Brooks Lennon’s name is back in the news. The U.S. U18 Men’s National Team winger scored the game-winning goal for Liverpool’s U17 squad in a preseason friendly against Schalke on Friday.

The win over Schalke was part of a two-game trip for the Liverpool academy. The Reds played Club Brugge earlier in the week. The U17 side won that meeting 3-1.

This was not Lennon’s first time playing for Liverpool. Last summer, he featured with the club’s U16 side during Milk Cup in Northern Ireland. In January, he went on tour with the club and scored three goals in two games against Frenz United.

When Lennon has been stateside, he featured with RSL AZ, MLS club Real Salt Lake’s residential academy. He played in the Development Academy quarterfinal against San Jose Earthquakes U16 last month. However, he did not play during the semifinal or final in California where RSL AZ lost in the championship tilt to LA Galaxy. For the season, he had two goals in 11 appearances.

Born in 1997, Lennon figures to be a key component of the U.S. U20 Men’s National Team for the 2017 U20 World Cup cycle. There is an outside chance that he could make the push for the upcoming U20 MNT cycle as a versatile option on the wings for Tab Ramos’ group.

The Arizona-native is dynamic with the ball and difficult to dispossess. He has a high work rate and relies on his quick first step put defenders on their heels with a positive first touch.

Interest from Germany and Spain in Fullerton Rangers star

Amirgy Pineda is headed to Germany this month, according to USA Today. Pineda, a brilliant midfielder from Southern California club Fullerton Rangers, is scheduled to train with two German clubs, Dave Ungrady reported for USA Today.

James Obleda, Pineda’s club coach, also told USA Today that a trip to Spain in the winter is in the works with the U.S. U18 MNT midfielder set to train with Malaga and Atletico Madrid.

Pineda has long been a coveted prospect in the U.S. Soccer schism. His quality on the ball under pressure makes him easily stand out from the crowd.

Earlier this year, he made the Nike Academy squad where he had a brief spell touring Europe. Prior to that, there has been interest in him from Mexico, Portugal, and other top clubs.

The midfielder has been a star at the club level with a couple of U.S. Club Soccer National Championships and Dallas Cup titles to show for it.

Youth Clubs Head Abroad

Weston FC U14 is currently in England for the Manchester United Premier Cup. The Florida club earned the right to represent the United States at the event after a stellar season in the Development Academy. The tournament kicks off on August 6.

D.C. United U15 is also in Europe for an international youth tournament. The MLS Academy is taking part in the Macron Galway Cup in Ireland this week. 

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