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Post by Soccerhouse on Jan 22, 2020 10:56:24 GMT -5
Orignal 5 homegrowns.
Carleton
Goslin
Bello
Patrick Okonkwo
Lagos Kunga
Only Bello remains on the current roster.
Carleton - loaned to Indy Eleven
Goslin - unknown
Patrick Okonkwo - unknown
Lagos Kunga - loaned to Phoenix Rising
These are/were 5 quality players, Okonkwo probably the weakest of the group and was a raw goal scorer who led Ga United to the finals years ago.
Not one of the original 5, but I assume might see some of George Campbell this season with the first team.
I don't think Jackson Conway is considered a homegrown, but could be wrong.
Kind of also makes ya think, a homegrown signing is pending...
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Post by blu on Jan 22, 2020 11:39:38 GMT -5
Homegrown deal or full ride to a good college? Which would you do?
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Post by allthingsoccer on Jan 22, 2020 11:58:52 GMT -5
Very interesting.
I wonder how these numbers compare with other MLS homegrown development? I know we are only 4 years into AU Academy so hard to tell. I guess you have to start looking at the U12/U13 players from 3/4 years ago to start getting at a gauge on program success?? Do you think the current change at AU Academy has to do with 5 homegrowns in 4 years? I do know they have a lot of homegrown eligible players in college so that has to play in as a factor in the overall success of the program.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Jan 22, 2020 12:16:03 GMT -5
Homegrown deal or full ride to a good college? Which would you do? Great question Blu. Very tough question. Yes, the College experience is amazing. (for some). One has to look at the current College structure 3-4 months. I think that has to play a factor as well. Many pathways to look at. Some kids may still need that additional "game time" to really fully develop. Pro Homegrown- Play for the Academy, Play for USL/First team. Pro- AU signs you but sells/ loans you to another club. MLS/USL or International ( i guess this could be a subset of the above) Homegrown College- Play College but still HG eligible. College Super Draft- Loss of HG status and become free agent. Lots of factors come into play (Grades a key one). I think each situation is very different. I think the communication is key. Communication between the club, player and parents. Below is a link for those that don't quite understand "homegrown". I think this is why you see lots of changes in MLS academies at the U17/U18 levels. 16/17 years old. www.themaneland.com/2019/1/7/18170722/understanding-major-league-soccers-homegrown-player-rule |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Jan 22, 2020 12:46:27 GMT -5
Here is an interesting read breaking down mls player compensation: www.melbywealth.com/insights/mls-player-compensation-analysisone thing of note a study was done in 2013 that showed similar career lengths as the NFL. Not sure if this is career length in just the MLS or takes into consideration USL or Europe etc. Would think in soccer there might be more of an opportunity to continue your career longer than the nfl because of the "options" and different levels/countries to play in etc. Interesting read, but really the summary is where they nail it: "As a “working class” professional athlete, it is even more important players have a financial plan, stick to it, and have an idea what they want to do when their playing career is over. You can earn some nice money for a few years in the MLS, but it’s unlikely it will be enough to sustain you through retirement. What you can do, is set yourself up for success off the field by laying the groundwork an opportunity an MLS career affords you." A lot is being in the right place at the right time, these 5 homegrowns above all were extremely decorated youth players and well recognized as top talent in this country with YNT experience and caps- (all but Patrick, I think he was known as an opportunist goal scorer, and don't think he had any youth national team experience) I thought Carleton for example was a can't miss player, major skill and technical ability, high soccer IQ and just a natural that lived for the game. Dominant at every level he played at, scored goals consistently and won on every level. National Championships with US Soccer, Finals of DA, and then champions in DA. Has/had a slight gimp in his step and somewhat of a strange gait when he runs, but have heard that he always had it. Now he was truly never a college candidate or player, extremely high level player, whose focus from what I've heard was not the classroom. Now Kunga might be the opposite, Paideia grad and is he better off now that if he did 2 years of college. That we will never know. Gressel is about to get paid, and then Robinson as well. Both College guys. Bottom line its getting harder and harder out there for the domestic player. Harder to go to college, harder to get to the MLS, harder to play in the MLS, and then harder to get paid in the MLS. |
