Here is the second installment of the Draft Breakdown. This section will be split in two because there is more talent than usual in this draft. First I will focus on the players likely to sign with Generation Adidas and then top seniors. Many people are saying that this is one of the most stacked drafts in recent years. There are a few outstanding defenders in the mix, but there is a ton of quality midfielders and strikers available this year. We’ll kick things off with the Generation Adidas picture.

GENERATION ADIDAS

I waited a little while to write this because I wanted some of the smoke settle around Generation Adidas speculations. For those that are not familiar with the Generation Adidas (GA) program, here is a quick explanation:

Generation Adidas is a joint venture between MLS and US Soccer aimed at raising the level of young soccer talent in the US. The program, sponsored by adidas, encourages early entry (without college graduation) of American players into MLS. Until 2005, the program was sponsored by Nike and was called Project-40. Generation adidas players do not count against the MLS senior roster and usually earn a salary not much higher than the league minimum (although in several cases, most notably Freddy Adu, that is not the case). Entering into the program automatically classifies a player as professional and thus, disqualifies them from playing college soccer. As a result, Generation adidas players are also guaranteed scholarships to continue their college education should their professional career not pan out.

Every year a group of about 8-12 college and high school players sign with MLS through the GA program. Every GA class has a few players that come in and contribute immediatley, but most of the players are projects. The program has brought in some outstanding players (post 2005), such as: Brad Guzan, Jozy Altidore, Patrick Ianni, Marvell Wynne, Dax McCarty, Sacha Kljestan, Kei Kamara, Maurice Edu, and Chance Myers. For every Altidore that comes through the program there is a player that doesn’t make the cut. Players such as Nik Besagno, Willie Simms, and Jamie Watson might have been plucked too early. Players such as Alex Nimo, Anthony Wallace, Brek Shea, and Chris Seitz were brought in to be developed. They hope to have the success of players like Altidore, who was brought in as a project as well. Although with the elimination of the reserve league and the shrinking of rosters, I see less project type players being brought in.

Every year the GA class seems to be getting stronger and stronger, and this year doesn’t look to be the exception. The official GA list will come out closer to the date of the combine, but here are a few of the names that look to make the list.

SIGNED:

Kevin Alston, Defender, Indiana Junior: Alston was a member of the 2005 World Cup U17 national team that made it to the quarter finals. He sustained a terrible broken leg off a horror tackle by a Dutch player. He eventually recovered from the injury has been having success at Indiana. He was considered a top prospect a few years ago and he finally seems to be back on track. His name is being thrown around as one of the top MLS targets and I wouldn’t be surprised if he went in the first round.

Peri Marosevic, Forward, Michigan Junior: Peri is an exciting player with strong pro ambitions. He has plenty of experience with youth national teams and training stints with teams abroad. He could easily be a first round pick, but with so many top prospects this year he could slip into the second round.

Stefan Frei, GK, California Junior: The Swiss born goalie is considered the best in the college game. He led the Cal Bears to second place finish in the Pac-10 just behind UCLA. They earned the 9^th seed in the tournament and made it to the third round before falling to eventual champions Maryland. His Swiss passport might open up doors for him in Europe, but he is definitely a top prospect.

Steve Zakuani, Forward, Akron Sophomore: Zakuani led the nation in scoring this year with 20 goals. The young standout was born in Zaire and raised in London. He was with the Arsenal youth system up to the age of 15 and his older brother Gabe signed with Fulham in 2006. Zakuani was a complete unknown until a scout spotted him on the tape of another English player they hoped to recruit. According to Coach Porter, Zakuani was always capable of creating chances but let too many get away in his freshman year. This year was much different and his goal scoring prowess has earned him a spot as a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist.

Baggio Husidic M UIC Jr : The Yugoslavian midfielder is probably the best pure playmaker on the list. He is 6’1 with great speed and should make an immediate impact on any team that drafts him. There are a host of teams that could use his services, including Chivas USA, Colorado, and Real Salt Lake. He might be the Sacha Kljestan of this draft.

VERY LIKELY TO SIGN:

Jeremy Hall, Midfielder, Maryland Junior: Hall is going to go in the first round this year. The guy has everything: pace, power, skill, and a nose for the goal. He scored 14 goals and had 7 assists this season, brining his career total to 36 goals and 14 assists. The former US residency player brings many intangibles but has a habit of drifting in and out of games. He will be an impact players sooner rather than later.

