has a great piece at ESPN FC on assistant coach Andreas Herzog and the U.S.’ extensive operation in Europe. Herzog is a busy man traversing the continent, scouting American players, upcoming opponents and of course, evaluating dual-nationals and potential new recruits. Austria’s all-time caps leader noted that his relationship with Bayern Munich’s David Alaba was key to landing Julian Green. “If I’m coming to Munich and I talk to David Alaba -- I’m talking to Julian Green, everything is a little easier. It’s already a better start if you have a better relationship to people around our player." Perhaps a job on Nick Saban’s staff should be the next step for Herzog.
Mexico’s roster for Wednesday’s friendly consists of just 18 players, all based in Liga MX. Despite Cruz Azul playing Tijuana the night before in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, Marco Fabian will be with the national team.
Aron Johannsson had a penalty kick saved against Ajax in the Dutch Cup semifinals, with AZ losing 1-0 despite playing against 10 men for nearly an hour. Johannsson also missed one in a league match Sunday.
It’s taken 25 years, but Arsenal is returning to America this summer. The Gunners will face Thierry Henry and the Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on July 26, the club’s first appearance in the U.S. since 1989. For non-Arsenal fans, this is either your chance to try to persuade Gedion Zelalem to play for the U.S. or to boo him if he’s ineligible by then.
Brian Sciaretta caught up with Houston Dynamo forward Will Bruin, who’s scored three goals in the first two games of the MLS season, but wasn’t called in to camp for Wednesday’s friendly. “One thing I’ve learned is that if you go out and play to try to impress for the national team, then you put too much pressure on yourself,” Bruin said. “If you go out and play for the game and in the moment, things will work themselves out.” Here’s to 2018!
Michael Bradley is saying Michael Bradley things: "I’m here to compete, I’m here to enjoy every second of this and I’m here to win. Those are things that are easier said than done, but that’s why I am here. And in the meantime, if it sets an example for others or if they want to interpret it that way, they certainly have that right."
Terrence Boyd with some horses? Why not:
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