A Cautionary Tale for Yanks Abroad

Every time a young American soccer player signs for a big European club I think, "let him not get Kirovskied." Jovan Kirovsky was once the golden child of American soccer. He joined the vaunted Manchester United youth system at 15 - at a time when the system included such future United regulars as David Beckham and Paul Scoles. Jovan never broke through, however, and ended up with moving to German powers Borussia Dortmund. He was on the roster when the team won the Champions League in 1997, but saw little playing time. Next up were moves to lesser European teams and, eventually, MLS. In that time, Kirovsky went from "up and coming talent" to outside looking in as the United States prepares for the World Cup. Nary a mention of his name has cropped up during debates about the 23-man roster The Bruce will take to Germany this summer. Frank Dell'Apa has more on Kirovsky over at ESPNSoccernet.