Archive for category Kyle Beckerman

RSL Players in the Blogosphere

Three Real Salt Lake players have joined the blogosphere in recent months.  The first was Nick Rimando a few months ago.  Kyle Beckerman joined the ranks earlier this month.  And now Chris Wingert has started his own blog.  Welcome to the club, boys!  I look forward to their insight.

Chris Wingert’s Blog
This one is the newest, and it’s a little too early to see where Wingert’s going to go with this one. He has given us some good insight today with his thoughts on Collen Warner:

“i was really impressed with collen warner (one of our rookies)- he looked very dangerous, and he is playing with more confidence every day. i have a feeling he will play a significant role for us this year in midfield.”

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VIDEO: Bradenton Days 2006

Must see video of Beckerman, Donovan, Beasley, et al, during their Bradenton days talking about the 2010 World Cup.

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Findley/Beckerman start in USMNT debacle

Real Salt Lake teammates Robbie Findley and Kyle Beckerman were both given the nod in tonight’s friendly match between the US and Honduras in Carson, California.  The pair had decent, but not spectacular performances, while the team as a whole had a miserable outing against their CONCACAF nemesis.

Findley did little in the first half, but helped to create some dangerous moments late in the match including drawing a free kick from just outside of the penalty area, and providing a perfect opportunity to Conor Casey via a headed pass.  Unfortunately Casey’s shot went wide to the right.  The team really failed to use the speed of both Findley and Jeff Cunningham who started up top alongside each other.  Both were playing well back toward the midfield line, with a number of defenders behind them.

Beckerman on the other hand played fairly well throughout.  It took him a few minutes to get his rhythm, but he soon began to spread the ball around the field, and had good composure on the ball.  Prior to being yanked midway through the second half, Beckerman also managed a shot from 25 yards out.  He had plenty of space, but didn’t strike well and it didn’t have the pace to challenge the keeper.

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Findley, Beckerman, Rimando to US Nat Camp

Findley and Beckerman were expected, but the Rimando invite caught me a little off guard (although much deserved in my opinion).  Here is the presser:

BRADLEY CALLS 30 PLAYERS TO BEGIN TRAINING CAMP ON JAN. 4 AT THE HOME DEPOT CENTER IN CARSON, CALIF.

First Training Camp in 2010 Marks Beginning of 2010 FIFA World Cup Preparations; Camp to Culminate in Match against Honduras on Jan. 23 Live on FSC and Galavision

CHICAGO (Dec. 22, 2009) — U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Bob Bradley has named 30 players to the training camp roster that will begin gathering Jan. 4 at U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The group will prepare for the USA’s first match of 2010, a friendly against fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Honduras on Jan. 23 at The Home Depot Center. The match will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and Galavision beginning at 6 p.m. PT. Fans can also follow the game live via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

“This is the start of six months of preparations for the World Cup, and it is important that we get started off heading in the right direction,” said Bradley, who led the U.S. to first place in CONCACAF qualifying. “We have had the chance to work with many of these players through their time with the national team, while others performed well for their clubs throughout last season and have earned this opportunity. We are continuing to evaluate the player pool as we move towards finalizing our roster for this summer.”

The annual camp held in January for players in their offseason is a largely domestic-based group that includes 25 players who ply their trade in the United States. Major League Soccer is well represented, with 13 of 16 clubs contributing players to the Carson camp. The roster boasts several year-end award winners, including MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (Zach Thornton), Visa Defender of the Year (Chad Marshall), Budweiser Golden Boot Winner (Jeff Cunningham) and Gatorade Rookie of the Year (Omar Gonzalez). Chivas USA supply a team-leading four players to the roster, led by defender Jonathan Bornstein, whose game-tying goal in the closing moments of the USA’s 2-2 draw against Costa Rica secured the top spot in final round qualifying while guaranteeing Honduras’ place in the World Cup. MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake send three players, along with Columbus Crew and FC Dallas.

A total of 15 players headed to Carson earned at least one cap in 2009 with the full team. Nine players – Kyle Beckerman, Jimmy Conrad, Brad Evans, Benny Feilhaber, Clarence Goodson, Marshall, Heath Pearce, Troy Perkins and Robbie Rogers – were part of the squad that reached the finals of the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Beckerman, Goodson and Rogers all netted their first international goals in that tournament, with Goodson depositing the game-winner in the semifinal against Honduras. Meantime, MLS Best XI striker Conor Casey potted his first two goals for the full team in fine fashion, pulling the U.S. level on Oct. 10 in Honduras before Landon Donovan’s game-winner secured the team’s ticket to South Africa. Cunningham’s first goal in 12 tries for the full team also marked the last of 43 goals scored by the U.S. in 2009, the FC Dallas attacker tallying the lone strike in the 3-1 loss on Nov. 18 to Denmark.