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Post by allthingsoccer on Jan 22, 2020 13:00:49 GMT -5
Here is an interesting read breaking down mls player compensation: www.melbywealth.com/insights/mls-player-compensation-analysisone thing of note a study was done in 2013 that showed similar career lengths as the NFL. Not sure if this is career length in just the MLS or takes into consideration USL or Europe etc. Would think in soccer there might be more of an opportunity to continue your career longer than the nfl because of the "options" and different levels/countries to play in etc. Interesting read, but really the summary is where they nail it: "As a “working class” professional athlete, it is even more important players have a financial plan, stick to it, and have an idea what they want to do when their playing career is over. You can earn some nice money for a few years in the MLS, but it’s unlikely it will be enough to sustain you through retirement. What you can do, is set yourself up for success off the field by laying the groundwork an opportunity an MLS career affords you." A lot is being in the right place at the right time, these 5 homegrowns above all were extremely decorated youth players and well recognized as top talent in this country with YNT experience and caps- (all but Patrick, I think he was known as an opportunist goal scorer, and don't think he had any youth national team experience) I thought Carleton for example was a can't miss player, major skill and technical ability, high soccer IQ and just a natural that lived for the game. Dominant at every level he played at, scored goals consistently and won on every level. National Championships with US Soccer, Finals of DA, and then champions in DA. Has/had a slight gimp in his step and somewhat of a strange gait when he runs, but have heard that he always had it. Now he was truly never a college candidate or player, extremely high level player, whose focus from what I've heard was not the classroom. Now Kunga might be the opposite, Paideia grad and is he better off now that if he did 2 years of college. That we will never know. Gressel is about to get paid, and then Robinson as well. Both College guys. Bottom line its getting harder and harder out there for the domestic player. Harder to go to college, harder to get to the MLS, harder to play in the MLS, and then harder to get paid in the MLS. great read. thanks for posting |
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Post by fridge on Jan 22, 2020 13:31:32 GMT -5
The timing on this is impeccable. I had read a few days ago the thread about the AU meeting. There was a response from a parent reporting on the u15/17 game and the parent essentially preparing herself/himself to the reality that the son may be cut by AU. It made me sad for them. However, it also made me think of the reality and perspective on the future as captured in this thread-- because this is a marathon and even these "Can't Miss" 15, 16, and 17 year olds are no longer "Can't misses."
I would submit that the Can't Misses have been cheated. Yes, that's right cheated! I say this because usually a Can't Miss has had to deal with very little adversity or rejection on the soccer field. It can (and many times does) create monsters. (I am not commenting directly on these AU home grown kids but making a general statement.) And so, at the age of 18 or so when adversity comes their way, it is not handled very well.
So, for the parent sad about their kid may be cut by AU--CONGRATULATIONS! He just got the break of a life time. Tell your son embrace this opportunity! Tell him to get mad, work harder, play harder and also have some humility as he now he knows what it is like to be rejected. He will end up way ahead in the game of life--and maybe soccer too! Good luck.
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Post by atlfutboldad on Jan 22, 2020 13:39:03 GMT -5
Smart money (IMO) is go to college for at least a couple years, mature as a person, then check your MLS draft prospective. If you go to college, the pro possibility is still there. Sign the pro contract, college option is gone. If you aren't a star in college, perhaps your pro career would have washed out and at least you get the education to fall back on.
