ASN 100 Update
Boyd, Shea, Agudelo...the ASN 100 Recap is Back!
We took a few months off while Europe and Mexico recuperated, but Josh Deaver is back with his newsy, video-filled updates on the best American players: Look for it every week right here.
Clint Dempsey—ASN rank #2
In case you didn’t hear, Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. men’s national team, has signed with Seattle Sounders FC. Pretty big deal, right? In case you missed the madness, ASN has you covered here and here. Although confirmed earlier in the day by Tottenham, Dempsey was introduced to a raucous Seattle crowd prior to their matchup with FC Dallas on Saturday night, an emphatic 3-0 victory. Dempsey’s first game for his new club? A nationally televised match against arch-rivals Portland Timbers. It’s going to be good. Omar Gonzalez—ASN rank #12
We know what you did this summer. Gold Cup Trophy? Check. Incredible goal against Juventus? Check. Is a move to the Premier League next? According to several sources, Gonzalez met with Stoke City officials this week, who may be interested in adding the defender to its ranks. Reports have also surfaced of other interested parties in the Premier League, as well as a Liga MX side that may be vying for his services. Per Grant Wahl, the Los Angeles Galaxy could also step up to the plate with a Designated Player offer for Gonzalez, who will be out of contract at the end of the season. Sacha Kljestan—ASN rank #15
Only a week after suffering a fairly gruesome lacerated ear, Kljestan was back on the field for Anderlecht this week, playing 90 minutes in a 4-0 victory over Cercle Brugge. Outfitted with protective earmuffs, Kljestan was no worse for wear and, despite previous reports, will not miss any time. Terrence Boyd—ASN rank #18
After notching 17 goals in all competitions for Rapid Vienna last season, Boyd already has three tallies in three appearances this season for the Austrian powerhouse. His latest for the Green and White was a point-rescuing penalty kick against Greek side Asteras Triplois in a Europa League qualification home leg on Thursday. Boyd drew the spot kick after being shoved down in the box and then converted with a powerful blast that slid under the diving keeper. The away leg will be played Thursday. On Sunday, amid rumors of interest from Watford in the English Championship , Boyd was an unused sub in Rapid’s 4-2 win over Strum Graz Brek Shea—ASN rank #32
Shea’s return to full match fitness, and hopefully a spot in the Stoke City roster, hit another roadblock this week. After scoring the game’s opening goal in a friendly against Philadelphia Union on Thursday, a 2-0 victory for the Potters, Shea picked up a MCL sprain for his trouble after a reckless tackle from Union reservist Matt Kassell. Shea’s knock is another in a recent spate of knee injuries on the national team which includes Josh Gatt, Herculez Gomez and, of course, Stuart Holden. Shea’s timetable for recovery is said to be around four weeks. The lanky winger will need to hit the ground running upon his return, as he is certain to face a difficult fight for playing time. Chris Wondolowski—ASN rank #38
Coming off his excellent Gold Cup run, Wondolowski maintained his goal- scoring form on Saturday night, picking up both tallies in a 2-0 win over Chivas USA. Wondo picked up his first right before halftime, redirecting a Victor Bernardez header. He capped off his night in the 87th minute, chipping a loose ball in the box over Dan Kennedy to put away the game. Mike Magee—ASN rank #40
The 28-year old all-star is on a whole different level right now. With his goal against Philadelphia Union over the weekend, Magee now leads the league with 14 strikes—with an incredible 11 goals in 13 matches since moving to Chicago. Magic. Alejandro Bedoya—ASN rank #44
Lost in the Dempsey-to-Seattle madness has been the transfer saga of Alejandro Bedoya. On Wednesday, he signed a three-year deal with Ligue 1 side Nantes. Aron Johannsson—ASN rank #49
When Aron Johannsson’s America roots were discovered, it seemed a distant pipe dream that the talented Icelander would ever play for the U.S. national team. A year and several dozen goals later, Johannsson is now a mere nine days from making his American debut. The 22-year-old striker sent shockwaves last week when he declared his intention to represent the U.S., drawing ire from the Icelandic football federation. With the one-time switch official, Johannsson continued his scintillating club form this weekend, scoring from the penalty spot and providing an assist in AZ Alkmaar’s season opening 4-2 loss to Heerenveen. Eric Lichaj—ASN rank #53
