This one is for Mo

dcheather · Dec 21, 2011

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...mnt-national-camp-london-olympics-2012-122011

An article on one Mr. Caleb Porter.

“It feels good to finally get out on the pitch with these guys and lay the groundwork and foundation for qualifying,” Porter said. “I look at it as a two stage process. Stage one is qualifying, and stage two is the Olympics.

“Right now I’m the U-23 coach and these are U-23 players and the focus now is on preparing for the qualifying round,” Porter said. “In the big picture we want to be in the Olympics playing for a medal. They have to understand the entire vision, but obviously first we have to qualify.”

In 2008, the US Olympic team failed to meet expectations despite boasting a talented squad, crashing out in the group stage. Where the team did succeed was in producing some players who ultimately played a role for the US at the 2010 World Cup. Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Benny Feilhaber and Maurice Edu were all key contributors at the last World Cup, and this new cycle of players is capable of providing even more options for senior team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

With Altidore and Freddy Adu eligible for the current Olympic squad after taking part in the 2008 Olympics, and with senior team regulars such as Brek Shea, Timmy Chandler, Juan Agudelo and Danny Willliams also available, Porter will have a plethora of top-level players to serve as the nucleus of the Olympic team. That isn’t even including the three over-age player exceptions, selections which will allow Porter to bolster any areas of need.

Of course, all that is assuming the United States qualifies for the Olympics, something the USA failed to do for the 2004 Games.

US Soccer turned some heads when it hired Porter, 36, a college coach who has yet to coach a professional team. Despite his lack of pro experience (Porter turned down the D.C. United head coaching job just a year ago to stay at Akron), Porter is considered one of the best young American coaches around, with his attacking soccer philosophy setting him apart from his contemporaries.
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Clevelandmo · Dec 21, 2011

Thanks Heather! Funny I was actually in his "house" last night. The Akron Fieldhouse that is - their indoor track & field facility. My son's team was down there practicing so they could get some 11 v 11 in. Akron U soccer championship banners up everywhere, dwarfing the other sports banners by sheer number. Good time, three MLS players who are also alum of Akron U and my son's club were there. The boys loved it; Xmas come early.

Here is a link to Porter talking about the current U23 camp down in FL if anyone cares to check it out;
http://www.ussoccer.com/media-library/Videos/U23-MNT/12/111221-Studio-90.aspx

This one is for Mo

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