USMNT Watch: Ramirez & VanOekel

Jun 15, 2016; Blaine, MN, USA; A NASL soccer ball against Minnesota United at National Sports Center. Sporting Kansas City defeated Minnesota United 2-1 in extra time. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2016; Blaine, MN, USA; A NASL soccer ball against Minnesota United at National Sports Center. Sporting Kansas City defeated Minnesota United 2-1 in extra time. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

We’ve heard it once before, but how often can it happen?

In October of 2014, Miguel Ibarra was called up to play for the USMNT. At the time, Ibarra represented Minnesota United in the NASL, America’s 2nd soccer division.  To round out the 2014 NASL season, Ibarra netted 8 goals and proved 5 assists.  The young American would go on to represent the USA three times, twice in 2014 and once in 2015.  But, to all of the American Outlaws’ surprise, we have yet to hear from Ibarra since.  Ibarra might not be worthy of a call up as of right now, but when Klinsmann called his number back in 2014, it got people talking.  A lot of Americans don’t know that a second or even third division lives and breathes below the MLS and as a “soccer country”, that’s a problem.

Having multiple divisions for a sport in your country symbolizes player diversity, developmental tactics, and most importantly, positional/player depth when selecting national team members. Throughout history, the NASL and the players residing in it have not been taken advantage of properly that you can count their ‘call ups’ on a mere two hands.

Before Ibarra was selected in 2014, the last known NASL player to have participated in the national team picture, was in 2005.  How long will USA fans have to wait this time, to see America’s next best thing produced on their own soil?

Here are some players who’s stats will tell thier story and force soccer fans alike to question what type of talent lies in not only America’s lower leagues, but leagues around the world.

Christian Ramirez 

Feb 21, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Minnesota United FC forward Christian Ramirez (21) passes the ball as he is guarded by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara (21) during the first half in a game against at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Minnesota United FC forward Christian Ramirez (21) passes the ball as he is guarded by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Chara (21) during the first half in a game against at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

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Since joining the league in 2014, Christian Ramirez has scored a total of 48 goals for Minnesota United FC.  With 15 goals under his belt this season alone and 48 total, Ramirez is in reach of breaking the Modern NASL goal scoring record (52).  When you think about it, 8 goals in a season for an attacking midfielder in Ibarra is a nice display.  On the other hand, 15 goals from a striker is also a nice stat to have, but you must be consistent in your work.

In 2014, Ramirez scored 20 goals, in 2015, 13, and 2016, he has 15.  Now, not being called up by the national team head coach isn’t the end of the world, but with stats like these, you have to wonder why Ramirez hasn’t gotten a chance yet.

If not this year, Ramirez and Minnesota United FC will be in the ‘spotlight’ next season as they enter MLS play.  Due to the MLS being America’s #1 league, Ramirez will have more exposure to Klinsmann and the possibility of a national team call up if he continues where he left off in the NASL.

Matt VanOekel 

May 13, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel (1) kicks the ball against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps tied the FC Edmonton 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; FC Edmonton goalkeeper Matt VanOekel (1) kicks the ball against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the first half at BC Place. The Vancouver Whitecaps tied the FC Edmonton 1-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Switching to the other end of the field, we have Matt VanOekel, a strong keeper who stands a large 6’4″ in net.  This season alone for VanOekel has been groundbreaking.  Up to this point in the NASL season, VanOekel has played 26 games, made 90 saves, and conceded only 15 goals.  He leads the league with 14 shutouts and a .58 goals against average.  He has 1 more goal against than he has shutouts, let that sink it.

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A major reason for VanOekel’s non-inclusion in the USMNT camp would be the presence of Tim Howard and Brad Guzan.  Between the two of them lies over 150 USMNT appearances.  The two have been with the national team for most of their careers and they have earned their spots. Another reason would be Klinsmann’s process of involving younger keepers such as Ethan Horvath, and the MLS duo Hamid and Johnson.

Not ever American born player gets the opportunity or will get the opportunity to represent their country in a WCQ or the World Cup.  What it comes down to is a lot of time and the right ingredients for a player to make his way into the national team picture.

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As a player, all you can do is give it your all when you step on the field and as a coach, you must exhaust your resources at every level.  Ramirez and VanOekel have been working hard for a while and with  the January camp right around the corner, their inclusion seems more realistic as their stats continue to pile up.

Given the fact that the NASL is a lower tier than the MLS, people assume that the competition is diluted and players aren’t as well prepared mentally and physically than America’s top league.

To that I say, soccer is soccer and stats are stats.