Rodney Wallace, Defender Maryland Sophomore: Wallace is one of the top defenders in the college game. He scored 3 goals and had 3 assists this season (10 goals, 4 assists career) in Maryland’s championship winning season. He is a speedy left back and should be drafted early.

Omar Gonzalez, Defender, Maryland Junior: Omar Gonzalez began his soccer career as a forward, but once he got to Maryland the coaches dropped him to center back. His 6-5, 205 lbs frame made him an ideal center back. There was definitely a learning curve for Gonzalez but he eventually learned the position and is considered one of the best defenders in the college game. He has been training with FC Dallas during the offseason for the past couple of years and has international experience with several youth national teams. He might not be ready for MLS right away, but he has very little left to learn from the college game. Gonzalez has rejected offers from Mexican clubs. It is likely he won’t be with Maryland come spring time.

Michael Stephens, Midfielder, UCLA Junior: The classy midfielder had a stellar season in 2008. His 7 goals and 9 assists won him the Pac 10 Player of the Year Award. Stephens has represented the US at every level of youth soccer from U15-U20. UCLA is pro soccer factory these days. I the last five years it has produced MLS players such as Chance Myers and Marvell Wynne (both #1 picks), Patrick Ianni, Tony Beltran, Chad Barrett, and Jonathan Bornstein (2006 Rookie of the Year), not to mention Sal Zizzo and Benny Feilhaber, both left school early to play in Europe. If these players are any indication of what a UCLA player will become in MLS, then Stephens should be a high draft pick.

STILL THINKING IT OVER:

Daniel Cruz, Forward, UNLV Sophomore: Cruz is an interesting player. He didn’t start playing soccer until he was a freshman in high school. He shattered the Arizona goal scoring record with 70 goals in his career. He also lettered in football and was a first team all-region running back his freshman year. A few years later he makes the U-17 national team and is now in the player pool for the U-20’s. The kid is an athlete, but the pro game might be too big of a jump for him. Coaches have been talking about him though, so he might be ready.

Cody Arnoux, Forward, Wake Forest Junior: Arnoux scored 15 goals and had 8 assists this season. MLS coaches like this type of player. He is fast, can score goals, excellent dribbler, tremendous work rate, and is willing to play on the flanks. Additionally, he has youth national team experience with the U15’s and U18’s. There are plenty of teams in MLS in need of a guy like Arnoux.

Matt Kassel, Midfield, Maryland Freshman: The NYRB product is considering going pro after only one year in college. He won the championship in his first year, so there is little else to accomplish. Kassel played for the NYRB developmental academy team before going to Maryland. NYRB will get first dibs on him since he is considered a homegrown talent. He is a tough center midfielder, great passer, and all around smart player. He started 19 of 23 games he played for Maryland and was tied for first in assists with 7.

TOP PROSPECTS STAYING IN SCHOOL:

Ike Opara, Defender, Wake Forest Sophomore: Likely to go number one or two in this years draft. He is the best defender in the college game. He is big, fast, and dominant in the air. He is currently a member of the U20 national team. He hasn’t made an official announcement about staying in school but there are signs pointing towards him not going pro.

Andre Akpan, Forward, Harvard Junior: Akpan’s name on the possible GA list is more of a formality than anything else. The kid could go pro and do well if he chose to but he wants to take full advantage of his educational opportunities. I’m sure his family is pressuring him to stay in school as well, and I don’t blame them. One more year and he has a degree from Harvard, and can enter the draft as a graduated senior. Akpan has scored 35 goals and provided 27 assists in his 3 years at Harvard. His explosive pace and nose for the goal has made him a highly coveted player by MLS scouts.

U17′S IN THE MIX:

Every year there is a crop of U17′s that look likely to make the jump, (Freddy Adu, Altidore, Alex Nimo, etc.) With the elimination of the reserve league, I think teams will be more reluctant to pick up such young players. This might benefit the college game or force young players to seek opportunities outside the US. Either way, here is a list of the kids in the mix.

