American Soccer assessment

[BamaNation]

So, after all the hoopla about growth in American Soccer (in particular, USMNT), looks like we are regressing to sucking. Losing 4 straight games and just lost 4-0 to SWITZERLAND. My assessment: US does less with more than any other soccer "power." Given that I only am interested in national team soccer on big stage (olympics, world cup, etc), anybody who actually follows soccer have an answer for this?

Switzerland 4-0 USA (Jun 10, 2025) Game Analysis - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the Switzerland vs. United States International Friendly game from June 10, 2025 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

I have thought for years that by now, or a little sooner, with every little kid playing soccer, that we could finally find 11 people out of 300 plus million that could compete. We were without some starters, but there is NO excuse for the pitiful performances lately.

Oak Mountain high school team would have at least been looking like they were glad to be there. Sheesh
We need to improve greatly, or we will be a laughing stock in the upcoming WC.

 

[BamaNation]

Pulisic: Former USMNT critics 'way out of line'

AC Milan and United States men's national team midfielder Christian Pulisic said that comments from former U.S. players criticizing him for opting to skip the Concacaf Gold Cup are "way out of line."

www.espn.com

Apparently, the guys who worked hard to get USMNT to a respectful level aren't happy with players skipping national games. ...Looking at you, Christian Pulisic.

 

[BhamToTexas]

Pulisic: Former USMNT critics 'way out of line'

AC Milan and United States men's national team midfielder Christian Pulisic said that comments from former U.S. players criticizing him for opting to skip the Concacaf Gold Cup are "way out of line."

www.espn.com

Apparently, the guys who worked hard to get USMNT to a respectful level aren't happy with players skipping national games. ...Looking at you, Christian Pulisic.

Players skipping the Gold Cup with the goal to have their bodies and play in form for the World Cup instead doesn't really bother me. US Soccer has made it clear that the Gold Cup doesn't mean as much to us as it once did.

 

[BhamToTexas]

I will try my best to answer the original question. For the record I have played my entire life and still play. My son is 15 and plays at a very high level.

Here is the fundamental problem with US Soccer in my opinion. In our country it is basically "pay to play". Every youth soccer player has to pay large sums of money to compete at the highest levels (really most levels). The money gets funneled upwards to clubs and organizations. That limits the player pool significantly. In other countries it is different. In England, for example, the money comes from the soccer clubs and funnels downward. The youth players of quality would not have to pay a dime to get the best facilities, training, coaching, competition, etc. as the clubs are paying for it all in order to find and develop the best talent.