It’s been a busy summer for U.S. youth players. There have been high-profile moves to new clubs and players promoted to new teams within clubs. On top of that, a number of players are headed to Europe for training opportunities while school is out. 

U.S. U18 MNT goalkeeper in Germany

The Ventura County Star reported that U18 MNT goalkeeper Justin Vom Steeg is spending part of July training with professional clubs in Germany. The Star reports that Vom Steeg will make stops in Dusseldorf, Monchengladbach, and Kaiserslautern while he is in Europe. 

The talented goalkeeping prospect previously featured with the Ventura County Fusion. Vom Steeg helped the team advance to the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup. He also led the Fusion to a 10-2-2 record in PDL play this season. 

Vom Stieg enrolled early at UC Santa Barbara and took part in the Spring Season with the Gauchos. The freshman goalkeeper is the projected starter for the Big West side heading into the 2015 season. 

The Star also mentioned that Cal Poly midfielder Matt LaGrassa was training in Europe as well in July. LaGrassa had six goals and three assists last season as a junior with the Mustangs. 

Manchester United Official

Former Real Salt Lake Arizona standout Joshua Doughty has official joined Manchester United’s academy, according to azkicksit.com. Doughty was rumored to have signed with the club in November, but the approval process in England can take some time. 

Doughty is listed as part of the club’s U21 side for this season. On Tuesday, he scored twice in a 3-1 win for the Manchester United U18 team over Burnley. He was also part of the U21 side, which played to a 3-3 draw against Salford City. 

The 18-year-old has appeared with the U.S. and Canada at the youth national team level, but only played for Canada in competitions. AZkicksit.com reports that Doughty is expected to receive his U.S. citizenship after living in Arizona since he was four years old. 

In the Genes

Chris Wilkinson, the grandson of former KC Wizards coach Ron Newman, has joined Chesterfield FC Academy, according to the Tampa Tribune. The 18-year-old left Florida in late June to start his new adventure in England. 

Chesterfield FC Academy kicks off its preseason on July 16 against Clipstone. 

Southern California Xolos

Former Chivas USA Academy player Edson Alvarado signed a professional contract with Club Tijuana, according to the Whittier Daily News. Alvarado only played in three games this past Development Academy season with the Chivas USA U16 team. He dropped off the team in the early stages of the season so he could play for his high school, California. He helped California to a 22-1 record in 2014-2015. 

Alvarado’s high school coach told the Whittier Daily News that the 17-year-old would start with the club’s U20 team. He was not part of the squad that recently played against Uruguay and Czech Republic at the NTC Invitational. U.S. youth national team players Fernando Arce and Guillermo Bermudez were part of the roster for that event. 

Meanwhile, Adrian Zendejas, 19-year-old from Chula Vista, California, has started in goal for Xolos first team throughout the preseason. He recorded a shutout against Club Leon and was in goal for the 6-2 win over Morelia on Tuesday. Zendejas and Club Tijuana take on Athletic Bilbao on July 18 in Boise, Idaho. 

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