The Under-17 World Cup is currently taking place and one Liverpool academy star has already made an impact for his side.

Keyrol Figueroa plays for the Reds and also represents the United States at international level and scored his nation’s opener against Burkina Faso in their second match of the competition.

READ MORE: Mo Salah successor available for free; agent sends Liverpool message – report

The Honduras-born attacker, and son of Maynor Figueroa, has been on Merseyside since Under-14 level and has attracted a lot of attention with positive performances.

The 17-year-old will certainly be worth watching as the tournament progresses and will be looking to get himself on the score sheet again soon.

You can watch Figueroa’s goal (from 0:22) via plus.fifa.com:

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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On Sunday, the eyes of Liverpool fans would’ve been trained firmly on the Reds’ Premier League clash against Brentford, which resulted in a 3-0 win for the home side at Anfield.

However, another victory involving a player from the Merseyside club yesterday may have evaded the attention of many Kopites, as it took place more than 7,300 miles due southeast at roughly the same time as the game in L4.

As noted by liverpoolfc.com, LFC underage starlet Keyrol Figueroa started for USA as they defeated South Korea 3-1 in their first match at the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia, featuring for 78 minutes as his nation triumphed in Jakarta.

READ MORE: ’13 times’ – Neil Mellor gobsmacked over one thing he saw during Liverpool’s win on Sunday

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The Liverpool teenager didn’t get on the scoresheet as the Americans got their tournament off to a winning start, but the statistics from his overall performance make for very positive reading.

Figueroa misplaced just one of his 14 passes against South Korea, ending the game with a 93% success rate in that regard.

He had three shots in total, one of which hit the target, recorded a 100% accuracy for long passes and lost the ball just once in 78 minutes, the joint-fewest of any USA player (Sofascore).

The 17-year-old caught the eye during the summer when he scored a stupendous goal for Liverpool’s under-18s against Valencia in the SuperCupNI, and his stats from the Under-17 World Cup opener suggest that he’s continuing to impress his coaches at club and international level.

Sunday’s performance definitely bodes well for Figueroa, and if you missed him in action yesterday but want to keep an eye on him while waiting for the Reds’ next fixture to roll around after the international break, the USA’s next match sees them take on Burkina Faso on Wednesday at 9am UK time.

Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen – the Anfield all-rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Football has taken the world by storm, and the USA is no exception. With the growth of the sport, Liverpool FC International Academy has played an instrumental role in enhancing football in America. Here’s a deep dive into the Liverpool FC International Academy USA (LFC IA) and its impact.

Liverpool FC and community work

Liverpool FC isn’t just about scoring goals and winning silverware; it is deeply committed to community work. An embodiment of this commitment is seen in the initiatives it has taken up in the USA.

The Liverpool FC Foundation, in partnership with the US Soccer Foundation, runs the ‘Liverpool FC International Academy USA’. This initiative offers free football coaching to underserved youth, nurturing the next generation of football talent in the US.

LFC International Academy’s vision: Learning the Liverpool Way

Young football enthusiasts across North America are receiving a golden chance. The LFC International Academy provides these youngsters with an opportunity to learn and play ‘the Liverpool Way’.

This unique approach follows the same coaching curriculum employed at the LFC Academy in Liverpool. Regular events such as tryouts, holiday camps and team programs are an integral part of their offering.

READ MORE: ‘That was the comedy’ – Caicedo’s agent makes startling claim about failed Liverpool pursuit

READ MORE: Liverpool’s upcoming opponents dealt body blow to ‘important’ 25y/o as manager confirms injury news

Brad Friedel’s legacy

Brad Friedel, who is from Ohio, was one of three American players to ever represent Liverpool. For any Reds fans from his home state, be sure to check out the latest Ohio sports betting promos, which can be used on soccer and other sports.

Friedel’s name resonates with every Liverpool fan. He holds a special place in the club’s history, having played for the Reds from 1997 to 2000 after spending two seasons with Columbus Crew in the MLS. The Ohio native made 25 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, recording six clean sheets.

Youngsters all over the US see Friedel’s story and find inspiration. His successful career in the Premier League motivates them to follow his footsteps.

