US-Based Internationals starred at Concacaf U17s
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The CONCACAF U17 Championships is underway! While many will be focusing on the United States Youth National Team there are a large number of players from the United States who will be featuring for other national teams from across Central…
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Continue ReadingThe CONCACAF U17 Championships is underway! While many will be focusing on the United States Youth National Team there are a large number of players from the United States who will be featuring for other national teams from across Central and Latin America and the Caribbean. Here are some of the top U.S.-based midfielders and forwards that have impressed thus far for their national teams.
Barajas already has two goals for Mexico, having scored in both wins against Curacao (9-0) and Guatemala (2-0). He possesses lightning quick speed and a superb first touch. With the ball at his feet, he already seems to be thinking 2-3 steps ahead making him very difficult to break down. The Sacramento native/ forward had previously represented the United States at the under-17 level but is now cap-tied to Mexico. He is already playing professionally for the Charleston Battery in the United Soccer League but seems destined for either Liga MX or Europe.
Sean Albritton
Sean Albritton
Albritton scored the go-ahead goal for The Ticas in their opener against Guadeloupe. He made a nice trap off a cross at the top of the eighteen and while his initial effort was saved, he made a nice read to pick up the rebound and bury it. The Dallas Texans SC forward possesses excellent footwork and times his runs off the ball perfectly to connect with open chances. At 5’11” he can also bring down crosses and free kicks in dangerous territory.
Gordon made an excellent diagonal run at goal in the 70th minute and helped the Reggae Boyz seal a 4-2 win over Cuba. The Atlanta United forward was a real menace all throughout the second half, using his speed to open up space for his teammates inside to exploit. His finishing is very clinical; there is no wasted movement and he doesn’t a waste anytime putting shots exactly where they need to go. Atlanta United is one of the top U17 programs in MLSNext and Gordon is a major reason for it.
Vargas was the centerpieces of the Honduran attack on matchday one, scoring a goal in their 6-0 win over Suriname. The FC Dallas Youth Academy forward plays as a number 9 for Los Catrachos, taking on multiple defenders and holding up play for his teammates. While his goal-scoring prowess will certainly help Honduras in this tournament, his passing perhaps may be even more important. If he can continue to create chances for his teammates, Honduras may make a deep run.
Destin is the captain of a Haiti side that possesses a ton of talent and may very surprise some people at this year’s tournament. The Haiti Football Association has always done an excellent job at scouting players who can represent them at the National Team level, particularly in the United States. Destin is a very technically sound midfielder from the Inter Miami CF Academy and is one of the more experienced players on the roster. His passing and ability to see the entire pitch helped open up play for Les Grenadiers and kept them in the match against El Salvador. If he can find that final pass against Suriname and Honduras they may make it through.
Argueta has had a strong start to CONCACAF Championship play, scoring a brace against Haiti to lead the side to a 3-1 win. His runs off of the ball and deadly left-footed shot make him a tough target to mark. That he can also work his way through traffic and exploit even the smallest of spaces will make him that much more difficult to defend. He has been tearing in MLS Next for D.C. United and looks like he might be ready for a higher level of club play.
Avalos really opened up play for Argueta in their match against Haiti, using his speed down the right flank to give Argueta space to operate inside. He had two really good shots on target and seemed like he might add a fourth for El Salvador. Like Argueta, Avalos has also had a strong season for D.C. United Academy and if he can continue to work on his shot down in Guatemala, it should benefit his club side immensely as they head to the business end of their season.