Carleton did look like a can't-miss guy, but IMO he really needs some time to mature. This may be the case for Mal Pugh also, perhaps she could have used a bit of time under a good college coach. As far as I can tell, for the US WNT, only Pugh and Horan are not 4-year college players.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Jan 22, 2020 14:18:15 GMT -5
The timing on this is impeccable. I had read a few days ago the thread about the AU meeting. There was a response from a parent reporting on the u15/17 game and the parent essentially preparing herself/himself to the reality that the son may be cut by AU. It made me sad for them. However, it also made me think of the reality and perspective on the future as captured in this thread-- because this is a marathon and even these "Can't Miss" 15, 16, and 17 year olds are no longer "Can't misses." I would submit that the Can't Misses have been cheated. Yes, that's right cheated! I say this because usually a Can't Miss has had to deal with very little adversity or rejection on the soccer field. It can (and many times does) create monsters. (I am not commenting directly on these AU home grown kids but making a general statement.) And so, at the age of 18 or so when adversity comes their way, it is not handled very well. So, for the parent sad about their kid may be cut by AU--CONGRATULATIONS! He just got the break of a life time. Tell your son embrace this opportunity! Tell him to get mad, work harder, play harder and also have some humility as he now he knows what it is like to be rejected. He will end up way ahead in the game of life--and maybe soccer too! Good luck. Not exactly at the same level, but we had a friend tell us this same thing about herself. She is currently a high school junior. Was a fantastic academy player. The first girl to ever make ODP out of a small club that she played for. DOC told her to leave the club to go to a bigger club. She left halfway through a season to go to a bigger club and went straight to the top team. Started for the top team for 3 years. Team did very well at state Cup as U13 (this was prior to ECNL being offered at U13) and they did well at U14 and went to Regionals. Selected for ODP region camp. Selected for the first girls DA team. Then things began to get hard. She didn't start all of the time. Got her position switched. Decided to change clubs to an ECNL club which was again no issue for her. No question that she would make the team. She was losing her enjoyment of the game a bit though. She had issues adjusting to not being the shoo-in starter the previous year, but still was starting for this ECNL team. Decides that she wants to tryout again for a team that had her favorite all-time coach. She really wants to play for him again. He doesn't give her the time of day. There is more to the story but suffice to say she quits soccer right then. My daughter has had to scratch and fight for years to get on the teams that she wanted and get playing time. This friend of ours told us that my daughter is better off. The friend says my kid knows how to handle rejection unlike this young girl friend. She told us that she just fell apart when she was rejected and did not know how to deal with it at all and it killed her passion. My daughter has continued to fight and has developed GRIT! Whether my kid is finally able to make the teams and the college that she wants to play for remains to be seen, but if she doesn't at least I will know that this fight has taught her something about LIFE! Hopefully it will show her that disappointments and rejections happen and it is not the end of the world. Sometimes when one door closes another one opens and ends up being the right one for you after all. My kid has made great strides over time and has seen that hard work pays off, but she has also seen that sometimes it still doesn't get you where you want to be. You need to dust yourself off and keep trying or possibly tackle the problem from a different angle. I wish the best for all of the kids out there chasing their dreams. I know that occasional heartbreak will bring growth and improvement over time. Many great players have had setbacks as have many great businessmen, actors, lawyers, physicians, scientists, musicians, and so on! |
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Post by atv on Jan 22, 2020 14:23:58 GMT -5
Homegrown deal or full ride to a good college? Which would you do? College! Higher long term earning potential for most. |
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Post by allthingsoccer on Jan 22, 2020 14:52:35 GMT -5
The timing on this is impeccable. I had read a few days ago the thread about the AU meeting. There was a response from a parent reporting on the u15/17 game and the parent essentially preparing herself/himself to the reality that the son may be cut by AU. It made me sad for them. However, it also made me think of the reality and perspective on the future as captured in this thread-- because this is a marathon and even these "Can't Miss" 15, 16, and 17 year olds are no longer "Can't misses." I would submit that the Can't Misses have been cheated. Yes, that's right cheated! I say this because usually a Can't Miss has had to deal with very little adversity or rejection on the soccer field. It can (and many times does) create monsters. (I am not commenting directly on these AU home grown kids but making a general statement.) And so, at the age of 18 or so when adversity comes their way, it is not handled very well. So, for the parent sad about their kid may be cut by AU--CONGRATULATIONS! He just got the break of a life time. Tell your son embrace this opportunity! Tell him to get mad, work harder, play