Courtesy of Akron Sports Information
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AKRON, Ohio – Two members from the Zips' 2010 NCAA National Championship men's soccer team have been named to ESPN's list of the Top 10 U.S. Players Under 21.
Defender Zarek Valentin, who wore the Blue and Gold from 2009-10, was listed at No. 6 while midfielder Perry Kitchen, who spent the 2010 season at UA, was No. 7.
Reporter Jeff Carlisle writes...
Hope is the fuel that keeps many soccer fans coming back. No matter how dire a team's immediate prospects may be, youth players on the horizon can keep the flame of optimism alive.
The future of the U.S. men's national team is far from bleak, but the impulse to look to the future is just as strong, especially as the Americans threaten to join the elite and break into the later stages of tournaments. Would one more special player have provided that extra nudge needed to make a massive breakthrough, and say, reach a World Cup semifinal? Without question. But while it's fun to dream, finding and developing those players remains a long, hard slog for the powers that be in this country.
That said, there are some players who -- if the soccer gods are kind enough to smile on them, and reward their dedication -- could end up having a significant impact on the U.S. team for years to come.
Valentin, who was a rookie with Chivas USA of Major League Soccer in 2010, is currently training with the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team under the direction of head coach Caleb Porter. Valentin will suit up for the Montreal Impact next season.
Said Carlisle...
Valentin's biggest asset is his versatility, and not in a Derek Zoolander kind of way. He spent much of his rookie season with Chivas USA at right back, and when he was exposed in the expansion draft, Montreal snapped him up. But he played center back in college and could feature there again for the Olympic team, where his composure on the ball will come in handy.
Kitchen was the third overall selection (D.C. United) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft and a U.S. youth national team veteran.
Said Carlisle...
Kitchen is another player who played out of position at right back during his rookie season. In his case, though, his future appears to lie as a defensive midfielder, and at present he looks like he's going to be given every chance this season to win that position with D.C. United. That said, he drew solid reviews for his play at the back -- with his composure and ability to win balls in the air among his best attributes -- and his leadership skills have been widely praised as well.