Hall biding his time in Denmark

He was born in a place called SeaTac, Washington and grew up in Gig Harbor, so in some sense it's little surprise that former San Diego State standout Tally Hall finds himself plying his trade in a port city. The problem is, he's riding the bench.

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Tally Hall opted for Europe over the Galaxy and MLS.

The 22-year-old keeper is stuck behind a veteran at Denmark's Esbjerg, or EfB, and his lack of playing time probably cost him a spot on the U.S. under-23 team that clinched an Olympic berth last month. Had things been different, Hall might have been suiting up for Los Angeles when the MLS season opened a couple of weeks ago, rubbing shoulders with -- well, given he's 6-foot-4, maybe that should be towering over -- one of the world's most recognizable athletes, "Galactico" turned "Galaxico" David Beckham.

Hall was drafted by the Galaxy in 2007 but chose to sign with EfB, a modest club that last won the domestic title almost 30 years ago and lags behind national powerhouses Brondby and F.C. Copenhagen.

"Right now the most important thing in my career is finding first-team games," Hall said. "If that's going back with the Galaxy, then that's where I'll go. And if it means I have to stay (at EfB), I'm very happy to. But right now it's about getting experience and being competitive. If an opportunity comes to me, that's going to have to be decided by myself and my club."

During the long winter break in the Superligaen, Hall found himself in warmer climes. He was in Bradenton, Fla., in February competing in the second of two training camps used to determine the Olympic qualifying roster. His adversaries between the sticks were Real Salt Lake's Chris Seitz and Dominic Cervi, property of the Chicago Fire. Under-23 head coach Peter Nowak spotted Cervi at the MLS combine and invited him to the first camp when Julian Valentin got injured.

In the end, Hall, a former All-American who led the college ranks in save percentage in 2005, missed the cut. Not playing with EfB had a little to do with it, and the coaching staff also told him he needed to hone his presence -- he was apparently too commanding. Ironically, Peter Schmeichel, a Dane and longtime Manchester United stalwart, earned enormous respect from his defenders despite his constant badgering.

"When I was called into the training camp, I was probably too quiet and negative towards any mistake I made," Hall said. "I felt a bit outclassed and I needed to be playing at a different level. After that I realized I had to play my game. I'm a good goalkeeper -- I believe that -- and my attitudes will help others believe that as well.

"I went on the other end of the extreme, and they said I was a bit too loud with my communication, too intense, and the way defenders respond to that is by maybe shutting the keeper out."

His omission came as a surprise to Aztec head coach Lev Kirshner. Hall's frame, athleticism and footwork are some of his on-field strengths, and players are actually drawn to him, Kirshner suggested.

"He's just a great person, always happy, everyone loves him, and he's got a charisma that corrals people towards him," he said. "There's an energy that creates a good atmosphere whenever he walks in the room."

Hall still has a chance of making the Olympic team, though the next few months at EfB could be pivotal. He's the No. 2 among three keepers behind 32-year-old Lars Winde. Being a young backup behind a thirtysomething generally holds some promise if you're an outfield player, but keepers can play well into their late 30s.

The coaching staff told Hall they're confident in his abilities and notice his progress, though that hasn't translated into first-team action.

Being in a new country and lingering on the bench can make for an unhappy combination, and Hall acknowledged the first six months in Denmark were tough. He loves Mexican fare, and as you might have guessed, Esbjerg is scarce when it comes to enchiladas and the like. (Hall isn't a big fan of seafood, a favorite among Danes.)

Now he's at ease. He lives close to the major pedestrian thoroughfare and takes a stroll whenever boredom sets in.

"I've been recognized once or twice," Hall laughed. "And I look at that person, and I say, `You must be a huge EfB fan if you recognize me.'''

New bride Erica -- they were married in December -- was due to join him last week.

Hall considers himself a bit of a dreamer, and assuming he can get a year or year and a half as the No. 1 at Esbjerg, wants to continue his career in the loftier confines of Germany or France. Spain would be the ultimate destination.

"Ten years down the road he could be anywhere in this world in my opinion,'' Kirshner said. "I'm not saying he's going to be the starter at Real Madrid, but he could be in Real's team. I could see it. There's nothing out there telling me that he doesn't have that chance because I know he's got the drive, the wherewithal and the physical characteristics."

Ravi Ubha is a London-based freelance journalist covering Americans abroad for ESPNsoccernet. He also covers tennis for ESPN.com.