American Salvatore Zizzo Crosses The Pond...

I don't know what it is about UCLA players and Germany, but another UCLA soccer player has signed a professional contract in Germany...this time with Hannover 96. Sal Zizzo was headed into his junior season at UCLA but will put off finishing school to go after the European soccer dream.

Zizzo was one of my favorites to get a Generation Adidas contract in January 2007 because of his stellar performance at the 2006 College Cup as a sophomore. He and MLS didn't come to terms and it looked like we'd see him playing for a NCAA championship in 2007. However, things chance and it looks like we won't get to see that.

Sal grew up in the US youth set up having played in various international tournaments with the U-18 and U-20 teams. He was an All-American in 2005 before enrolling at UCLA. The Southern California native could be in for a shock moving to Germany. Could we see another Landon Donovan situation?

I am disappointed. Sal is an exciting midfielder/forward who can cause chaos on the right wing. During the recent U-20 World Cup he featured heavily in the US' run to the quarterfinals, but he never was in top form since he was in his off-season. I'm not saying he had a sub-par performance, I'm just saying the professional players on the US team showed better. I'm excited to see what this kid can acomplish as a professional player.

With Sal going to Europe his development should accelerate. He's getting into the professional game at a great age and the German system, known for its discipline and rigor, should help him grow as a player. Look for Zizzo to continue featuring in the US youth setup. He should have a great shot at the 2008 Olympics with the U-23 team.