Only one year removed from the height of “Lichaj to the U.S. national team” fervor, the 24-year-old defender is now just trying to get some minutes. Since moving from Aston Villa to Nottingham Forest in the offseason, Lichaj has seemingly found a good spot with the Championship side. He has put together a successful preseason and appears to be the incumbent right back for the club. In its season opener on Saturday, Lichaj got the start and played 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town. Jose Villarreal—ASN rank #62
Villarreal has been quiet since returning from an under-20 world Cup campaign. But every once in a while, he shows that spark that says he could be a pretty big deal one day. On Thursday Villarreal scored on a fabulous left-footed rocket from just inside the box during the Galaxy’s 3-1 defeat of Real Madrid in one of those Europhile preseason roadshows. The 19-year-old deftly corralled a loose ball at the top of box and froze two defenders before blasting it upper 90. On Saturday, Villarreal was in the starting XI against Italian champs Juventus, playing 45 minutes in a 3-1 victory. Greg Garza—ASN rank #90
Following up his best season as a professional, the 21-year-old left back has opened the new Liga MX season in the starting XI for Club Tijuana, going 90 minutes in the first two matches of the Apertura campaign. On Tuesday, Garza helped the Xolos pick up its first three points in a controversial 1-0 victory over Pachuca. Even the return of compatriot Edgar Castillo, who normally slots in at left back, couldn’t bump Garza from the starting lineup. On Saturday, Garza once again got the nod, playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Morelia. Castillo, Joe Corona, and 18-year old American Paul Arriola also saw time for Tijuana. Bobby Wood—ASN rank #99
Hawaii native Wood got the start for Munich 1860 on Saturday, going 64 minutes and picking up an assist in its 2-0 German cup victory over Heidenheim. After blocking a shot on goal in his own box, Wood took the rebound the length of the field before delivering a perfectly timed pass for the game’s opening goal. Originally slated to join the Gold Cup roster before being recalled at the behest of 1860’s coaching staff, new reports out of Germany state that the 20-year-old has been called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the Bosnia friendly on August 14th. QUICK NOTES:
Carlos Bocanegra—ASN rank #25
picked up a straight red card in the 62nd minute during Chivas USA’s 2-0 loss to San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. Michael Orozco—ASN rank #73 has signed a new contract with Liga MX side Puebla. Andrew Wooten—ASN rank #86
earned his first start for Kaiserslautern, playing 59 minutes in a 7-0 drubbing of Neckarsulmer Su in German Cup action.
In case you didn’t hear, Clint Dempsey, captain of the U.S. men’s national team, has signed with Seattle Sounders FC. Pretty big deal, right? In case you missed the madness, ASN has you covered here and here. Although confirmed earlier in the day by Tottenham, Dempsey was introduced to a raucous Seattle crowd prior to their matchup with FC Dallas on Saturday night, an emphatic 3-0 victory. Dempsey’s first game for his new club? A nationally televised match against arch-rivals Portland Timbers. It’s going to be good. Omar Gonzalez—ASN rank #12
We know what you did this summer. Gold Cup Trophy? Check. Incredible goal against Juventus? Check. Is a move to the Premier League next? According to several sources, Gonzalez met with Stoke City officials this week, who may be interested in adding the defender to its ranks. Reports have also surfaced of other interested parties in the Premier League, as well as a Liga MX side that may be vying for his services. Per Grant Wahl, the Los Angeles Galaxy could also step up to the plate with a Designated Player offer for Gonzalez, who will be out of contract at the end of the season. Sacha Kljestan—ASN rank #15
Only a week after suffering a fairly gruesome lacerated ear, Kljestan was back on the field for Anderlecht this week, playing 90 minutes in a 4-0 victory over Cercle Brugge. Outfitted with protective earmuffs, Kljestan was no worse for wear and, despite previous reports, will not miss any time. Terrence Boyd—ASN rank #18
After notching 17 goals in all competitions for Rapid Vienna last season, Boyd already has three tallies in three appearances this season for the Austrian powerhouse. His latest for the Green and White was a point-rescuing penalty kick against Greek side Asteras Triplois in a Europa League qualification home leg on Thursday. Boyd drew the spot kick after being shoved down in the box and then converted with a powerful blast that slid under the diving keeper. The away leg will be played Thursday. On Sunday, amid rumors of interest from Watford in the English Championship , Boyd was an unused sub in Rapid’s 4-2 win over Strum Graz Brek Shea—ASN rank #32
