Rumors are circulating that Samir Badr, the 17 year old keeper who plays for the US youth national team, has joined FC Porto for a supposed two month trial. From ESPN recently:
“Samir Badr, Robinson (Fairfax, Va.), GK, Junior
Badr is in the midst of a rare — if not never before accomplished — feat. As Robinson’s starting goalkeeper, Badr has scored more goals than he has allowed, a margin of 1-0. Badr, who reportedly has said he will sign with Portugese power FC Porto’s reserve team following the high school season, has 11 shutouts for the Rams this spring. In Saturday’s 3-0 regional final victory over Westfield, Badr scored a goal when his direct kick from near midfield was misjudged by the Westfield keeper and ended up in the net.”
Now a friend has said:
“I just hung out with him last week. he just left on Wednesday for a two month trial with Porto.”
No conformation from Badr or Porto yet but its nice to know that Americans are continuing to go to top European teams, and that our youth system is getting more respect. Of course keeper is already our strogest postions as Tim Howard (Everton) is arguably our best player and his backup Brad Guzan (Aston Villa) is only 24 himself, and keeper is a position that you can play at an older age, see Kasey Keller at Seattle. Still the more depth we can create the better.
Stars and Strikes 