Why is US Soccer failing?

By Jonathan Feldman

Mexico showed Bob Bradley what fans have long suspected. Major League Soccer just isn't getting the job done when it comes to player development. The MLS based USA lineup was recently thrashed 5-0 in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Cue the usual excuses from Bradley, the players, and from US Soccer brass. But the facts speak for themselves.

Just two players from Major League Soccer started for the USA during the team’s recent Confederations Cup run, while MLS contributed to more than half of the USA’s starting 2002 World Cup squad.

MLS standouts Sacha Kljestan, Ricardo Clark, Jonathan Bornstein, Conor Casey, and Landon Donovan received playing time, the remaining 11 play in Europe. Three from that MLS group started and two (Clark and Kljestan) were sent off.

When Bradley fielded a largely MLS squad the team has struggled. The American’s narrow 1-0 win over Barbados and its three loss performance at the 2007 Copa America spring to mind. But one needs to only look at MLS performances in CONCACAF competitions to see the disparity between Central American countries and the USA. The 5-0 loss to Mexico shows just how naive and inexperienced American based players have become - complacent because Major League Soccer has failed to educate them.

Attendance is down this year as many fans now recognize that this league isn’t worth watching. You could call Major League Soccer a poorly run developmental league with an identity crisis. When it comes to youth it spends a fraction of what it does on foreign stars. A developmental league is good enough for Brazil, Argentina, and Holland, but for some reason, it isn’t good enough for MLS execs.

"MLS is important in terms of growth. So many of these players began in MLS and that part of it is still important,” said Bob Bradley. But after so much promise, Major League Soccer’s influence on the USA is starting to wane. Blame over-expansion, David Beckham, and the front office if you like. But in the end, it isn’t likely to change, unless you demand it.

- The opinions of Jonathan Feldman do not necessarily represent those of GreenPitch Magazine.

CONCACAF leaves COPA Libertadores

In a statement, CONCACAF said it would not renew a four-year contract for the teams to participate, which ended in 2008. This means Mexican clubs Monterrey and Puebla, which were to play in the event, will be withdrawn.

CONCACAF's ruling allows its clubs to participate in its own competition - the CONCACAF Champions League - which is in its second year. In other news, NIKE announced that it has replaced PUMA as the official sponsor of CONCACAF.

Bradley is under pressure

(GP News)

Blogs and social networking websites calling for the resignation of Bob Bradley and Sunil Gulati have seen a resurgence of activity in recent days. And some fans, including a board member of Sam’s Army, the team’s official fan club, have even refused to buy tickets and team merchandise until Bradley is dismissed and/or Sunil Gulati resigns.

For some, an underachieving USA squad is indicative of a program which is headed in the wrong direction. If history is any guide, they could be on to something.

In 1995, the US Soccer Federation, named an experienced squad for that year’s Copa America. Steve Sampson’s club placed fourth in the prestigious tournament with wins over Argentina, Mexico, and Chile. With added respect, the team inspired American soccer players to dream and set higher sights.

In contrast, the Bradley era has featured wins over regional rivals such as Mexico and Panama and lopsided losses against higher ranked England, Spain, Sweden and Brazil. After publicly writing off the 2007 Copa America as a learning experience, Bradley, the former Chivas USA manager, named a green roster for the tournament and consequently experienced three straight losses – including a 4-1 defeat to Argentina.

In his tenure with the USA Bob Bradley has shown a penchant for generally conservative tactics – a win at home over weak opposition, and a draw or loss away from home – to secure World Cup qualification. But with disorganization rampant at nearly every position across the field, it is the fans who are yearning for a new approach.

“(US Soccer) is capable of achieving more with a better manager, one with tactical experience in Europe, and one who can inspire and demand more of the program, the players, and the fans,” said an anonymous fan who watched the recent USA/Costa Rica match at Manhattan soccer bar Nevada Smiths. “At this stage of the game, pride must take a back seat to foresight.”

What's happening to MLS?

By Jonathan Feldman

It’s Don Garber 10th year in office and we’re just starting to see a tired hand. David Beckham was a flop; some teams with soccer specific stadiums are struggling with attendance; television ratings are flat, and MLS clubs continue to fall in international competition.

The league’s response – spearheaded by Mr. Garber – is to expand/build more stadiums, sign more foreign players, and hope some of that money trickles down to American players. Since MLS clubs failed to perform in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, MLS executives created an alternative competition exclusive to Mexican and American clubs. The notion that fans would ignore a FIFA sanctioned cup competition in support of a marketing ploy such as Superliga is ridiculous but part of SUM culture nevertheless.

