Not too long ago I heard an ESPN announcer lament off the cuff the lack of young U.S. goalkeepers in the developmental pipeline. In this conversation, the pipeline was MLS.
Young prospects in goal? Yep ... all over MLS in Round 18
He wasn’t speaking of far-away projects in the under-20 or under-17 ranks. He meant: he doesn’t see the next prospect with potential to be plucked away into Europe or to begin challenging for significant national team duty.
To which I said, “Huh?”
It was probably just a brain fart. Or maybe the voice in question just needed to see more nights like last night in MLS.
On the one hand three scoreless draws in six MLS matches will elicit another big round of groans. (I explained my theories on this in last week’s MLS review at SI.com.) So, in one word: Yuk.
On the other hand, goalkeepers walk off the field just a little less dissatisfied with 0-0 ties. After all, they’ve done their part. They certainly did in Round 18 (with one league contest upcoming tonight.)
Tally Hall didn’t get the shutout, but his night may have been the most impressive in goal considering such unusual circumstances; Houston was down to nine men by the time warm proceedings at Robertson Stadium were done. Hall, 26, is certainly worth monitoring. He’s been fantastic all year for Houston, saving Dynamo bacon more than once.
(For more on Hall and other young men of good glove, read on ... )
Yes, Hall will leave a mistake out there every now and then, like the one against Colorado in May that cost points. But Dominic Kinnear and Co. will trade out the occasional blunder for all the other steady work and highly athletic saves.
He went full stretch twice last night and was sure-handed on lots of other action near goal in the 1-1 tie against Kansas City. He was beaten only by a late deflection.
Up I-45 in Dallas, D.C. United’s Bill Hamid was quick off his line on a couple of sequences to snuff out danger in a 0-0 result against FC Dallas. Hamid, 20, appears to have lots of upside. And consider this: As plenty of goalkeepers aren’t at their best until their early 30s, it’s not a bit silly to wonder if he could be the U.S. starter at World Cup 2022? (Hope he likes hot weather.)
Chivas USA’s Dan Kennedy is 28, so he’s no youngster. On the other hand, we all know about goalkeepers and how their career arches don’t exactly track with field players. If Kennedy keeps developing – which is likely under highly respected manager Robin Fraser – he could evolve into a national team prospect before it’s over.
Chicago’s Sean Johnson was on top of things at Toyota Park, although he did concede a Jack Jewsbury penalty kick in a huge 1-0 win for Portland. Johnson, 22, has already been in a Bob Bradley camp, accepting an invitation last January. Since then he has lost, then won back, his starting spot following some early, splotchy performances. Still, he’s done enough to deserve continued observation.
Elsewhere last night, Columbus’ William Hesmer, San Jose’s Jon Busch and Dallas Kevin Hartman were big and bold, all posting shutouts. But that’s nothing new for these old gloves, who just keep getting it done. Busch was particularly outstanding in shutting down Columbus at Crew Stadium. Hesmer matched him with a couple of swell saves.
Picking the goalkeeper on this week’s Team of the Week (always the last item in my weekly, Monday MLS review at SI.com) is going to tricky.
Added note: When I wrote this, early Sunday a.m., there was just one game that I had yet to watch. That was Portland's win over Chicago, which I watched after the U.S. women's game today. So, for the record, the Timbers' Troy Perkins was a absolute badass against Chicago. I think HE will be my pick for SI.com's Team of the Week.
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