California is home to some of the best United States Development Academies and De Anza Force stands right at the top of the list. The Bay Area club has grown to nearly fifty teams ranging from U-7 to U-18. Their latest prodigy, goalkeeper Brady Scott, has recently signed a three year contract with Bundesliga club FC Köln. Scott had an opportunity to join head coach George Gelnovatch at the University of Virginia but instead opted to move to Europe upon reaching his 18th birthday.
.@DeAnzaForce academy goalkeeper Brady Scott signs with @fckoeln in lieu an opportunity with @UVAMenSoccer: https://t.co/O8rgxouVjZ pic.twitter.com/uVKZHxKAzZ
— TopDrawerSoccer (@TopDrawerSoccer) July 21, 2017
Scott was on the U.S. roster for the U-20 World Cup in South Korea, albeit as a backup. However, he is one of the few players from that squad that will maintain his eligibility for the next version of the competition, to be played in 2019.
“My experiences with the youth national teams have helped me immensely. The experiences of playing at the international level have been a key in my development. Because of these games, I feel that the adjustment to German soccer will be significantly easier,” Scott told TopDrawerSoccer. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with national team GK coaches, Des Mcaleenam, Brad Friedel and Tony Meola over the past year. They have helped me both on the field and been there for consult about this next step.”
Scott went on to say, “My football goals for the first season with Köln are to get as many games as possible and to improve as much as possible,” he said. “Within the next few years, I will do my best to earn a spot on the first team. I’m hoping to still be able to be a part of the U.S. National team program and represent my country.”
Expect Scott to get minutes for FC Köln II in the German Regionalliga this season in addition to call ups for the U-19 and U-20 USYNT’s.