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COMMENTS

“The current team is like a bouncing ball, up and down, up and down. There are some good to a few excellent footballers on the team and it is becoming extremely frustrating to watch the team perform so inconsistently. The coaching reaction to the changes in the Italy game Monday were grossly miscalculated. I hate being critical of Bradley because he is doing the job, but our athletes are simply better than these performances against Costa Rica, Italy and Brazil have shown. The best example is the first half of the Italy game Monday. We were there and we were playing ball with them in a controlled fashion and we were pushing them on them for 30 minutes or more. Then we couldn't respond to the adversity or the changes. So frustrating … our young National teams are ultra successful we need to make the transition to the National squad's success. Why is this not happening? Coaching must be the answer, not the MLS which has shown much improvement in the past two years and finally shows some excitement. And stop telling soccer is no good in the USA, it is we are improving every year, but must become consistent."
- William Longer, Richmond, VA

	... an underachieving USA squad is indicative of a program which is headed in the wrong direction.

SUM could have found a way to pool resources to fund an overhaul of the fledgling US Open Cup. But that is another discussion.

There are league loyal journalists who scoff that this criticism is nothing more than overblown fan diatribe, better relegated to obscure sports blogs. They’re wrong. Critical fans seem to have a keener understanding of the game than paid off journalists. The traditional back sports page is nearing irrelevance in the scheme of soccer journalism and its writers have been forced to create their own blogs or in the case of columnists like Michael Lewis and Marc Connolly sell their integrity for an MLS paycheck each week.

We’ve come full circle. Now there is a general consensus among league brass that MLS needs to focus more on the sophisticated soccer fan than in the past. It took several years and $ millions down the drain for the league to realize that the countdown clock, penalty shootout, and game-time music were all bad ideas. In the New York area the MetroStars front office fostered an antagonistic relationship with its supporters and local soccer media for some time before it reached out.

It took MLS teams more than a decade figure out that they could make revenue from shirt sponsorship. In comparison, top-flight leagues in Japan and Australia did not make these mistakes. In America, our independent nature can lead us to celebrated success and other times to stubborn failure. "This is America, we can do it our own unique way." Unfortunately, for MLS fans, the situation is more serious than win or lose. Major League Soccer is rudderless at the moment. The league is devoid of new ideas – so much so, that it has hired marketing consultants from across the pond. Don Garber deserves credit for stadium construction and expansion. But his failure to take meaningful responsibility for the league’s lack of noticeable improvement on the field is inexcusable.

Major League Soccer must face the fact that it is in a uniquely daunting position. It must find creative ways to improve its product and grow its audience. The league must do both or it will eventually fold. Even established sports leagues face similar challenges. Perhaps now, after five years of declining television ratings, NBA execs must know that good defense eventually leads to stronger, more consistent play – and better players - hallmarks of its 1980s heyday.

Unfortunately, lack of creativity in MLS is just a reflection of an underlying problem. In my opinion, those in charge have become complacent. Garber and company are content to let the chips fall, win or lose.

For the last 10 years the league has leaned on the standard American sports business model, which is not applicable to the growth of American soccer. And now they’re scrambling for a new formula.

Who works in Major League Soccer? Some employees in the front office seem to have absolutely no soccer related business experience. It seems then that candidates need only a strong degree, experience in professional sports, and some personal connections. So why should soccer experience matter? Well for one thing, it’s hard to market a product when you don’t fully understand it or the market you’re trying to reach.

Do you want to see more money spent on youth development? Do you want to see better coaching? Do you want to see teams that defend well, play with possession, and attack in numbers? Do you want to see strong performances in meaningful competition? How about sold out stadiums with atmosphere?

Well, my friends, maybe it’s time for a regime change. I propose that most American of concepts – an election to determine the executive board of SUM, the real governing body of the sport in the United States. Otherwise, you’ll see more of the same tired attempts to cash in on the Hispanic market and the usual excuses when MLS clubs drop out of international competitions.

- The opinions of Jonathan Feldman do not necessarily represent those of GreenPitch Magazine.

Seattle lifts Open Cup

Sanna Nyassi's brace was enough for Seattle to lift a consecutive US Open Cup trophy.

Organization woes plague MLS:
Puerto Rico's 4-1 defeat of Los Angeles at the Home Depot Center is likely to raise the issue that Major League Soccer brass are still more interested in raising the profile of the game with friendly competition than with on the field improvement.

