Can the Youngsters Give the U.S. Attack a Boost?

In July, the United States Men's National Team entered Copa America with high hopes. Despite a number of the European-based players returning for the upcoming club season, Bob Bradley called up a number of Major League Soccer's youngest and finest: Eddie Johnson, Eddie Gaven, Justin Mapp, and Bobby Boswell, just to name a few. However this domestically-based national team was outscored eight goals to two in three matches with the only goals coming from Eddie Johnson and Ricardo Clark.

What was true during the World Cup proved true again. The American attack is notoriously impotent, especially in the absence of proven striker, Brian McBride. However during the Copa, a ray of hope emerged in Canada as the U.S. U-20 national team outscored their opponents 9-3 in the group phase of the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

The performance of American youth players has not only caught the eye of Bob Bradley, but in recent years has also drawn significant attention from smaller European clubs looking to bolster their rosters. Sal Zizzo learned this lesson after the U-20 Cup when he signed with German side, Hannover 96.

Charlie Davies (Hammarby-Sweden) and Kamani Hill (Wolfsburg-Germany) signed with their clubs during the second half of last season. Neither has seen too many matches for their respective clubs, but hopes remain high for these youngsters. Hill has earned nine Bundesliga appearances but has yet to score; while Davies has scored twice in seven appearances for Hammarby.

Zizzo, who has yet to make his debut for Hannover, will make his first appearance for the U.S. Men's National Team. He'll join a rather inexperienced forward line; combined Davies and Hill only have three appearances with the senior team.

The rest of the new U.S. roster is largely made up of European-based players, who thus far have a better track record for the U.S. In June, when the national team was predominantly composed of such players, the U.S. won the regional championship in fine form with little struggle or opposition. This may well be the best 19-man roster the American side can put together.