Americans Abroad
Lletget and Morales Score, Shea Likely Leaving Stoke
With club soccer starting to ramp up around the globe, Brian Sciaretta's latest look at Americans playing abroad features updates from England, Germany, Mexico, and Norway.
AS THE CALENDAR hit August, preseason games in Europe started to get a bit more serious, while other lower leagues were in full swing. For Americans abroad, there were some interesting headlines—particularly among players who have been under the radar for quite some time.
In Ingolstadt’s season opener on Saturday against St. Pauli, Morales scored the game’s opening goal when he headed home a free kick delivered by Pascal Gross. It wasn’t just the goal, however, as Morales played well throughout the entire game in the midfield and went 86 minutes before being subbed out.
So what is next for the Texan? He is a work in progress and his talent remains raw. It’s tricky, because Shea needs to find a place where the coach believes in him and is willing to be patient. Will he get that in a loan situation? How many coaches in Europe are willing to take a chance on Shea? It will be interesting to see.
Sebastian Lletget showing signs of life
Sebastian Lletget’s career so far has been a bit of a head-scratcher. The attacking midfielder joined West Ham’s storied academy at a young age but has been unable to break into the first team, aside from being named to the bench a few times last season and making a cup appearance in the spring. West Ham has been unwilling to loan him out, so at times it has seemed like Lletget has simply vanished. On Saturday, he reappeared. Lletget was impressive for West Ham in a preseason tournament against Schalke. The San Francisco native came on in the second half at central midfield and showed good skill on the ball and smooth passing. Regulation ended 0-0 but West Ham advanced on penalties with Lletget converting his attempt. Lletget will turn 22 next month and this season is a crucial one for him to finally earn regular minutes. Many U.S. fans have written him off but history has shown us again and again that it is way too soon for that.Alfredo Morales Scores in Opener
Add Alfredo Morales to the list of U.S. internationals who have been overlooked in recent months but are now playing well. The German-Peruvian-American earned regular minutes in the 2.Bundesliga last season with Ingolstadt and this season he will once again aim to be an important part of the team.
In Ingolstadt’s season opener on Saturday against St. Pauli, Morales scored the game’s opening goal when he headed home a free kick delivered by Pascal Gross. It wasn’t just the goal, however, as Morales played well throughout the entire game in the midfield and went 86 minutes before being subbed out.
Edgar Castillo, Atlas off to terrific start
Edgar Castillo reinvigorated his career when he joined Club Tijuana in 2012 but he has never settled down in one location for long. The 27-year-old left back from New Mexico recently signed for Atlas, his seventh Liga Mx club. His international career has been uneven as well. He started playing for Mexico but switched to the United States. He struggled to break in with Bob Bradley and while Jurgen Klinsmann gave him several opportunities, he fell out of favor after World Cup qualifying. While it has only been three games, early returns are promising for Castillo at Atlas. The club 2-1-0 and has looked impressive. Castillo has played well in the three games and it looks as if he will be an important part of the campaign. On Saturday, Castillo went a full 90 for Atlas in a 4-2 win over Chiapas to move into second place in the league. Now in his prime, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Klinsmann give Castillo another shot early in the cycle if continues to play well for Atlas.Brek Shea on the move?
It looks like Brek Shea's days in Stoke-on-Trent are numbered. As the Stoke Sentinel put it, “The versatile Ryan Shotton and winger Brek Shea will be allowed to leave the Britannia Stadium, permanently or on loan, despite impressing with their efforts on the club's recent tour of Germany.”
So what is next for the Texan? He is a work in progress and his talent remains raw. It’s tricky, because Shea needs to find a place where the coach believes in him and is willing to be patient. Will he get that in a loan situation? How many coaches in Europe are willing to take a chance on Shea? It will be interesting to see.
