View from overseas: Game too far for courageous US U-17’s Men’s National Team

Story by Andrew Rogers

Andrew Rogers

"Adversity is the first path to truth. Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is greater."
Vince Lombardi - What it takes to be #1

Northern Ireland (April 28, 2006) - The US U-17's Men's National Team suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of a technically proficient and confident Czech Republic team in the final of the Ballymena Tournament in Northern Ireland on Friday.

The 0-1 defeat was the 4th consecutive loss in the final at Ballymena for the US. After an apprehensive first half they found themselves behind to a Josef Sural goal on 30 minutes. The US came out in the 2nd half with a new found composure and focus and were unlucky not to at least level the game having created a number of chances and hit the woodwork.

On a more positive note Seattle Native Ellis Mcloughlin picked up the tournament MVP award for his accomplished performances and two goal and two assists Unaware that he had won the award until we spoke he commented, "We played well but are very disappointed to have lost the final, thinking about the award now- I'm happy. Receiving the MVP s a huge honor and I'm very proud but it's difficult to think about with the defeat."

Fortunately for the promising striker he was able to share his joy and sorrow with his loved ones, "Luckily my mom and dad came out here for the tournament, its been great to be able to share it with them, my goal now is to get on to the roster for 2007, these were our first international wins, I'm sure more will come."

Stand out center back Tommy Meyer from St Louis, Missouri, was also philosophical about the day's events, "Maybe we upped our energy too late…we expected to play like we did against Northern Ireland, the motivation wasn't quite right, you have to find that focus. In the second half we gave everything but nothing seemed to go our way."

His father, a former indoor pro player has been a constant source of support; "I've spoken to him every night before I hit the sack, he relaxes me, gives me advice and confidence. I've enjoyed England and Northern Ireland, this has been the best I have played since I arrived at Bradenton. I've learned a lot about myself and soccer on this trip."

Coach John Hackworth, was frustrated but clearly optimistic about dealing with bitter but sweet irony that his side are capable world beaters but have not quite been able to realize it yet;

"We're pretty disappointed that we lost that game but you can't win them all. We thought we had it right but in the first half didn't play as we can. At half time I challenged them to play for their country and not to play with fear but respect. I told them to let it ride, go out there and play like you know you can, your America's best players, representing your country. Afterwards I told them we would never play like that again and not win. In the 2nd half we proved we can play like champions and be champions."

Hackworth's conviction is borne out by recent narrow losses to Brazil and Argentina and now the Czech Republic, "We're capable of beating the very best; we have to make that next step. I'm very optimistic about 2007 and the team. We will not keep making the same mistake, this is the best lesson we have ever been given. You have to come out and play your best, you must believe in what you have been doing. Maybe they need a little reminding in this respect. They need to understand they are as good as anyone in the world, comprehend that knowledge and act on it. The simple fact is we can compete. The players need to start appreciating the critical moments in the games, then we can go on and win these ties. We have been told it is the best final they have seen in Ballymena. It's our first loss in a 17 day trip; the quality is clearly there on the field. I'm very proud, there is a lot we got out of this trip, 2007 is our only focus right now. We don't look past our next hurdle."

The overall success for the US was not just on the field, Tournament Director Alan McKinstry, was wholesome in his praise of not only the Men's team but those who helped make it happen:

"It's been an excellent week of football. This has been the 7th year we have run the event, it's been great fun and we feel privileged that we have created something of such prestige and caliber. To attract sides from across Europe and the other side of the Atlantic is a great achievement.

"It's been a privilege to have the youth team of a side ranked so highly in the world (the USA), we love having them participate here. They are a great side, they can go any where in the world, it is testament to the organizers that sides like the US want to come along year after year.

"To me the thing that stands out most about the US team is the fierce determination to win and the pride they have in playing for their country. The US U-17's men's national team have been wonderful ambassadors for their country, from John Hackworth to the players and backroom staff, they have been a pleasure to work with, they are a real credit to football and the USA.

"It was a great shame the US did not win, they played some great soccer and things might have been different with a little luck. I'm sure many of the players will go to play for the full national team and do well in the MLS and Europe. Both Jonathan Spector and Arjen Robben played in the tournament. Hopefully they can win it next year."

Andrew Rogers, contributes to USA Today, Gol TV and Four Four Two. He lives in Sunbury on Thames in England. Formerly the director of communications for the Long Island (N.Y.) Rough Riders, he is a UEFA 'B" license coach and plays semi-professionally with Spelthorne FC.