Sunday, March 27, 2011

Agudelo Compensates for USA's Messi Play



Will Agudelo be USA's next star?


ESPN- EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- At the final whistle, Juan Agudelo walked over to Lionel Messi.




Juan Agudelo
Don Emmert/Getty ImagesJuan Agudelo (9) of the USA is marked by Argentina's Javier Mascherano (14) during a friendly match at New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.


"I was like, `Yeah, I'm good friends withThierry Henry,'" the 18-year-old American forward said. "I just wanted to introduce myself: Juan Agudelo."


Agudelo's 59th-minute goal gave the United States a surprising 1-1 tie against Argentina in a high-profile exhibition game on Saturday night before 78,936 at the New Meadowlands Stadium.


As much as the goal, making an impression on the planet's best player left Agudelo beaming.


"Just for him to recognize me, now that I scored against him," said the teenager, who only made the New York Red Bulls' first-team roster late last season.



Talk about confidence. This kid has it all. Watch the video and listen to his composure when talking on national television. He's unfazed. Back in the fall, he comes into the game with 7 minutes left with the USA and South Africa tied 0-0 and calmly puts away a goal poking it over the keepers head. Comes in against Chile at the 60 minute mark with his good pal Teal Bunbury. The two play a slick give and go down the middle of the field and Agudelo gets hacked in the box, setting up a PK for Bunbury. Bunbury buries it and the two proceed to dougie in front of the world.


Sure enough, last night comes and the USA is taking on perennial powerhouse Argentina. Lionel Messi was in the starting lineup and was just toying with our defenders. Half time comes and Big Bad Bob Bradley decides to sub in Agudelo and pair him up with Jozy. Great move all around. Agudelo brings energy to the front line and is capable of stringing passes together. Jozy is most effective as a holding forward with someone working off of him, which is what Agudelo was doing. Fast forward to the 79th minute and Agudelo, like always is in the right place, at the right time, and exudes confidence as he buries the off balance goal around the keeper. Tremendous finish. What's more amazing is this kid's quiet confidence. Who, as an 18 year old, walks up to the best player in the world and introduces himself? Who keeps their composure on national TV and remains modest enough to thank his parents and god? What's great is that he's grateful for the opportunity and not like many other young stars who feel like it's owed to them. This is what the United States has been lacking. Someone composed in front of the net.



Ps. Did anyone see his celebration? He must have been out here scouting 3 for a while and decided to copy his signature celebration



Posted by Roccodinho

3 comments:

  1. P.P.S.
    Have you ever taken a single English course in your life? You can't write for shit.

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  2. ok, who the hell is aint no b? probably the gayest tag ive ever seen...and why are you hating on my boy roccodhino here? What, are you the kind of kid who goes through blogs and just rips on whatever they write? Shit, it's a blog the english doesnt have to be flawless. Grow up fucker

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  3. Yeah, anonymous is right, kid's a total fuck stick. I mean he comes here, reads this shitty blog and then has the nerve to tell people it's shitty. Like this kid should be crucified or something...

    ReplyDelete