Super Y-League North American Finals Feature
Thursday, December 6, 2012
When Juan Agudelo scored on his debut for the U.S. Men’s National Team against South Africa in 2010, becoming the youngest player to score for the U.S. in the modern era, it capped a journey that progressed though the Super Y-League.
Just four years earlier, Agudelo had been a member of the New Jersey Stallions U13s, and after his consistent play had led his side to the Super Y-League North American Finals, he was selected to the league’s Olympic Development Program.
From there, he became a member of the New York Red Bulls Academy in the fall of 2007, and was subsequently called into the U.S. U17 Residency Program at IMG Academy. After signing professionally with the Red Bulls in 2010 as the second ‘homegrown’ player in MLS history, he soon made his pro debut. A little more than a month later, he was scoring the game-tying goal in South Africa as the USMNT earned a 1-1 draw against the host of the 2010 World Cup.
Agudelo is a recent example of the platform available to players in the Super Y-League that is set to be enhanced by the event’s new location at IMG Academy. Other players, such as fellow striker Jozy Altidore and goalkeeper Bill Hamid, have taken their chance to shine at the Finals, earning their chance to represent their country at the age-group level as they move up the developmental pyramid in the U.S. Eric Lichaj, now with Aston Villa, scored the game-winning goal as his side took victory in the U14 Boys Division in 2003.
Other players in Agudelo’s 2007 class included U20 National Team member Cody Cropper, now with EPL side Southampton, and current young MLS players Nick DeLeon (D.C. United), Connor Lade (New York Red Bulls) and Tony Cascio (Colorado Rapids).
The opportunity wasn’t just limited to the men’s side, though, with U.S. U23 internationals Ingrid Wells and Danielle Hubka being in the same 2007 class.
The move the IMG Academy, however, will offer ever greater opportunity for players to have the chance to be identified. With the U.S. U17 in residency, staff members will have the chance to view players up close and assess their potential to become part of the national team program. In recent years players such as Wesley Wade, Shaquell Moore and Christopher Lema have all been invited into residency, with the trio of Super Y alums recently being named to the squad that visited Argentina for a pair of games.
“Bringing the Super Y-League’s ODP Camp to IMG Academy for the past two years has proven a major boost for the young players as they get the opportunity to be scouted not only by colleges but also by members of the youth national team staff,” USL National Technical Director Peter Mellor said. “By extending that opportunity to players at the Super Y-League North American Finals, we hope more doors are opened for the young players in our system to fulfill their potential as they continue their development.”