I can get on board with this. Hopefully he's not just another Gianni in the making... Although in saying that he should feel like a Kiwi given he was born and raised here.
I can get on board with this. Hopefully he's not just another Gianni in the making... Although in saying that he should feel like a Kiwi given he was born and raised here.
It's basically a free hit for him. Canada missed out on qualifying for the U20 World Cup and he only has one year of eligibility for it, so there's no reason not to declare for NZ. Whether he stays could well ultimately end in how good he becomes. The old man has been coach of Canada since 2011, so he's probably lived in Canada since the age of 6/7, most of his conscious life, so it wouldn't be surprising if he associated with Canada more.
If he ends up breaking into the Whitecaps first team, he'll be in a Canadian team, alongside Canadian internationals in the dressing room, with his father as the national team coach. It's not hard to imagine he'd look that way. Stensness was always Australian, he just couldn't break into their team, plus had a chance to go to a U20 World Cup that Australia didn't qualify for (ie similar story). Players that have grown up overseas will almost always be like that, Reid the only exception really. So time will tell, whether he's a Dane/Jai Ingham, Joey Champness, Tommy Smith, Themi Tzimopoulos etc that know we're their only shot to play internationally, or an Archie Thompson, Stensness, Tyler Boyd that can chase greener pastures at 'home'.
Wikipedia says he played 1 time for Canada u20's already. Does this mean he has to file the paperwork with FIFA to transfer to NZ permanently to play for the NZ u20's?
This was my thought... same situation as the NZ girl who switched to Germany.RR
Wikipedia says he played 1 time for Canada u20's already. Does this mean he has to file the paperwork with FIFA to transfer to NZ permanently to play for the NZ u20's?
#WFC2's Jay Herdman will be out indefinitely with a knee injury. #VWFC's Vanni Sartini earlier today⬇️
“Unfortunately he has a knee injury and had to do images and everything. The thing that I want to say is that if there's a fighter, Jay is a fighter." #MLSNextPro
Thought Herdman jnr may have been a chance to follow Dad to Toronto FC. Popovic style.
I guess he needs to show he's fully recovered from his ACL injury, before he can be a serious contender for the MLS.
Sounds like they've really looked after him during his injury layoff.
Its a fantastic backing in his abilities that he's got another year to show what he can do as well. Hopefully comes back fit and raring to go come 2024. Really good young player - Easily one of our best on show over in Argentina.
Would be massive if he could get himself in or around that first team over the course of the upcoming MLS season. Although I suspect we'll still see him logging some good minutes for the reserves in 2024 too.
Good news for one of NZ’s 2022 U20 World Cup standouts: Jay Herdman has been included in the wider first team squad for Whitecaps preseason. They’re currently in Spain for a camp with a 35-player group that involves eight players from the second team (as well as a few trial players). No room for fellow NZ age grade rep Finn Linder in that crew but Jay Herdman, returning from a long-term injury that curtailed his momentum after that U20 WC, will be amongst the action.
That action involves three weeks in Spain before returning to Canada and then onwards to Mexico in early February because as reigning Canadian Championship winners they’ll be part of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup. The Champions League of North/Central America. Myer Bevan will also be there with Cavalry FC, as will Tyler Boyd at Nashville SC.
There’s a good chance that Herdman might sneak a debut this year and this training camp invite is further evidence towards that prospect. If he does, he might get the chance to play against his dad John who is now the coach of Toronto FC.
Up Next: There are friendlies first... but Vancouver vs Tigres UANL on Feb 8 at 4pm in the CCC is the one to focus on, just in case (NZT)
Herdman gets his first run for the first team, as a whole new XI is wheeled out for the 2nd half in the Whitecaps first pre season hit out against Hungarian club Diósgyőri VTK. Finished 1-0 to Vancouver.
He didn't feature in their second friendly against Puskás Akadémia which Vancouver lost 2-0.
8 months is quick recovery time wise.... obviously took his rehab seriously.
It Starts with a Goal, presented by @BMO | Jay Herdman
Jay Herdman discusses his favourite team growing up, scoring for his country at the U-20 World Cup, and his journey returning from a season ending injury.#VWFCpic.twitter.com/n2QE2DOeRQ
NEWS | ‘Caps have signed @WFC2 midfielders Jeevan Badwal & Jay Herdman to @MLS short-term agreements for Wednesday’s @TheChampions Round One first leg against Tigres UANL ✍️
Herdman made the bench but an unused sub as the Whitecaps host a 1-1 draw with Liga MX team Tigres UANL in CONCACAF Champions League. Good signs for young Jay. Might get some MLS game time this season.
Return leg in Monterrey, next week. Mexican clubs with a bit of an advantage being 5 games into their season. MLS of course yet to start.
Unfortunately Herdman doesn't make the bench this time for the return leg. Wll be a tough game for the Whitecaps Tigres made CONCACAF Champions League semis last year, losing to eventual champs, fellow Liga MX club Leon.
Lookout for a Whitecaps verus Wrexham game one day.
Myer Bevan's Cavalry get a crack next week playing Orlando. Lucky for the Floridans the 1st leg will be in Victoria, Vancouver Island - not freezing Calgary.
🔄 Halbouni IN, Brown OFF 🔄 Herdman IN, Gauld OFF 🔄 Goldthorp IN, Raposo OFF 🔄 Fleuriau Chateau IN, Picault OFF 🔄 Mackenzie IN, Schöpf OFF #VWFC | #VANvOC
So it sounds like he'll be on the bench in an MLS Matchday for the first time. May not see any minutes, but it shows he's not a million miles away from first team duties.
Yes he makes the pine for Vancouver as they host Charlotte. Congrats to him. Fellow Kiwi Tuiloma on the opposition team's bench. Herdman obviously doing well post his ACL injury.
NEWS | ‘Caps have signed @WFC2 midfielder Jay Herdman to a third @MLS short-term agreement for Saturday’s MLS regular season away match against Seattle Sounders FC ✍️#VWFC | #SEAvVAN
#VWFC’s Jay Herdman has made his #MLS debut, coming on for Gauld.
Jay has been called up from #WFC2 three times in 2024.
He can be called up one more time before he has to be signed to an #MLS first team contract to play for the first team or stay with #WFC2 this season#MLS
Really hope he's in the OFC side to tie him to NZ permanently.
The reality is we can't cap everyone all at once, but I do share your sentiment.
Without looking too much at Canadian depth, I would say it's an easier path with New Zealand than it is with our Canadian adversaries. Although it's not completely inconceivable that Canada could swoop in - Especially given a rapid rise in Herdman's stock, given he missed the bulk of last season with the reserves, but is now making MLS squads and appearances. I'd imagine that's the kind of thing that turns heads for NT selectors.
The pleasing thing also is seeing these young Kiwi lads making an impression at club level. We're starting to see some good options emerge around the world, and from the sound of it we could see a few Nix lads adding to that simmering pool of goodness abroad over the next wee while as well.
Really hope he's in the OFC side to tie him to NZ permanently.
If he changes his mind, he'll need to visit the laser tattoo removal folks. Or someone very very clever to turn that fudge off Silver Fern into a Maple Leaf!
Don't know whether it's a quirk of the draw for the MLS Next Pro or just a lucky coincidence, but Vancouver Whitecaps II take on Tacoma Defiance later on this arvo about 20 odd kms down the road from where they played yesterday at Lumen Field.
Despite making his first team debut, it would make a lot of sense that he gets some serious minutes in the legs for the ressies later on today as well. Wouldn't be surprised if he's starting this one, but will keep an eye out.
