More daggers thrown by US Under-20 national team coach Thomas Rongen about how the absence of a reserve league in Major League Soccer essentially had taken it's toll on the lack of experience for our United States Under-20 national team.
"We have a bunch of part-time players, quite frankly. Players around the world play hard games every weekend. Our players don't," Rongen said. "That's a huge concern for our country -- we are falling behind in the under-20s."
The U.S., often noted more for its potential rather than its record, has reached 12 of 17 tournaments at this level, getting as far as fourth place in 1989.
In Egypt, the Americans were let down by their normally sturdy defense but also showed glimpses of excellence. Midfielder Dilly Duka of Rutgers University and Miami FC forward Tony Taylor were key against Cameroon, pairing well and both scoring in that Group C game.
Rongen said his players' wobbly performance had only been made worse by the decision to scrap the MLS Reserve Division last year.
"None of our MLS players are regular starters, and there's no reserve league," he said. "We go from full-time residency to a black hole. ... That's the reason we are erratic from game to game. There's no game sharpness, there's no game fitness, and no game rhythm.
"Because of the MLS dropping the reserve league the black hole will become deeper and darker."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/10/04/us.under20.ap/index.html?eref=si_soccer
"We have a bunch of part-time players, quite frankly. Players around the world play hard games every weekend. Our players don't," Rongen said. "That's a huge concern for our country -- we are falling behind in the under-20s."
The U.S., often noted more for its potential rather than its record, has reached 12 of 17 tournaments at this level, getting as far as fourth place in 1989.
In Egypt, the Americans were let down by their normally sturdy defense but also showed glimpses of excellence. Midfielder Dilly Duka of Rutgers University and Miami FC forward Tony Taylor were key against Cameroon, pairing well and both scoring in that Group C game.
Rongen said his players' wobbly performance had only been made worse by the decision to scrap the MLS Reserve Division last year.
"None of our MLS players are regular starters, and there's no reserve league," he said. "We go from full-time residency to a black hole. ... That's the reason we are erratic from game to game. There's no game sharpness, there's no game fitness, and no game rhythm.
"Because of the MLS dropping the reserve league the black hole will become deeper and darker."
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/10/04/us.under20.ap/index.html?eref=si_soccer
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