The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has selected midfielder Andrew Green of Valencia, Calif. and defender Abdul Razzaq Juma of Anaheim, Calif. from over 200 participants in the 2010 Galaxy Open Tryouts at The Home Depot Center. Over two days, the Open Tryout participants were evaluated in a series of 7v7 games in Round 1 before concluding with an 11 v 11 game against the Galaxy U-18's in Round 2.
By being selected, Green and Juma have been invited for a trial in May with the Galaxy’s U-20 team, which competes in USL Super-20 League.
After several days of evaluation and deliberation, the Galaxy Open Tryouts Assessors selected Green and Juma as the two top players from the Open Tryouts based on their technical, tactical and athletic abilities.
The Galaxy Open Tryouts Assessors were lead by a distinguished group of coaches and former players including Ralph Perez (Former Assistant Coach - U.S. National Team and LA Galaxy, Current Head Coach - University of Redlands), Rolando Uribe (Head Coach - California Institute of Technology, Head Coach U-14 U.S. National Team), Bill Swartz (Head Coach - Pomona-Pitzer College) and Paul Broome (Former Defender - LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas).
“On day one, we looked for players that caught our eye, in particular those demonstrating elite physical condition with the speed, power and agility to compete for a roster spot, and at the players’ tactical skill, positioning and touch on the ball," said Perez, an assistant coach with the 1990 U.S World Cup team. "We felt both Andrew and Abdul should have another chance to try and compete for a spot.”
Currently, Green is training with the Hollywood United Hitmen of the Premier Development League (PDL), while Juma recently played at Cypress Community College.
Here are a few facts about this year’s Open Tryouts…
• More than 200 players participated including wait listed players
• 9 players from outside of the United States participated
• Two Players from United Kingdom, France and Mexico and United Kingdom as well as Brazil, Japan and Taiwan
• Furthest distance traveled to attend – 5,680 miles (Japan)
• Players from out of California - 23
• State with the most players from outside of California - Nevada (four)
• Furthest distance traveled within U.S.A. – 2,285 miles (Key West, Florida)
Friday, March 12, 2010
Green and Juma Selected in 2010 LA Galaxy Open Tryouts
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6 comments:
its very funny how the say tryouts for the firts team and then they go to reserve team how about all those good player bether than thos two you coaches pick that played a real game I guess only ther money was good is hard to survive off the season so bether make son money........
Great news about the two trialists. So, I guess those individuals who come and battle it out, play strongly, and compete against so many others... eventually, do get to be selected into the LA Galaxy structure. I'm glad those two guys got picked to join our U-20s. Thanks for the update on this and the great stats on distance traveled + from which countries!
Look at Tristan Bowen. He came through just like these guys are.
Congratulations to Green and Juma, well deserved picks. Very talented young men.
First off, congratulations Andrew Green and Juma! I have never seen anyone as commited to the game as Andrew. I'm proud to say he is one of my best friends and I have no doubt in my mind anyone else should have another chance to make the starting roster. For those who don't know about Andrew, here's a little more for you: Andrew grew up in Gwinnett, Georgia, born in Malaui* with 4 broher's and a hard working mother doing everything in her will to put food on the table for her young boys. Andrew, the oldest of five, looked after his younger brothers. Life, seemed to be difficult for Andrew due to his inability to study in school after his family made their way to the United States when he was only 10 years of age. Soccer was priority for this kid. Living day by day with a soccer ball at his feet. Playing professional soccer would change this kid's life around, not only for himself, but for his family and friends that have supported him his whole life. Nothing on this planet makes the kid smile more than a soccer ball. This kid is trully outstanding, on and off the pitch. There is no doubt in my mind he is not mentally, technically and physically fit for the game. He is trully blessed and if there is anyone out there doubting his ability, well; Step onto the field with this kid and find out for yourself.
Very frustrating after the tryouts because I did play with Andrew the first day and fed him most of the balls and when he fed them back I scored 5-6 goals the first day. No doubt in my mind he was a decent player but way to cocky and I do believe I was a better team player snd better example on the field. Many kids look up to these professional players, I did when I was younger, and it doesn't help them showing them the bad sides of soccer. Also, looking forword to seeing the coaches comments and ratings I was given, but they never sent it out. I just wish I was givin a fair chance and told what I could work on to eventually fullfilling my dream.
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