Feilhaber is the leading capwinner with 30 appearances, the midfielder having started in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup final against Brazil. Pearce stands second in line with 28 caps, including nine starts in the successful World Cup qualifying campaign. At the other end of the experience spectrum, there are 23 players on the roster with 10 caps or less, and nine will be in search of their first-ever appearance with the full team.

There are five Scandinavian-based players joining the group in Carson. In addition to Feilhaber and Goodson, Valerenga goalkeeper Troy Perkins returns to the fold having earned his first six caps during the USA’s run to the 2009 Gold Cup final. Aalborg striker Marcus Tracy and Örebro SK midfielder Alejandro Bedoya will make their first appearances in a camp with the full team.

Following the Honduras match, the United States will play third-ranked Netherlands on March 3 in Amsterdam, allowing the U.S. to face one of the top teams in the world prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Kickoff at the Amsterdam ArenA is set for 8:30 p.m. local time (2:30 p.m. ET), and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Galavision. Fans can also follow along on ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

The U.S. Men’s National Team has been drawn into Group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The U.S. will open its sixth consecutive World Cup finals tournament against England on June 12 in Rustenburg, and will follow that game with matches against Slovenia on June 18 in Johannesburg and Algeria on June 23 in Tshwane/Pretoria.

ROSTER BY POSITION – Detailed Roster

GOALKEEPERS (4): Kevin Hartman (Kansas City), Troy Perkins (Valerenga), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake), Zach Thornton (Chivas USA)

DEFENDERS (8): Kevin Alston (New England Revolution), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Omar Gonzalez (Los Angeles Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)

MIDFIELDERS (12): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Örebro), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jeff Larentowicz (New England Revolution), Dax McCarty (FC Dallas), Chris Pontius (D.C. United), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

FORWARDS (6): Justin Braun (Chivas USA), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Jeff Cunningham (FC Dallas), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Brandon McDonald (San Jose Earthquakes), Marcus Tracy (Aalborg)

RSL related news

Three RSL players go under the knife. Did they have a Tuesday 3-for-1 discount at Salt Lake Regional?

“That’s what RSL is facing today, as three of its starters are expected to have knee surgery at the Salt Lake Regional Medical Center. Midfielder Javier Morales, defender Jamison Olave and forward Fabian Espindola all are scheduled for repairs on their injuries — though a team spokesman said all are expected to be ready for the start of next season.” SL Trib Blog/Michael C. Lewis

RSL working on contract renewals for 2 of their top players.

“Two of the best players on the team, Findley and Beckerman are entering the final year of their contracts, and will be able to negotiate with other teams starting in June if they do not sign extensions or new deals. That’s what forward Yura Movsisyan did last season, ultimately leaving to join Randers FC in Denmark.” Salt Lake Tribune/Michael C. Lewis

RSL assistant coach in demand.

“Add RSL assistant Robin Fraser and at least two Europeans to long list of #DCU coaching candidates” Soccer Insider (Steven Goff) Twitter

Beck’s –v- Beck’s

Hey Galaxy, our Beck’s……

Beckerman

  • The Hair

  • The Skills

  • Reggae Music

  • Captain

  • $160,000

…..is better than your Beck’s

Seattle Sounders FC v Los Angeles Galaxy Xe1lJ0ieJD9l

  • The Hair

  • The Skills

  • Tell-all book

  • Ex-Captain

  • $6,500,000

Two stars: one a very understated player among the top American-born players currently playing in Major League Soccer, the other a star of a much different magnitude that has reached the heights of play at the highest level.

Two talents: one a guy with a motor that doesn’t quite, the other a player that can bend a ball like no other.

Two personalities: one completely at home in the limelight of Hollywood, the other more at home playing a guitar or chillin’ with his teammates.

Two midfielders: one a roaming right mid reluctant to play both sides, the other a defensive midfielder with the range to get forward.

Two hearts: one dedicated and committed, the other here one day, gone the next.

Javi & Kyle Show: Pardon the Tackle Episode 1

Too funny! Featuring Nate Jacqua, David Beckham, Jamison “Street Fighter” Olave, Yura Movsisyan and of course, Javi and Kyle. Enjoy…

Real Salt Lake Downs Hosts Charleston Battery 2-1

Real Salt Lake managed to eke out a victory against the host team, Charleston Battery in each teams second match in the Carolina Challenge Cup tourney. The play by the RSL side composed mostly of reserves in the first half was rugged, and the USL-side at times looked the more polished of the two sides despite only having practiced for a couple of weeks together.

