USA Vs Czech Republic
The USA Men's team will be playing the Czech national team in Prague on September 3rd at 2:15 PM EST. The game will be played at Generali Arena. It looks like
Praha is how you write Prague in Czech. Franz Kafka is Czech and many of us will remember having to read that book about the big insect in school.
Prague seems to a beautiful, old and interesting city. Since I'm dedicating this post to the as-yet-unknown players, I'll leave the research about the city up to you the readers. It seems like a nice city to visit in the winter. For those who will be watching from home, the game will be broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network and UniMas per ussoccer.
Czech Republic Tickets - Page1
U.S. MNT Opens New Cycle Against Czech Republic on Sept. 3 in Prague - U.S. Soccer
GENERALI Arena - AC Sparta Praha
The New USA Players
Goal Keeper: Cody Cropper (Southampton)
Our new goal keeper is one more baby at barely 21 years old. He currently plays in the English Premier league for Southampton. He is pretty tall at 6'4" and fair hair that he seems to like to wear short. By the way, Cody seems to be a good candidate to give Brazil's Hulk a run for his money in terms of buns.
Cody was born in Atlanta Georgia in February 1993. Before moving to Southampton, he was starting keeper for the team's under 21 team. He also played in the Ipswich Under 18s in England as well as for the USA Under-20 Men's National team. In an interview, he said his dad calls him after almost all of his games.
Cody Cropper - player profile - Transfermarkt
ASN article: Cody Cropper, 21, Gets to Train with the Big Boys
Defenders:
Greg Garza (Club Tijuana)
Greg's current professional club has the coolest name. He plays for Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuilentes De Caliente. WTH LOL. That is funny. It seems the club is named after the Mexican hairless dog, but I'm not sure what is up with the Caliente part. The famous Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo had one of these dogs. His name was Mr. Xolotl. I've never really gotten the hang of pronouncing the Mexican native names, but I think it is pronounced something like SHO-lo-EEtz-Kwee-lentis. Xolos for short.
Greg is 23 years old and was born in Grapevine, Texas in the USA. He seems to be on the shorter side at 5'8". Prior to playing for Tijuana, Greg played for the USA Under-20 Men's National team and Estoril Praia in Portugal. His current club, the Xolos, reached the Mexican Copa Libertadores quarter finals in 2013.
Greg Garza - Goal.com
Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente
Michael Orozco Fiscal (Puebla)
Looks wise Michael seems like un verdadero guerrero Azteca. In comparing MLS to Mexican play, Michael seems to confirm something I've noticed about the American league:
“[In the US], it is physical, with more collisions and contact."
IMO this is a big problem with the USA league, and they should try to remember that players are not wearing protective gear. I'm happy to see a good game and to have refs who help the players avoid career destroying and unnecessary injuries. Cough cough cough.
Michael was born in Irvine California and is 28 years old. I'm guessing he is in the prime of his soccer career. Probably at a very good juncture of fitness and experience. Michael played for the youth clubs Irvine Strikers and San Luis FC. In his professional career, he played for the Mexican San Luis Futbol Club, The USA Philadelphia Union and his current home, Mexican club Puebla.
Gringo Report: Orozco Fiscal wants nat'l team spot back | MLSsoccer.com
Michael Orozco - Perfil del jugador - Transfermarkt
Tim Ream (Bolton)
Tim was born in Saint Louis Missouri, but he is being showered with
Love Love Love by the fans of his current English club, Bolton. In 2012, the club offered him 30 (thirty) times his salary to stay on, and this year he won Player of the Season as well as a popularity award from the club's fans.
Tim is 6'1" and 160 lbs. He is 26. As a youth, he played for Saint Dominic High School, and then went on to play for the Saint Louis University team. In his professional career, he played for the Chicago Fire American club, the New York Red Bulls and currently plays for the Bolton Wanderers in the English Championship League.
American Exports: Tim Ream wins double Player of the Year honors for Bolton | MLSsoccer.com
Bolton to tempt Tim Ream with deal worth 30 times his salary | Mail Online
http://www.transfermarkt.com/en/tim-...er_145466.html
Fingers...are...cramping.
I'll finish the rest of the new players tomorrow.
Midfielders: Joe Corona (Club Tijuana), Emerson Hyndman (Fulham), Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt), Brek Shea (Stoke City)
Forwards: Joe Gyau (Borussia Dortmund II), Jordan Morris (Stanford), Rubio Rubin (Utrecht), Bobby Wood (1860 Munich)
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