LFC IA Locations in North America: Spreading the Liverpool Spirit

From the east coast to the south and everything in between, the Liverpool Way is echoing across states. The LFC IA North America has set its footprints in several locations:

• Connecticut
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• SoCal
• South Florida
• Texas

Each location reflects the club’s undying commitment to fostering talent and upholding its esteemed legacy.

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LFC IA’s global stewardship: Holding the international torch

Taking stewardship of the Liverpool FC brand internationally is not just a responsibility; it is an honor for the Liverpool FC International Academy. The academy has been granted the privilege to send its coaches and players to train on Merseyside. They get to work alongside academy coaches in the very grounds where legends are made, providing an unparalleled learning experience.

A connection with Liverpool FC England: Training in the Liverpool Way

Liverpool FC England plays a pivotal role in educating and training the coaches of LFC IA. They instill ‘the Liverpool Way’ in every aspect of the game, from coaching education to team structure, and this isn’t a one-way relationship. The LFC IA proudly flaunts the official logo of the International Football Academy, adhering to the stringent guidelines of its usage.

Commitment to excellence: The three pillars

The player, the parent and the coach – these are the three fundamental pillars upon which the Liverpool FC International Academy stands.

The Player

The academy views its players as its most valuable assets. Their commitment doesn’t stop at enhancing athletic prowess; they also focus on shaping individuals of character both off and on the pitch. With formal assessments twice a year, the club ensures transparent feedback to both the player and the parent, always keeping the player’s best interests at heart.

The Parent

Liverpool FC International Academy recognizes the critical role parents play in a player’s life. They aim to involve parents actively in the club. They educate them on the nuances of the game, the long-term vision of player development, and the importance of representing a club with a rich history.

The Coach

The coaches at Liverpool FC International Academy are more than just instructors; they are role models. Committed to their personal and professional growth, they constantly seek knowledge through various avenues, whether it’s acquiring formal licenses from the USSF, USC, and UEFA or continuous learning from peer assessments.

In conclusion, the Liverpool FC International Academy USA is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering community relations, and spreading the ethos of ‘the Liverpool Way’ far and wide. For young aspirants, parents, and fans, it represents an extension of the legendary club right in the heart of America.

#Ep93 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Steve Kay

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Liverpool fans will have been grinning from ear to ear upon seeing Luis Garcia’s online reaction to a dramatic encounter in the Women’s World Cup today.

Defending champions USA were eliminated in the round of 16 after a 5-4 penalty shootout defeat to Sweden, with the winning kick from Lina Hurtig having crossed the goalline by millimetres, as verified by VAR (BBC Sport).

The Hawkeye screenshot showing the slenderness of the margin by which it went over the line was tweeted by ESPN FC, with former Reds player Luis Garcia putting his own cheeky take on the extraordinary conclusion to the shootout.

The Spaniard retweeted the image with the four-word reply ‘Looks in for me…’, along with a relieved face and ghost emojis.

READ MORE: Two reported Liverpool transfer targets not involved in their teams’ matches this weekend

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Liverpool supporters will immediately get the reference, namely Garcia’s winning goal against Chelsea in the 2005 Champions League semi-final at Anfield, when his shot crept over the line despite William Gallas’ best efforts to clear the ball in time.

The characteristically bitter Jose Mourinho infamously dubbed it the ‘ghost goal‘, despite an impartial motion analysis expert Dr Mike Spann verifying its validity.

The Blues could still console themselves by ending their half-century wait for a league title that year, although Rafa Benitez’s Reds had the final say by going on to be crowned champions of Europe.

The manner in which the USA relinquished their grip on the Women’s World Cup after winning the last two editions was an incredibly cruel one for them to take, although Liverpool fans will surely have enjoyed Garcia’s thinly veiled reference to one of his best footballing moments 18 years ago.

You can see the Spaniard’s tweet below, via @luchogarcia14 on Twitter:

Looks in for me… ® https://t.co/QwcHq9Wi5X

— Luis Garcia (@luchogarcia14) August 6, 2023

#Ep83 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

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The World Cup has presented an opportunity for several lesser-known stars to rise to the fore on the biggest international stage, one of these players has subsequently been linked with Liverpool and it appears that his parent club are eager to keep hold of him.

As reported by Bola: ‘despite the major attention [Yunus] Musah is getting from clubs outside of Spain, Gennaro Gattuso’s side want to keep the young American just a bit longer and are willing to offer a longer contract.

