Best and Worst of 2007: US Youth Teams

Best Performance: The US’ 2-1 victory over the Pato led Brazil squad at the U-20 World Cup in Canada

Biggest Revelation: Sal Zizzo. The UCLA product playing out wide in the US midfield for the U-20s got himself a contract in the Bundesliga with his outstanding World Cup.

Worst Performance: John Hackworth’s U-17 team imploding at the U-17 World Cup

Biggest Dissapointment: Johann Smith and Quavas Kirk injuring themselves right before the U-20 World Cup. This pair could have been the difference in pushing the US to the semifinals and perhaps beyond in Canada.

Best Coaching Job: Wilmer Cabrera. It;’s early in his tenure but the U-17s looked more confident and composed in the Nike Academy matches versus Brazil, Russia and Turkey than at any point in the past two years.

Potential Breakout 2008: Dax McCarty on the U-23 team. He played a solid role coming off the bench with the U-20s and could feature prominently for both FC Dallas in MLS and the U-23s in Olympic qualifying and the Olympics itself.

Friday: Best and worst 2007: US National Team

Saturday: Best and worst of 2007: USL

Sunday: Best and worst of 2007: MLS

Monday: Best and worst of 2007: Yanks Abroad