Bradley's Blitz

Americans scoring goals abroad always comes as exciting news, but a headline like “Bradley Blitzes Groningen” truly is something special. Never before has an American notched a hat trick in major European action. The supposedly defensive center midfielder perfectly positioned himself for the first and third (thanks for the instincts, Dad), and did well to redirect a low cross for the second. Now Bradley’s side Heerenveen sits in fourth place and is nipping at the heals of the Eredivisie big three, Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord. For all those stories about the difficulty young American prospects have trying to make it professionally abroad, this is exactly the type of transformative moment (fingers crossed) that only the top European clubs can provide. Can’t wait for the opportunity to see Mike’s new and improved game in the upcoming US MNT friendlies against Sweden (1/19) and Mexico (2/6).

On a more somber note, it looks like you won’t be hearing much about DaMarcus Beasley since he recently underwent surgery on his right knee. After such a promising start for Glasgow Rangers, it’s going to be 4-6 months before Beas is back on the field and terrorizing the flanks, which we all hope will be right in time for the start of MNT qualification.

This weekend also saw a lot of amazing soccer being played in our own backyard. US Soccer’s Bradenton Academy hosted the first annual Nike Friendlies tournament, which featured some of the top club and international youth players, coaches and scouts around. The Nike Friendlies mantra is essentially “Quality over Quantity,” as in, train more and play uncompetitive games less. In a youth athletics world where burnout is all too common, matches should actually test and challenge a player’s development. This year’s Nike Friendlies was a unanimous success, and not only because US MNT U-17 appear to be stacked with future national team talent.