Shea’s return to full match fitness, and hopefully a spot in the Stoke City roster, hit another roadblock this week. After scoring the game’s opening goal in a friendly against Philadelphia Union on Thursday, a 2-0 victory for the Potters, Shea picked up a MCL sprain for his trouble after a reckless tackle from Union reservist Matt Kassell. Shea’s knock is another in a recent spate of knee injuries on the national team which includes Josh Gatt, Herculez Gomez and, of course, Stuart Holden. Shea’s timetable for recovery is said to be around four weeks. The lanky winger will need to hit the ground running upon his return, as he is certain to face a difficult fight for playing time. Chris Wondolowski—ASN rank #38
Coming off his excellent Gold Cup run, Wondolowski maintained his goal- scoring form on Saturday night, picking up both tallies in a 2-0 win over Chivas USA. Wondo picked up his first right before halftime, redirecting a Victor Bernardez header. He capped off his night in the 87th minute, chipping a loose ball in the box over Dan Kennedy to put away the game. Mike Magee—ASN rank #40
The 28-year old all-star is on a whole different level right now. With his goal against Philadelphia Union over the weekend, Magee now leads the league with 14 strikes—with an incredible 11 goals in 13 matches since moving to Chicago. Magic. Alejandro Bedoya—ASN rank #44
Lost in the Dempsey-to-Seattle madness has been the transfer saga of Alejandro Bedoya. On Wednesday, he signed a three-year deal with Ligue 1 side Nantes. Aron Johannsson—ASN rank #49
When Aron Johannsson’s America roots were discovered, it seemed a distant pipe dream that the talented Icelander would ever play for the U.S. national team. A year and several dozen goals later, Johannsson is now a mere nine days from making his American debut. The 22-year-old striker sent shockwaves last week when he declared his intention to represent the U.S., drawing ire from the Icelandic football federation. With the one-time switch official, Johannsson continued his scintillating club form this weekend, scoring from the penalty spot and providing an assist in AZ Alkmaar’s season opening 4-2 loss to Heerenveen. Eric Lichaj—ASN rank #53
Only one year removed from the height of “Lichaj to the U.S. national team” fervor, the 24-year-old defender is now just trying to get some minutes. Since moving from Aston Villa to Nottingham Forest in the offseason, Lichaj has seemingly found a good spot with the Championship side. He has put together a successful preseason and appears to be the incumbent right back for the club. In its season opener on Saturday, Lichaj got the start and played 90 minutes in a 1-0 victory over Huddersfield Town. Jose Villarreal—ASN rank #62
Villarreal has been quiet since returning from an under-20 world Cup campaign. But every once in a while, he shows that spark that says he could be a pretty big deal one day. On Thursday Villarreal scored on a fabulous left-footed rocket from just inside the box during the Galaxy’s 3-1 defeat of Real Madrid in one of those Europhile preseason roadshows. The 19-year-old deftly corralled a loose ball at the top of box and froze two defenders before blasting it upper 90. On Saturday, Villarreal was in the starting XI against Italian champs Juventus, playing 45 minutes in a 3-1 victory. Greg Garza—ASN rank #90
Following up his best season as a professional, the 21-year-old left back has opened the new Liga MX season in the starting XI for Club Tijuana, going 90 minutes in the first two matches of the Apertura campaign. On Tuesday, Garza helped the Xolos pick up its first three points in a controversial 1-0 victory over Pachuca. Even the return of compatriot Edgar Castillo, who normally slots in at left back, couldn’t bump Garza from the starting lineup. On Saturday, Garza once again got the nod, playing 90 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Morelia. Castillo, Joe Corona, and 18-year old American Paul Arriola also saw time for Tijuana. Bobby Wood—ASN rank #99
Hawaii native Wood got the start for Munich 1860 on Saturday, going 64 minutes and picking up an assist in its 2-0 German cup victory over Heidenheim. After blocking a shot on goal in his own box, Wood took the rebound the length of the field before delivering a perfectly timed pass for the game’s opening goal. Originally slated to join the Gold Cup roster before being recalled at the behest of 1860’s coaching staff, new reports out of Germany state that the 20-year-old has been called up by Jurgen Klinsmann for the Bosnia friendly on August 14th. QUICK NOTES:
Carlos Bocanegra—ASN rank #25
picked up a straight red card in the 62nd minute during Chivas USA’s 2-0 loss to San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday. Michael Orozco—ASN rank #73 has signed a new contract with Liga MX side Puebla. Andrew Wooten—ASN rank #86
earned his first start for Kaiserslautern, playing 59 minutes in a 7-0 drubbing of Neckarsulmer Su in German Cup action.