‘While release clauses can be restructured via a transfer fee, Musah has a value of $20 million currently in the market with Liverpool, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Arsenal being the biggest clubs mentioned. AC Milan have also been scouting Musah for some time now, but no formal offer has been sent Valencia’s way’.

READ MORE: Bellingham’s agent update confirmed as Liverpool remain ‘one of the favourites’ – report

Yunus Musah has been linked by several sources with a move to Anfield already and so many have been rewatching his performances for the Americans during the games in Qatar.

Despite these stories sharing updates that said we had already ‘made contact’ with the player, it appears that there is still no formal move from the Reds as of yet.

The 20-year-old joins Sofyan Amrabat as two men who didn’t appear to have much chance of an Anfield move before the tournament commenced but their performances look to have caught the attention of those from within our club.

The Valencia midfielder played all four games for his national team in the competition but having progressed through the Arsenal academy and England youth set-up, he’s actually played alongside Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho on the youth international stage.

This connection with players in our squad and understanding of the English game could make him a somewhat cheaper option for our midfield, that is unless Gennaro Gattuso gets his way and can tie him down on a long and lucrative deal.

EOTK Insider: Liverpool’s Two World Cup Winners and 14 Finalists, ahead of Qatar

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Liverpool have been linked to a number of different owners and investors in the past few days and now there appears to be a new name in the mix, as someone moves for a complete takeover of the club from FSG.

As reported by the Daily Mail: “It is understood owners Fenway Sports Group have been involved in secret talks for several weeks after an approach was made for the Anfield giants.

“FSG hired bankers Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to help them sell the club after the approach was made. Sources have reported that additional potential buyers have registered their interest since then.”

READ MORE: (Video) Anfield erupts to show appreciation to Bobby Firmino

The report goes on to state that this new American-based owner or bidder is going to remain anonymous but the key piece of information about this latest update is that FSG are willing to take a figure close to $3bn, despite some valuations reaching up to and over $4bn.

It seems strange that the owners would accept this with the club seemingly being worth much more than that but John Henry is apparently willing to sell cheaper than some had expected. We’ll have to wait and see what the reasons are behind this.

Let’s hope that, in this case, it’s more to do with helping a friend out by lowering the price, rather than anything sinister surrounding a supposed ‘bargain’ sale for a club of our size.

It’s certainly a period of uncertainty for supporters but we will have to wait and see what happens off the pitch, in the weeks before on-field matters resume after the World Cup.

EOTK INSIDER : FSG want to sell Liverpool? What’s actually going to happen?… and more

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Jordan Henderson has seen his international break end prematurely after suffering yet another injury setback.

The Liverpool midfielder has only recently returned to fitness having missed two Premier League games and two Champions League fixtures due to a hamstring injury picked up in October’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield.

He made his comeback in the Reds’ 2-0 win over Fulham with a 21 minute cameo before coming on in the 57th minute of England’s 3-0 win over the USA.

An injury picked up at Wembley on Thursday night saw Henderson ruled out for selection ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia.

The Reds’ skipper has now returned to Merseyside for treatment in view of Saturday’s meeting with Watford, reports the Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce.

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Discussing the problem, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate said: “Jordan has been carrying a bit of an injury. He’s someone who always wants to play, but in the end I had to take a decision.”

Henderson’s importance to Jurgen Klopp’s system was majorly underlined in tough trips to face Arsenal and Red Star Belgrade, with the threat of another frustrating spell on the sidelines now looming.

It cannot be understated how key the Englishman is in enforcing his manager’s desired intensity or stretching the game as Liverpool’s midfield anchor.

His potential absence again highlights the need for Naby Keita and Fabinho to begin making their mark after enduring tentative starts to life at Anfield.

The post Key Liverpool star hit by injury blow on international duty appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool FC confirmed the fixtures for their pre-season tour yesterday. The Reds will travel to the United States this summer. The first fixture takes place in Chicago against Greek giants Olympiacos, followed by a trip to New York to face Premier League rivals Manchester City, before heading to Charlotte to face Seedorf’s AC Milan.

Olympiacos isn’t a stranger for Liverpool FC. Liverpool faced the Greeks in August for Steven Gerrard’s testimonial. And you might also remember this date: December 8, 2004, a cold December night at Anfield. Liverpool, back where they belong [Champions League] after a year’s absence, were on the edge of elimination from the group stages. They had to win with two clear goals. The fans knew it, the players knew it.

