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American-born defender Edgar Castillo is a step closer to a potential spot with the U.S. men's national team after completing and submitting his application to switch from the Mexican national team to the United States, sources told SBI.
Castillo is set to take advantage of FIFA's new rule allowing players to switch national teams at any age as long as they haven't played an official senior match. There is no timetable on when his application will be reviewed and when he will be eligible to be selected for the USA, but the process is expected to be completed this year.
Currently playing for Tigres in Mexico, Castillo played for Mexico's Under-23 national team, and in some friendlies with the senior team, but never played in an official FIFA match, which means he will be able to make the switch to the U.S. national team once he is eligible, and if he is selected by U.S. coach Bob Bradley.
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Hackworth to join Nowak in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Union head coach Peter Nowak appears ready to add to his coaching staff as sources tell SBI that Philly will hire current U.S. national team assistant John Hackworth to join his staff for the 2010 season.
Nowak worked with Hackworth when both were members of Bob Bradley's coaching staff with the U.S. team, and Hackworth has the experience of developing young players from his time as U.S. Under-17 national team coach. Hackworth will join a staff that is already set to include former D.C. United midfielder Josh Gros. It is unclear when Hackworth will be leaving the U.S. team to join the Union, which begins play in MLS in 2010.
Somma signs with Leeds United
Former San Jose Earthquakes striker David Somma has signed with English first division club Leeds United, Somma's representatives with Long View Management told SBI. Holder of South African and Italian citizenship, Somma holds permanent resident status in the United States and made three appearances for the Earthquakes in 2008.
"Davide has done very well in pre-season and has caught the eye, both in training and in games,” said Leeds manager Simon Grayson. "He has done enough to earn himself a contract – we have all been pleased with what we've seen – and we'll see how he goes from here.”
Somma is expected to be loaned out to a second division club this fall.
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What do you think of this news? Happy to see Castillo's process moving along? Think he is good enough to be in the U.S. national team mix once he's eligible? Starting to get excited about the impending arrival of the Philly Union? Surprised to see a former San Jose developmental player signing with Leeds?
Share your thoughts below.
Christian: Not good enought fot he mexican team?lol He was already in the mexican team and was only left out because of passport issues, twice to be exact.:)(Castillo excuses to be play for the U.S to be frank)
Osorio is going through some hard times right now with Stuggart, and Salcido is struggling at LB with PSV lately. Juarez is an ok addition, but not better than Castillo overall. The only reason Juarez is seeing the field for Mexico right now is because of Castillo’s absense,..Shoot,.. Juarez should be buying Castillo beer & tricks for the rest of his life for his change of mind of nationality team preference!lol
I like his skills and think he can be an asset, but I don’t think it is as huge of a ‘get’ as the Jones switch is. Jones will make an immediate and big impact once he is ready. Castillo will at the very least provide someone who can give a little different look at fullback than what we’ve got now which isn’t a bad thing.