MLS

by Gary Kleiban on January 30, 2012 4 Comments

Please Fill in the Blanks

Happy mad-libbing! _______________ (Possession/4-3-3/Passing out of the back) like __________________ (F.C. Barcelona/Spain/Ajax) would never work for a __________________ (Mid-low table Premier League/Major League Soccer/NCAA Division I) team. The __________________ (British/American/American College) game is too ____________ (Fast/Physical/Aggressive) for a ________________ (British/MLS/College) team to play like that. The only reason ______________ (F.C. Barcelona/Spain/Ajax) can play like that is [...]

by Gary Kleiban on January 5, 2012 14 Comments

Camp For Young Professionals, College Players, and …

There is nothing high-level available for this group of players during their off-seasons. That hurts, and it must be fixed! During the holidays we held a 4 day camp for them. It was a pilot program really, as we have never done such a thing, but I was pleased with the turnout. Here’s the list [...]

Filed Under: College Soccer, MLS, Problems, Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: College Soccer, Elite, MLS, Players, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on November 22, 2010 1 Comment

Martin Vasquez: A Youth Soccer Coach?

So we’ve all heard about climbing the career ladder. And yes, sometimes we hear about demotions or taking a step back. But how about going from CEO to a line worker? Yes my friends, it looks like former Bayern Munich assistant and this season’s Chivas USA coach, Martin Vasquez, will become a U10 coach for [...]

Filed Under: Club Soccer, MLS Tagged With: Club Soccer, Coach, CSL, MLS

by Gary Kleiban on September 11, 2010 8 Comments

The Best of UCSB and Creighton Soccer – Who Should be in the 2011 MLS Draft?

I was in Santa Barbara Tuesday night where 24th ranked Creighton defeated 21st ranked UCSB, 1-0. It was a typical college soccer game that relies on physical play and an abuse of long balls – no pauses or build-ups in possession. So I’m only writing this to report on who is ready for the next [...]

Filed Under: College Soccer, MLS Tagged With: College Soccer, Elite, MLS, Players

by Gary Kleiban on April 29, 2010 Leave a Comment

Philadelphia Union Interviews

Mwanga, Okugo, & McInerney at the MLS Superdraft

3four3 will be interviewing Amobi Okugo and Danny Mwanga Friday night before their Saturday match with the Galaxy. Both were club opponents of ours as recently as last year who have turned professional with the Philadelphia Union. Danny was selected #1 in the MLS superdraft and Amobi was chosen 6th. They are quality players as [...]

Filed Under: MLS Tagged With: MLS, Players

by Gary Kleiban on February 22, 2010 11 Comments

Luis Gil Signs With MLS: Say Goodbye to World Class!

I was happy for the 16 year old when I heard the news. But as far as his development is concerned, not so much. On the one hand, I did not want to see him continue as an amateur in the “Development” Academy with the occasional NT camps or games. So, it’s certainly a step [...]

Filed Under: MLS Tagged With: MLS, Players

by Gary Kleiban on January 23, 2010 62 Comments

Funes Mori: Example of US Soccer Failure

The problem with US Soccer is not that we lack extremely talented players; we have them! There are loads of players with world class potential here. I see it every week at the youth level, and sometimes college. The problem is we have ignorance and incompetence occupying the coaching and management positions at the higher [...]

Filed Under: MLS, Problems Tagged With: Elite, MLS, Players, Problems, USDA

by Gary Kleiban on January 12, 2010 5 Comments

MLS Draft Prospects

I’ve been holding this in for a while now – ever since coverage and speculation over this year’s MLS Draft started. With the Draft this Thursday, I just have to say my piece. I’m disgusted by what most “reporters/analysts” are writing. And these are considered good sources of soccer information in America. These guys have [...]

Filed Under: College Soccer, MLS Tagged With: College Soccer, MLS, Players