Charles Renken: Renken is one of the youngest members of this cycles U17 group. He is a skillful and athletic midfielder. He has gained the attention of many European clubs and is more highly regarded than Adu. He has recently returned from a serious injury, which might make him reluctant to try the pro game right way.

Carlos Martinez: Martinez was kicked off the U17 team a few months ago for disciplinary issues. The talented playmaker was one of the best players on the squad. He joined the LA Galaxy shortly after and was looking to sign onto a pro team. The Galaxy were definitely interested as were several Mexican and European teams. He recently rejoined the U17′s so that might change his mind about going pro.

Gale Agbossoumonde, Defender, US U17: Gale came to US in 2000 with his mother, five brothers, and one sister. They were refugees from Benin and settled in up state New York. Long story short, the kid could ball and was in the residency program in no time. The US coaches are very excited about Gale, he stands 6-2, 185 lbs, and is only 17.

The year is quickly coming to a close and I think it is a good time to reflect on what has happened this past year in soccer. So much happened this year that it was tough to choose the top 10 moments, but i did my best and came up with these moments. It is highly dominated by US moments but its my list so that is to be expected.

10. Fulham’s end of the season heroics to avoid relegation

Fulh-America and its 5 American players looked destined for relegation. They pulled it together at the end and needed a final match day victory against Portsmouth to avoid playing in the Coca Cola Championship this season. The Cottagers pulled off a 1-0 victory and escaped relegation. This was a big day for Yanks Abroad because most feared that our largest grouping of players would soon be playing second division soccer. American fans breathed a sigh of relief . . . at least for a little while. Eventually, Bocanegra moved to Rennes, McBride moved to Chicago Fire, Eddie Johnson was loaned to Cardiff City, Keller signed with Seattle Sounders FC, and Clint Dempsey was relegated to the bench. It might have been all for nothing, but at least for one day we watched our boys beat the odds.

9. Tiffany May

TIffany May decided to get hammered, strip down to her underwear, tie an American flag to her head, and streak across the field in the US’s Olympic qualifier against Honduras. Tiffany May is memorable for many reasons involving this incident, but this event is close to my heart because of what it brought to the game. For a couple of weeks in the month of May she was more popular than David Beckham. She sparked a media frenzy that had little to do with the game, and more to do with her . . . Anyways, lets just say that this was the type of publicity the game needed. It was fun, light hearted, and something that everyone could enjoy . . . soccer fan or not.

8. US U20 Women’s win World Cup

This tournament probably came and went for most of you without even registering. While our men struggle to gain the respect of the soccer world, our women’s programs are bringing home silverware. Unlike the full Women’s National Team, the U20′s had not won a major tournament in six years. The U20′s didn’t win their region and came into the tournament with their top goal scorer, Enyeart, not at 100% after a concussion. Coach DiCicco knows what it takes to be a champion and his group of talented young ladies took the tournament by storm. With Enyeart not in top form, Sydney Leroux go the start. Leroux ended up winning the golden boot and golden ball at the tournament. Their final game was against the Republic of North Korea, who had beaten our women’s U17 team a month earlier in the inaugural U17 Women’s World Cup. RNK was looking to sweep the Americans this year, but our ladies came through with a 2-1 win. The best part of the tournament was the Chilean announcers and media. They praised our women’s fighting spirit, skill, and conviction. They were called role models to all women, not only soccer players. They represented us well in this tournament and it was a proud day to be an American.

7. Jose Francisco Torres chooses the US

Last year we lost Edgar Castillo to Mexico, early this year we lost GIuseppe Rossi to Italy, and just a few days ago we lost Neven Subotic to Serbia. It is easy to dwell on those that got away, but I’m more focused on the ones we still have . . . Freddy Adu, Michael Orozco, Stuart Holden, and, of course, Jose Francisco Torres. Torres was an unknown player who left his high school early to pursue a career in Mexico. The Texas born midfielder found his way to Pachuca and the rest is history. After earning significant minutes with the Mexican powerhouse he began to get looks from the US and Mexican national team. On October 11th the US had won the battle for Torres’ services. A few days later he made his first start for the red, white, and blue. His vision and passing ability made everyone forget about Benny Feilhaber and Claudio Reyna. If he continues to get minutes with Pachuca he will be in the mix for one of the final 23 spots for the World Cup in 2010.

