The Herd: The ghosts of Homegrowns past, Powder on duty, and playoffs already?

After a two week absence and a name change the roundup is back with a vengeance.

By Jake_Evans@JEvans137 Jun 18, 2016, 10:10am EDT

Soccer: Gold Cup-Trinidad and Tobago at Guatemala

The NYRBII (and academy) roundup, now with a much punnier name. I’m sorry (I’m not sorry).

Thomsen and Thorsheim return

Two weeks ago Thursday a few familiar faces turned up at New York Red Bulls II training.

Scott Thomsen and Chris Thorsheim are two former Red Bulls Academy players who were signed in New York’s homegrown blitz last December before ultimately being released prior to the start of the season, and now they are back. Kind of.

Since being released by the club both players have been on trial with numerous clubs in Europe but were ultimately unsuccessful in finding another club. They return to New York with their futures up in the air.

Upon their appearance at training, rumors quickly emerged that the duo's signing to NYRBII was imminent, with the possibility that the deals could be finalized as soon as Monday. As one can now see that clearly did not come to fruition. New York Red Bulls’ head coach Jesse Marsch stated that the two were just training with the team but that there are possibilities for both of them at the club depending on what the player’s plans are.

At this point, it’s unknown what Thomsen and Thorsheim’s plans are. The club has not returned requests for comment as to if Thomsen and Thorsheim’s are still currently training with the team.

U23s pick up steam

After a slow start to the season that saw them go 1-1-2, the New York Red Bulls U23 team finds themselves on the upswing.

Led by strong performances in the midfield from Georgetown man Arun Basuljevic, the team has managed to win two of their last three games. Now at 3-2-2 the U23s find themselves firmly in the playoff picture despite their slow start to the season.

The purpose of the U23s is to give New York’s college academy players plenty of playing time over the summer while also allowing the club to get to know a handful of college players outside New York’s system a whole lot better. A team of college amateurs, the U23s are naturally prone to turnover from year to year. However, this year has seen even more turnover than usual. Game-day rosters vary wildly from one game to the next, but frankly that’s to be expected. What is surprising is the fact eleven players have moved on from the team due to graduating, seven of them have found their way into the pro ranks. That’s impressive.

Noah Powder features as T&T U20s win

As Trinidad and Tobago’s U20 team revs up for Caribbean Football Union qualifiers, Noah Powder looks to be playing a key role. Powder scored a goal in the team’s 6-2 friendly win over Defence Forces. He then proceeded to start and play the full 90 in their 1-0 win over Guadeloupe as the team’s qualifying campaign began.

For Powder, who recently doubled down on his commitment to Trinidad and Tobago after playing for US youth national teams in the past, strong play in qualifying compounded by his ever improving USL performance could lead him to a senior team call-up sooner rather than later.

Academy teams approach the playoffs

Playoffs? It’s only June and you want to talk about playoffs? Playoffs? You kidding me? Playoffs?

Oh, academy playoffs. Got it.

After stellar seasons, the U16 and U18 teams are heading to the playoffs of their respective US Developmental Academy leagues. The games will start next week at the Toyota Center in Dallas, Texas. Each playoff will feature 32 teams, first starting with group stage play. The U16, led by goalscorer Omir Fernandez and midfielder Ben Mines, have the second overall seed. Meanwhile, in the U18’s Brian Saramago's goalscoring feats have led them to a fourth seed. Unfortunately, for both team’s they will both be missing key players as Noah Powder’s T&T U20 play will likely keep him absent from the entire tournament for the U18s while Chris Gloster is a US Soccer residency and will not be competing for the U16s.