harder and also have some humility as he now he knows what it is like to be rejected. He will end up way ahead in the game of life--and maybe soccer too! Good luck. I agree with what you are saying. Most players at AU and across all clubs/ sports deal with some sort of adversity. This is why we encourage our children to play sports or some kind of team (debate team etc) It teaches them real life lessons that they can grow from and hopefully make them a better/ stronger person in the long run. I have to agree/ disagree with your point regarding the can't misses facing very little adversity or rejection. Yes, some have had very little most have had a lot. I understand your messaging/ point and like I said I agree. Please don't think AU players don't face adversity. Once you are in, you are not guaranteed. You have to work hard and earn any playing time that you get. Most have this mindset. Everyday is a tryout. 5 days a week, 42 weeks a year. Some face more out of their control adversity such as height. Some overcome, some do not. Is not an easy road to make it to a club like AU and its for sure not any easier on keeping a spot at AU. The life lessons learned and the experience alone most will never have. Cherish the path. Learn from it. Grow from it. |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Jan 22, 2020 18:46:11 GMT -5
Shoot for the moon, but its okay to settle for a nice mountain top.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Jan 24, 2020 11:39:13 GMT -5
Haven't seen anything finalizing Carleton's deal yet and indy eleven's web page mentions nothing either - www.indyeleven.com/news_article/show/1078863Anyone know where Goslin & Patrick Okonkwo landed? EDIT: looks like the loan just finalized: www.atlutd.com/post/2020/01/24/atlanta-united-loans-andrew-carleton-indy-eleven?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=Atlanta United announced today it has loaned midfielder Andrew Carleton to Indy Eleven for the 2020 USL Championship season. “We believe it is time for Andrew to challenge himself in a new environment,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “We remain optimistic about his future and are looking forward to seeing what he will accomplish with Indy.” Carleton, 19, was Atlanta United’s first Homegrown signing and has made 11 MLS appearances across three seasons. Over the past two seasons, Carleton has made 29 appearances with ATL UTD 2 in USL Championship play where he totaled seven goals and four assists. Transaction: Atlanta United loans Andrew Carleton to Indy Eleven for the duration of the 2020 USL season on Jan. 24, 2020. |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 9, 2020 10:33:36 GMT -5
Bello took a horrible knock to the head last night, and has been cleared from the hospital.
It looked very bad so very good news.
If I asked this on twitter I’d get destroyed -
Is he being rushed? Yes - the injuries are a bit unlucky, but last night looked like a man playing against a child. It’s too late now - but Just let him get some games back in against kids age. Maybe just USL again. Kid needs to play.
The 19s are only playing basically MLS teams, if he can’t get competition in those games than our system is even more broke. He’s not a transcendent talent. He’s a great player yes, but he’s a left back that doesn’t defend but is asked to get forward in the attack.
Some trying to rush it. I was listening to something the other day on ESPN radio and they were talking about a team of people helping their young professionals transition. I forgot the sport - but they 100% understood that these kids are young.
Jordan lebron Kobe all needed a few years. Lebron was dominant earlier because he’s a freaking specimen.
Again - patience. We have none.....
Side note - carelton scored last night for Indy 11!!!!!
I really want him to be successful - kid can ball, just give him a chance.
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Post by rifle on Feb 9, 2020 11:19:11 GMT -5
How many of these guys were a (more) physically mature player in the early teens who got hyped because they dominated against little kids?
Why is it so rare for a (domestic) player to transition to the field in MLS the way Gio Reyna is doing in the Bundesliga?
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Post by guerillaman on Feb 9, 2020 18:15:49 GMT -5
Bello was faster for sure and dominant . There were questions about Patrick’s true age.
Carleton and Goslin were just always better and gifted. Unstoppable in training sessions
Can’t speak much for kunga.
But if building is forgetting local talent and highlighting a kid from out of state - then excellent work (said jokingly) There are some 03s and 02s in this city that can play
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Post by Soccerhouse on Aug 18, 2020 8:10:18 GMT -5
Atlanta united homegrowns
1. Bello - AU
2. Carleton - loaned to Indy Eleven
3. Goslin - unknown
4. Patrick Okonkwo - unknown (might be in India, covid might have messed things up)
5. Lagos Kunga - loaned to Phoenix Rising
6. George Campbell - AU2?? haven't seen him on rosters, has anyone?
7. Tyler Wolf - AU2 so far with some minutes
8. Efrain Morales - TBD, AU2 for now it looks like
FYI - Carleton is balling right now for Indy
There were times when people really liked Goslin, said his upside might be higher than Carleton. Well looks like he has fizzled quickly. Not sure if he is hurt or what, but looks like it's going to be hard pressed for him to get back in the mix on a legit roster. Him and Patrick Okonkwo should have gone to college in my opinion. Okonkwo was an opportunist goal scorer, and folks questions is age often. Heard back in the day he had offers from UVA.