Clint Mathis seemed to hold his own, and managed the first goal off of a free kick that glanced off of the wall and snuck past the keeper.

Trialist Joe Zewe, who has played at Viborg alongside Robbie Russell, and nearly joined Ian Joy at St. Pauli, looked very dangerous and created several opportunities for himself but could not connect.

The Battery then pulled the game level in the 2nd half as standout Ian Fuller blasted a perfect shot to the upper left side of the net as RSL keeper Chris Seitz had shaded heavily to the opposite side of the net.

The play throughout the first 70 minutes was choppy and relied heavily on long passing. However, in the 70th minute Coach Kreis made wholesale changes bringing in many first-teamers including Will Johnson, Yura Movsisyan, Kyle Beckerman, Chris Wingert, Jamison Olave, and Javier Morales. The results were immediate as the style changed to the tight passing, fluid, energetic tempo that we became accustomed to from the MLS side last season. It took just 7 minutes for a result to be posted on the scoreboard as team captain, Kyle Beckerman blasted what looked like a hopeful 35-yard volley into the net which proved to be the game winner.

A short time later, the RSL staff held their collective breath as last years breakout striker, Yura Movsisyan went down hard and awkwardly in the box on his left shoulder. He later re-entered the game and initial reports are nothing serious. Likewise for defender Ian Joy who left the match earlier with some tightening of the hamstring that troubled him last season.

Park City TV Interviews: Beckerman, Williams, Alexandre

Check out these interviews courtesy of Park City TV.

Other Media Day Tidbits

A few other tidbits from today:

Russell
Robbie is coming off of recent shoulder surgery (rotator cuff) that he had done here in Utah. He is not supposed to have contact for 4 weeks, but can participate in light practice. He isn’t sure what happened to cause the injury, but indicated that he did receive an elbow in the back during the NYRB game (if I recall he came off the pitch for this). When asked about his role this year, he indicated that he is hoping to play in the midfield this season.

Beckerman
The captain of the team indicated that this team should get out of the gate much more quickly this season. He also indicated that he is okay if the team asks him to play a holding role (although its too early to know if this will be the case), as long as the team is scoring. He said that if the team isn’t scoring he’s going to be up the field and in the mix of things. Good attitude if you ask me.

Bhembe
I think you’ll like this kid. He explained that he grew up in South Africa, and was playing soccer at the college level there, when he was discovered by Alabama A&M. He is confident about his ability, and claims that his age is a positive, because he won’t still be learning and developing like some of the younger ones. He has a bit of a Jar Jar Binks quality to him. You’ll see.

Cox
This kid has a good head on his shoulders. He describes himself as a left-sided player with quickness and good crossing and passing ability. He also likes to tuck in, which will suit him well in a Kreis coached midfield. He understands the need to step it up at this level.

Kreis
He has high expectations for this season. He is focused in making sure that the team improves “in all aspects” this season. He doesn’t feel that new additions are required to improve, but just being together and building consistency should help. In particular, he thinks they should be much more successful on the road, particularly early on. He doesn’t feel that the stadium will dictate tactics, but the quality of the players that they have going into the season (i.e. new additions) may dictate tactical changes.

Rimando
Is rooting for Arizona in the Superbowl. It seems Larry Fitzgerald was on his fantasy team. Also explained that his buddy Ben Olsen is still feeling pain, but is going to try to give it a go this season.

Johnson
Would welcome the opportunity to play on his natural right-side, but doesn’t mind playing on the left. Played with KOA (Osuwu-Ansah) with Canadian YNT. Indicated that he is a very talented player. He needs nurturing, and needs vets to show him the ropes. He’s very atheletic and with some coaching and mentoring can be a very good player in this league.

Seitz
Had much more down time this offseason than last. Is looking forward to hopefully getting some starts this season. Was disappointed that this didn’t happen last season.

Several Players
Several players made similar comments: Looking forward to having a preseason with this team. Hoping that the team can find a way to get developmental players some game action. Confident that the team will be able to take a step forward this year.

Not in Attendance
Olave, Viveros, Wingert and Owusu-Ansah were not present. Olave had some visa issues, but is expected to arrive soon. Viveros and Owusu-Ansah are also expected to arrive soon. Wingert of course is in camp with the National Team.