A little bit forgotten about, but Owen Barnett is still at NCAA Division 1 level with Hofstra (ranked 34th, just ahead of Keegan Kelly & Denver - 35th).
I liked the look of Kelly at the recent U20 World Cup. Would be interested to see if the NIX look at him. He offers a big enough target up top, but also has a little bit of pace about him and agro.
Also started ahead of Sypuk (sorry on spelling) who Greenie clearly knows well, so I think that is as good as indicator as any... although Greenie didn't pick our new young CM for the tournament... so what do I know?!
I liked the look of Kelly at the recent U20 World Cup. Would be interested to see if the NIX look at him. He offers a big enough target up top, but also has a little bit of pace about him and agro.
Also started ahead of Sypuk (sorry on spelling) who Greenie clearly knows well, so I think that is as good as indicator as any... although Greenie didn't pick our new young CM for the tournament... so what do I know?!
Just confirms the lack of cohesion between the Reserve and 1st team environments and the respective coaches.
Hofstra is making a deep run at the national tournament after beating defending champs Vermont in the final 16. Owen barnett is playing the full 90 plus ot in every game as far as i can tell. He is the only kiwi remaining in the tournament after Keegan Kellys Denver failed to progress in the round of 16. Kelly emphatically slotted his penslty in the shootout before the Pioneers were eliminated
His name was on the 436 strong eligible list this morning. From my quick look yesterday he was the only Kiwi too.
Tough ask for a sophomore (2nd year at college) to get picked up in the draft unless you're absolutely phenomenal and have some good numbers behind you.
He shouldn't be too disheartened though. He's in a strong programme at Denver University, and they have a decent track record of late - Ian Smith was drafted from Denver to Portland last year, and Sam Bassett ended up at Colorado on a Homegrown contract after four years at Denver. Ronan Wynne also ended up at Atlanta, but has since been let go after playing MLS Next Pro for 2025.
Full back Ian Smith (age 23) is Surman's best mate at Portland, and I think Surman has been down to Colorado to visit Smith's home town on a football break.
