A Look at Two of Orange County's Stars:Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan

Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kljestan are two of the upcoming US national team stars pushing for a ticket to South Africa,also two reasons to be excited for the Honduras friendly and the 2010 MLS Season.Watch them while you can,these kids can be in Europe in the next year or two if they play there cards right.




Robbie Rogers:The 23 year-old Orange County native was a two-time All-American in high school at Mater Dei before transferring to the University of Maryland.At his first year at Maryland he helped the team life the 2005 NCAA Championship.In August 2006,Rogers hopped the pond and played at SC Herenveen in the Dutch Eridivese.However,after not making any first team appearences he went to the Columbus Crew in 2007 due to them winning a draft lottery.Rogers flourished with the Crew,winning the Supporter Shield and the MLS Cup in the 2008 season,while also making the MLS XI.He has also been a solid performer with the National Team at various levels.Rogers started at the U-20 World Cup in Canada,The Olympics, and the 2009 World Cup.Robbie's speed,dribbling,and creativity make him a player to keep on your radar for the 2010 World Cup.


Sacha Kljestan:The 24 year-old Southern Californian has enjoyed a good career so far in the MLS with Chivas USA.2009 wasn't Kljestan's best year;but he has shown promise as a player that can go to South Africa.2009 was Sacha's breakout year,making MLS XI and nominated for the All-Star game.After scoring a hat-trick against Sweden in January 2009,Kljestan had a trial at Glasgow Celtic,the reigning SPL Champions.A deal could not be worked out,and for a couple of months Kljestan's play began to suffer.Kljestan,now back in form, has a chance to step up and make himself a force in Bob Bradley's midfield.Know for his first-touch,vision and passing rannge,Kljestan can play anywhere across the midfield.Europe and Bob Bradley will be keeping an eye on this talented midfield maestro.