6. Adu’s performance in the Olympics

The U23′s Olympic adventure, for the most part, is best forgotten. An ugly 1-0 win against Japan, a 2-1 comeback lead slipped away against the Netherlands, and Michael Orozco gets a red card in their final game against Nigeria. The one thing we can take away from the tournament is Freddy Adu. His magic against the Netherlands made people believe that Adu had arrived. On a night when Babel, Drenthe, and De Guzman were on the field, Adu was the best player. His penetrating runs and crafty passing were too much for the Dutch squad and for a moment it looked like the US was about to upset one of the favorites. Their Olympic dreams slipped away at the death of the match, but today all I remember is what Adu did that night.

5. Michael Bradley’s goal scoring exploits

Although his success began in 2007, his story really hit its peak in 2008. It was a good year to be Michael Bradley. He ended the Eredivisie season at Heerenveen with 15 goals domestically and 2 goals in Europe. He broke the record for most goals scored by an American in a European league. The previous record was held by Brian McBride who scored 13 goals for Fulham. Bradley’s success in the Netherlands did not go unnoticed as a host of European sides were bidding for his services. He eventually made his move to Borussia Monchengladbach. He debuted against Hertha Berlin in mid September, and scored his first goal on November 15th to equalize against Bayern Munich.

4. Spain wins Euro 2008

It wasn’t so much that they won the tournament, but how they won it. They played with so much style and grace that it was hard to believe that we were really watching a Spanish team play. They play similar to a South American side, but with a little bit more bite. They were fun to watch play all tournament, and rarely disappointed. Spanish midfielder Xavi was named the best player of Euro 2008, but in my opinion that award belonged to Marcos Senna. He was Spain’s holding midfielder and provided the tempo and organization that allowed Spain to win. He did the work so Xavi and Iniesta and the rest of the creative players could work their magic.

3. Donovan’s 2 milestones

I’ve always been a big fan of Donovan, so it was nice to see him hit two major milestones this year. He earned his 100th cap against Argentina in June, and scored his 37th international goal against Cuba in October. Love him or hate him, he is one of the best players the US has ever produced. Now with his loan deal to Bayern Munich he has a whole new set of challenges ahead of him for the new year. I hope 2009 is filled with more broken records both internationally and with his club team.

2. Jozy Altidore goes to Villarreal

He’s a big kid, with big time skill, even bigger potential, and an even bigger price tag. Altidore was sold to the Spanish side for $10 million, more than double what Fulham paid for Clint Dempsey. Altidore made his debut in September and showed that he could handle the style of play in the Spanish league. His pace and power were too much for Deportivo La Coruna’s defense when he entered in the second half. He scored his first goal at the beginning of November after only being on the pitch for few seconds. He earned his first start on November 30th against Recreative Huelva. Things are going well for the young American.

1. USA ties Argentina 0-0

This is my favorite soccer moment of the year. I think a big part of it was because I was at the stadium and got to watch it live. June 8th was a hot and humid night. The stadium was packed, primarily with Argentinians. From the moment we got there the singing was non stop from both sides. The US fans were greatly outnumbered but they made their voices heard. The first half started and it was all Argentina, with Lionel Messi drawing all the oohs and aahs from the crowd. The US came out with conviction. They were ready to fight against the #1 team in world, and fight they did. Twenty minutes from the end of the game the rain started to pour down and rejuvenated the players and the fans. The rain was mercy from the soccer gods, bringing the game back to life and getting the fans back on their feet. Everyone started to take off their clothes and bask in the rain, chanting . . . USA!!! USA!!! USA!!! The game ended in a 0-0 tie. On that night the US had 80,000 people in the stands, singing from whistle to whistle, and tied the #1 team in the world. It was an amazing night.

Other memorable moments: Man United win the League and Champions League,US women win Olympic Gold, Zenit wins UEFA Cup,Oliver Kahn retires,Kenny Cooper’s season, Columbus Crew win supporters shield and MLS Cup, Inter Milan 3-peat, Real Salt Lake makes the playoffs, the return of the San Jose Earthquakes, Brian McBride returns to MLS.

What do you guys think of the list? What were your top moments of the year?