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Post by soccernotfootball on Aug 18, 2020 11:20:25 GMT -5
Atlanta united homegrowns 1. Bello - AU2. Carleton - loaned to Indy Eleven 3. Goslin - unknown 4. Patrick Okonkwo - unknown (might be in India, covid might have messed things up) 5. Lagos Kunga - loaned to Phoenix Rising 6. George Campbell - AU2?? haven't seen him on rosters, has anyone?7. Tyler Wolf - AU2 so far with some minutes
8. Efrain Morales - TBD, AU2 for now it looks likeFYI - Carleton is balling right now for Indy There were times when people really liked Goslin, said his upside might be higher than Carleton. Well looks like he has fizzled quickly. Not sure if he is hurt or what, but looks like it's going to be hard pressed for him to get back in the mix on a legit roster. Him and Patrick Okonkwo should have gone to college in my opinion. Okonkwo was an opportunist goal scorer, and folks questions is age often. Heard back in the day he had offers from UVA. TransferMarkt has Goslin listed as "without club" and Okonkwo as "unknown". And agreed w/ Carleton at the moment... seems a change of scenery was good for him. |
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Post by socceristhebest on Aug 23, 2020 17:50:51 GMT -5
What’s up with wolf? Rostered only in Orlando and I don’t think he’s been on any recent Atl 2 rosters either.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Sept 10, 2020 14:20:12 GMT -5
update on Patrick Okonkwo
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Nov 6, 2020 9:14:20 GMT -5
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Nov 11, 2020 21:47:23 GMT -5
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Post by Soccerhouse on Nov 24, 2020 11:04:14 GMT -5
Original 5 homegrowns.
Carleton - contract declined
Goslin - MIA
Bello - first team
Patrick Okonkwo - Chattanooga USL League 1
Lagos Kunga - contract declined
Goslin was a career youth national team player and can't even sniff a MLS roster.
Just goes to show ya -- keep grinding!
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Post by Soccerhouse on Dec 3, 2020 9:31:58 GMT -5
another homegrown - hum if Martinez is healthy, not sure he will ever see the field.
is he immediately loaned back to the 2s?
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Post by bogan on Dec 3, 2020 9:36:46 GMT -5
another homegrown - hum if Martinez is healthy, not sure he will ever see the field. is he immediately loaned back to the 2s? That was my first thought-either loaned back or enters games in stoppage time. |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Dec 3, 2020 9:42:40 GMT -5
That is the worst thing for a young player -- young players need to play.
Bello right now is the unicorn, i'm not buying into the homegrown program. I'm very concerned these kids are being sold on dreams that aren't reality with this club.
I'll say it until something changes, you can't tell me the USL is any better than college for young players. Besides a few teams, the quality of the USL is bad. Hell the quality of the MLS is bad......yea I said it.
It will be very interesting what happens with the first college graduating class of AU players, i'd take those kids over these 15-18 year olds any day.
I'll shut up before I say to much....
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Post by bogan on Dec 3, 2020 9:46:49 GMT -5
That is the worst thing for a young player -- young players need to play. Bello right now is the unicorn, i'm not buying into the homegrown program. I'm very concerned these kids are being sold on dreams that aren't reality with this club. I'll say it until something changes, you can't tell me the USL is any better than college for young players. Besides a few teams, the quality of the USL is bad. Hell the quality of the MLS is bad......yea I said it. It will be very interesting what happens with the first college graduating class of AU players, i'd take those kids over these 15-18 year olds any day. I'll shut up before I say to much.... Kids-go to college and play in USL2 after the seasons over unless your last name is Bello. I do wish Jackson the best-hope he truly makes it. |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Dec 3, 2020 11:27:52 GMT -5
I won't tell kids not to chase their dreams, but I'm not sold on the dream of being a professional USL soccer player.
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Post by mistergrinch on Dec 3, 2020 12:36:22 GMT -5
I won't tell kids not to chase their dreams, but I'm not sold on the dream of being a professional USL soccer player. Agreed.
It's like a kid picking up a guitar and dreaming of being in a cover band playing corporate gigs.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Dec 3, 2020 13:16:15 GMT -5
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