Everybody was nervous, nevertheless The Kop was singing like never before. All the hopes were crushed as the legendary Rivaldo fired a free-kick beyond Jerzy Dudek in the 26th minute. Liverpool had to score three goals to progress, it was mission impossible but history was going to be written.

Frenchman Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored minutes after the interval but Olympiacos were a though opponent. Liverpool had to score two clear goals with just 10 minutes on the clock.

Mellor came on for Milan Baros. The youngster scored two minutes later. He explained:

When I came on, we needed to score two and as a centre-forward, I knew there were going to be chances. I got the crucial touch to score and my response was – come on, we can do this.”

 Mission impossible became Mission possible when Gerrard completed their quest. He pounced on Mellor’s knock-down, fired the ball home in the 86th minute and The Reds were through to the next round of the Champions League. Everybody went crazy even the commenters were screaming and cheering. I still remember the words: ‘A lovely cushioned header…’ and then Andy Gray with the words: ‘Oh ya beauty, what a hit son, what a hit!’ It was a fantastic night with an indescribable atmosphere. History was made that day as they beat AC Milan in the final. Liverpool will face the Italians on the 8th of August. 

This will be the Red’s seventh visit to North America. It will be a humbling experience for the players, as they will experience one of the world’s greatest football families. Liverpool FC hope that this tour will bring the fans, who are all over the globe, closer to each other. Because it doesn’t matter how far away from Anfield they live. The thing that matters is that they all support Liverpool FC, the best football club in the world.

 Written by @LFC_newsblogger

The post Looking forward to the ‘Guinness International Champions Cup’ appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Let me give you one guess, who owns the New York Post.
The owner is from Down Under and his first name is Rupert.

The post What the New York Post said about the England – USA game appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Real Madrid are preparing a bid for Stevie G more…
(Here we go again)

And Man City too reported interest in Stevie G more…
(Ireland for Stevie? Come on please give us a break)

Mascherano is learning Italian more…
(Italian is very easy, especially to a Spanish speaker. Does this really mean he is going to Inter?)

Aquilani and Lucas could also be following Rafa to Inter more…
(That would leave us with no midfield)

Jovanovic featured in Serbia’s loss more…
(He is a quality player)

Rafa made another donation, this time to the Lily Centre more…
(Incredible, the guy is a legend)

However that does not stop Harry Kewell from taking a swipe at Rafa more…
(How much did you donate Harry? 0? Then shut up)

An anti-Hicks & Gillett banner did actually appear on T.V. during the Germany vs Australian game more…
(Kudos to those involved, YNWA)

Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has blamed the match ball for his play against the U.S.A. more…
(Maybe he should blame the fact that he is over his prime)

In the meantime Carra hails Gerrard more…
(Y.N.W.A.)

Raul has been previous linked with Liverpool but now he is being linked with Man Utd more…
(He is looking to reuniting with Michael Owen on the bench)

And finally Ian Ayre is conducting an interview with fans more…
(I wonder if he is answering any of the tough questions)

The post The Daily Antoine 14/6/2010 LFC News Digest appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

“You should be ashamed,” hollered a woman in a white Stetson with a diamond encrusted “W” glinting off the front of it. “You’re unpatriotic,” she concluded. My sister and I heard that sentence over and over when we attended the second inauguration of George W.  Bush. That was politics. That was Washington, DC circa 2004. Flash forward to the present and I’ve heard nearly the same argument tossed my way when it comes to the World Cup.

Not being a fan of the U.S. national team has made me a target of disdain, ire and not a few rants on just how “wrong” I am, and that there’s no other country in the world where the citizens aren’t zealots about the national team.

I could fake it—I could chant, “U.S.A, U.S.A.,” with other fans, but it would turn my ambivalence into resentment. Note that my feeling for the team is ambivalence—not hate, or even strong dislike—as I have never felt connected to its players, fans or style. I am not disappointed if the U.S. team does well, nor do I plan to root against them in the World Cup. But for a country of people that cannot get behind the simplest of human necessities, such as healthcare for its citizens, it strikes me as peculiar that when a sporting event is on, we’re suddenly all supposed to care about America. The messages are muddled: If you’re an American, you need to care about sports, get behind the team and be a part of the collective—but you can’t care about your neighbor.

