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SBI MLS Rookie of the Month: DeAndre Yedlin

DeAndreYedlin1 (JaneG Photography)

 

Jane Gershovich/JaneG.Photography

By IVES GALARCEP

When DeAndre Yedlin was signed as the Seattle Sounders first Homegrown Player, the former Akron standout came in with plenty of expectations and was regarded as a star for the future.

Few could have pictured the 19-year-old Yedlin stepping right into the Sounders starting lineup and making himself a fixture at right back, but that is exactly what he has done. His performances in March were among the few bright spots for a slow-starting Seattle side, and his general excellence at the position made him the clear pick to be the SBI MLS Rookie of the Month for March.

Yedlin beat out a strong field of candidates that included New England’s Andrew Farrell, the Colorado tandem of Dillon Powers and Deshorn Brown, and Chivas USA midfielder Carlos Alvarez.

Yedlin has played every MLS minute for Seattle this season, and he played a key role in the team’s CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal series victory against UANL Tigres.

What do you think of Yedlin’s form in March? Which rookie impressed you the most last month? Pleasantly surprised by the quality being shown by this year’s rookie class?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • Correction:Stupidest Hair in MLS.Closely Followed by Darren Mattock’s Receding Hair Line Wannabe Drogba Look.

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      • Honorable Mention: RSL’s Velasquez’s with “Urban Traylor Park Joe Dirt Mullet” Look

  1. saw him play twice so far. Love this kid. Good getting forward, he can spark an attack, gets turned and put out of position but has the wheels to make up for it. Once he learns to play better defense he has a VERY high ceiling

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    • He also needs to work on his touch, crossing, and reading of the game. Hopefully all will come with time and experience….but lets not over extend the pressure/hype.

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      • BS. He got off several nice crosses and/or earned a corner after some nifty work against Santos. You either were not watching or are trying to cool the hype.

      • This. Anyone questioning his touch and reading of the game hasn’t actually watched him play. Those are two of his strongest attributes. His crossing is a bit suspect though…

  2. Hard to tell how good Powers is when he plays for Colo.

    Farrell is better than Yedlin but either would be justifiable as rookie of the month. Yedlin goes to U20′ ; Farrell goes to Gold Cup – with Powers maybe?

    Need to get Farrell in shape fpr WC in Brazil next year, if he can show us he has it. Cameron can always play left back.

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    • Please pump the brakes. I get it, you’re excited about talented young players, but after 4 games they are breaking into the 23 for 2014? Sarcasm I hope.

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  3. I’ve only seen two of his games. Santos and Tigres at home. He seems like a good defender with alot of speed. However, I thought he had too many turnovers when he wasn’t threatened. I wasnt too impressed with his touch or skill.

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  4. I’ve only seen two of his games. Santos and Tigres at home. He seems like a good defender with alot of speed. However, I thought he had too many turnovers when he wasn’t threatened. I wasn’t impressed with his touch or passing.

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  5. Good player, has a bright future, and will be in the conversation for Rookie of the year if not leading the ballot all year.

    Most definitely the starting RB for the US U-20 team as long as he doesn’t get injured.

    MLS academies are starting to produce top soccer players. Should be exciting to see MLS in a few years when MLS homegrown players are more of the norm in first team rosters.

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  6. Some young players impress because they can step in, keep up with the game and immediately blend in. Yedlin is one of those who impresses because he does not blend in. He has speed, some skill and seems pretty fearless and aggressive…. 3 games I’ve seen, the kid stands out and has potential to be something pretty special.

    Insert here: Standard disclaimer that says he’s young and raw and lets not get ahead of ourselves.

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  7. He was maybe the most outstanding player for the Sounders in the game with Santos Laguna. He looks to have a bright future.

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      • Very impressed that he caught Herc from behind, got shoulder to shoulder and muscled him off the ball.

      • in the 80th minute. I noticed too. i think he is the sounder’s second best defender after traore, and his offensive additions are a lot of extra credit. he hasnt even fixed his crossing yet. when he does, i literally cant think of anything that would make him a better player. i see him on the usmnt within 4 years.

    • I suppose I am in minority, but outside of the Santos game, I haven’t been impressed. Yes, I think he played a good game against Santos. Yes, I think he plays better than others his age. But I don’t think he is good enough to be a regular starter, yet, on any MLS side.

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      • I agree. He’s excellent going forward into the attack and intercepting passes. However, he is not that great on the defensive end. Limited heading skills but he’ll learn how to cheat. Not very strong on the ball. Not good on his heels but his speed occasionally makes up for this.

  8. I’ve been impressed with Erik Hurtado. He’s really pushed the play for Vancouver. He might not pick his runs at the right time but when he does he contributes well.

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  9. If Yedlin keeps playing like this he should clearly be the starter on the U20s this summer at RB. Thought that was a clear point of weakness during qualifying and he should be there. Will suck to lose him for a couple weeks but he should be there.

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    • He reminds me of Man United’s Raphael when he started coming through. Both relied on speed and more attack than defense. It took Raphael two solid seasons before he truly became consistent defensively. While I’m excited by his play, let’s hope Yedlin is given the time by team and fans to properly develop.

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    • Yes he has been contacted and should be called in to the under 20 team.

      So far Yedlin has been great. Although he has been covering his mistakes with his recovery speed. He also needs to work on his crossing ability.

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    • No he’s not playing for another country. Hes been in US youth camps in the past and he’s already been called in for the U20’s camp this month

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