{"id":282510,"date":"2011-02-25T08:19:50","date_gmt":"2011-02-25T08:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ghanamma.net\/2011\/02\/25\/ghanaian-sarkodie-making-strides-at-mls-side-dynamo\/"},"modified":"2011-02-25T08:19:50","modified_gmt":"2011-02-25T08:19:50","slug":"ghanaian-sarkodie-making-strides-at-mls-side-dynamo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ghanamma.com\/2011\/02\/25\/ghanaian-sarkodie-making-strides-at-mls-side-dynamo\/","title":{"rendered":"Ghanaian Sarkodie Making Strides At Mls Side Dynamo"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tWelcome to Ghanasoccernet.com, Ghana’s most authoritative football news website.<\/p>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

David Sarkodie (heading a ball) on the training ground<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Ghanaian teenager Kofi Sakordie is pushing for a place in the Houston Dynamo set-up ahead of the start of the MLS season next month.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After most of the Dynamo\u2019s scrimmages or practices this preseason, rookie Kofi Sarkodie has approached a veteran teammate in hopes of a frank assessment.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, the 19-year-old right back is peppering Brian Ching with questions. Other times, he\u2019s visiting with Brad Davis or Geoff Cameron.<\/p>\n

From time to time, he\u2019s seeking advice from Lovel Palmer, Bobby Boswell or Tally Hall.<\/p>\n

Though still a teenager, the seventh pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft arrived in Houston with plenty of expectations out of Akron, the 2010 NCAA champion.<\/p>\n

From the time his name was called at the draft, Sarkodie was deemed a serious contender to start for the Dynamo.<\/p>\n

Passionate pupil<\/strong><\/p>\n

Less than a month into camp, Sarkodie has lived up to the expectations while also impressing teammates with his modesty and strong desire to learn from the guys who have been around.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s not just a pure athlete,\u201d Hall said of Sarkodie. \u201cMentally, he\u2019s pretty far along. He wants to learn and pick things up as quickly as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unlike during the first few days of camp, when he was adjusting to the speed and more physical nature of MLS, Sarkodie doesn\u2019t appear tentative when he\u2019s defending. Moreover, he doesn\u2019t rein in his instinct to attack up the right wing and insert himself into the offense.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far it\u2019s been great,\u201d Sarkodie said. \u201cI feel like I\u2019ve done a good job. I\u2019ve talked to Tally, talked to Brian Ching, talked to Brad. Those three guys are all guys I\u2019ve talked to (for advice).\u201d<\/p>\n

The speedy Sarkodie has proved to be an offensive weapon from his defensive position. Scouting reports have questioned his defensive ability, but he has been an important part of a defensive unit that has been the bright spot for the Dynamo.<\/p>\n

Coach Dominic Kinnear was stunned when Sarkodie fell to the Dynamo in the first round of the draft.<\/p>\n

In the Dynamo\u2019s mock drafts, Sarkodie was slotted to go third or fourth.<\/p>\n

Whether on the attack or manning his position on defense, Sarkodie hasn\u2019t done anything to diminish the expectations Kinnear had of him entering camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe doesn\u2019t look out of place when he has opportunities going forward,\u201d Kinnear said of Sarkodie. \u201cHe\u2019s going to have a good career.\u201d<\/p>\n

But the transition to the pro game hasn\u2019t been easy.<\/p>\n

\u201cInitially,\u201d Sarkodie said, \u201cthe physicality and the speed of play was something that I had to get used to.\u201d<\/p>\n

Right back up for grabs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sarkodie is competing with Hunter Freeman and, to some extent, Andrew Hainault for the starting spot at right back.<\/p>\n

Sarkodie has logged 285 minutes while playing in all six games this preseason and starting four of them.<\/p>\n

Once the 5-8, 165-pounder adjusted to the increased speed and harder tackles in MLS, the 2010 All-American started displaying the form that earned him the 2010 College Cup\u2019s most outstanding defender award.<\/p>\n

It remains to be seen whether Sarkodie begins the regular season in the starting lineup or on the bench.<\/p>\n

He also may miss time if he\u2019s called back to the United States\u2019 U-20 national team.<\/p>\n

But for now, he can only continue to adjust and ask his older teammates questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m super pumped with Kofi,\u201d Hall said. \u201cI\u2019m not the coach, but I feel comfortable with him on the field with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Source: Houston Chronicle<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Originally posted here:
\nGhanaian Sarkodie Making Strides At Mls Side Dynamo<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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