As a Liverpool fan, my interest naturally is in our players’ performances, and I plan to keep a close eye on their national teams. However, even if I didn’t support Liverpool, Spain would still be my favorite. The passion and prowess they’ve displayed on the field is undeniable and watching them over the past few years has been enjoyable. They are the Cup favorites for a reason. Similarly, I enjoyed watching the Netherlands in the last Euro and I’m a fan of Dirk Kuyt, so those matches will also be on at my house. One of the most anticipated matches, featuring three Liverpool players, is Saturday’s between the U.S. and England.

To root for either the U.S. or England would feel false. I must admit to a preference for Capello as a manager even though comparing him to Bob Bradley feels somehow unfair. Capello has a pedigree unavailable to American managers. The caliber of players also seems to weigh heavily in England’s favor, if I didn’t know how easy it is for England to underachieve and for the U.S. to defend its way through matches. Instead of a team, I’ll root for the game of football tomorrow; here’s to an inspired match.

Even writing this, I feel an overwhelming sense of “meh.” Why am I still unconvinced? Does it even matter? Does it really mean I am somehow wrong and unpatriotic?

Enter last Thursday’s U.S. flag burning by fellow Liverpool supporters, and then enter an article on the Fox Sports website by Robert Burns. Burns suggests that because two Liverpool fans burned the American flag, U.S. fans should “rally like never before behind our players and give them the support that those in England believe is beyond our grasp.” Granted, the flag burning incident is an embarrassment; I shuddered when reading about it. But I also thought it an incredibly stupid, uncreative and lazy gesture on the part of those fans. I also dislike “Yanks out” and the nonsense cowboy slogans. When visiting Liverpool in March, I must admit to experiencing a heightened awareness and discomfort with my nationality when interacting with fans. I never felt that way in the past. It was an “Oh no, I am one of them” type of feeling that usually portends some sort of altercation. If I am one of them—an American—that must mean I am not fully behind Liverpool, not a real fan.

Being a Liverpool fan has exposed me to more types of people—races and nationalities—and football is the language we share. How many Americans even know what Hicks and Gillet have done to Liverpool Football Club? Burns’s article doesn’t even say that was the day the “mutual consent” deal was announced for Rafa leaving the Club. I can’t imagine Texas Rangers fans are too happy with how their team has been managed and, living in Chicago, it’s unfathomable how fans would react if foreign owners decimated one of our beloved teams as Hicks and Gillet seemed determined to do to Liverpool. So to Robert Burns I’d offer that context is everything and this isn’t some chest-pounding rally behind America moment.

When reflecting back to the inauguration in 2004, another incident stands out: an anarcho-punk-styled (I’m surprised he didn’t have a Crass patch sewn to the butt flap on his pants) young man strode up to us screaming “No blood for your oil war!” My sister and I looked at each other and practically broke into laughter as we, in tandem, said, “we’re on your side!” The young man ended up apologizing and hugging us over this case of mistaken identity. We’ve concluded that he judged us as being on the other side because we were nondescript in our black winter coats and hats, or because we didn’t look like him or a majority of the protestors. In spite of walking in the crowd with them, we still represented the “other” and certainly didn’t fit in with Bush supporters either.

It’s strange to be floating in that same limbo again, uncertain of how to navigate the space between belonging and not belonging, of how to provide satisfying answers to myself or anyone else about loyalties to club or country. Should I have to? Will I always be an outsider?

For the Liverpool fans that burned the U.S. flag, I can only yawn and say, “poorly done.” And for anyone in the U.S. calling for a rally over two people burning a flag or to those hollering at me or anyone who shares my feelings, I’d like you to come up with a better argument than “because it’s your country.” Can we quit predicating arguments on nationalistic obligation and start talking about “the world’s game”? I’ve been passive in many of the conversations on this subject, I’ve sat back and listened all the while wondering if the person even watched any U.S. qualifiers or could name more than a couple of players. I want to hear from someone that actually loves the team and is truly excited to watch them for any reason other than “it’s my country.” Talk to me about the style of play, convince me of their merit, and prove my ambivalence wrong. Or better yet, maybe the team will.

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