Toronto, Seattle qualify, Bradley names roster.

Toronto and Seattle qualified for the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League with comeback draws in Central America.

USA/Colombia to meet

The USA and Colombia will meet on October 12th at PPL Park in Chester.

MLS Recap

Chivas USA 2, New England 0; DC United 1, Toronto 0; New York 3, Colorado 1; Philadephia 1, Chicago 0; San Jose 0, Dallas 0; Los Angeles 2, Columbus 1.

Ghana knocks off the USA

The USA fought back from a goal down only to lose in a period of extra time in its Round of 16 matchup with Ghana.

Adu to leave Portugal, MLS bound?

Reports in Portugal suggest that Benfica will release Freddy Adu next month. With few interested parties in Europe, Adu could return to MLS. With budding concerns of a watered down player pool from the league's rapid expansion, several American teams are likely to express interest in the 21 year old.

WC ratings boost

The USA/Ghana matchup drew over 19 million viewers, according to Nielsen. The number is an American record for the sport.

USA/England ratings boost

According Nielsen, the USA/England match was watched by 14 million viewers.

The USL and NASL unite

(USSoccer.com) The US Soccer Federation, United Soccer Leagues (USL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL) have come to an agreement on the formation and operation of a Division 2 professional soccer league for the 2010 season. Under the agreement, US Soccer will oversee the league for the 2010 season, working with both the USL and NASL on the day-to-day league activities.

USA injuries, woes mount

Opinion by Jonathan Feldman The USA is without several key players ahead of crucial World Cup warm up matches later this spring. With a 2-1 loss to Holland the team showed once again that it is not in the class of the game's elite.

USA World Cup group set

The USA will face favorites England on June 12th in their opening match of the 2010 World Cup. The team will next match up with Slovenia on June 18th, followed then by a meeting with Algeria on June 23.

NASL returns

Teams include: Carolina RailHawks, Atlanta Silverbacks, Crystal Palace Baltimore, Miami FC, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, St. Louis Soccer United, Tampa Bay Rowdies and Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

MLS takes a break

Major League Soccer has taken a break from play until June 25 when San Jose faces Real Salt Lake.

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COMMENTS

"I think the answer may be more simple than first thought. We all know that many of the most gifted players are the product of street soccer and poverty. When was the last time you saw a group of kids having a kick around, or even shooting hoops for that matter. It is a cultural issue- and the quality part is technology. Why go out and learn Francesco Totti's flicks when you can just be him on Fifa 2006? Even your most technically sound players today have no imagination- their approach is too systematic and predictable. Players need to be more brave and take chances. At lower levels, athletes are taught not to risk loss of possession rather than strive for the impossible. Winning and losing are important on upper levels- but maybe not as important as the style in which they are done." - Rodney Orrick, St. Charles, MO

"The talent isn't there for the US. USSF is worried too much being like the rest of the world in development. Let the US maintain and grow soccer under our own identity. Challenging youth programs that are not pigeon holed by "academy status" and top notch coaches at the collegiate level. That is where our players will mature and become disciplined to move onto MLS or national team duty. American sports and American athletes are not like the rest of the world so stop trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Emphasis needs to be back on the club level youth; multiple tournaments and championships with all teams participating; quit segregating...history tells us segregation never works."
- K. Kent, Southeastern, PA

"I love US soccer as much as anyone, I coach for a living and I too sit back and question Bradley's every move, just as every parent of my players do to me :) However, let's step back and take a deep breath. We live in a fast food culture, we want instant results. You can't pass countries like Italy and Brazil by in a matter of a few short years, you are talking about countries who have a 100 years of excellence under their belts. I remember watching the the US play in 1990, we were horrible! By 2002 (12 years) we could compete with anyone. I think what has happened is we (the US soccer fan) have become tired of being competitive with the Italy's, Brazil's, Germany's, etc... yet not being good enough to actually beat them. You mentioned Sampson in your article, come on, are you kidding me, the 1998 World Cup was a disaster to say the least. I guess I just don't understand all the negativity. You talk about the MLS in such negative terms, did you see the Seattle vs. DC game the other night? 30,000 screaming fans! It is a slow process. I'd love to instantly be a top 5 team in the world too, but it doesn't just happen, unfortunately it is a slow process. Look on the field do you think, we have players like Kaka? The problem isn't Bradley, the problem is we are just starting to (hopefully a Jozy Altidore) produce world class players. We have made great strides, we are moving in the right direction, sometimes it is 2 steps forward and 1.5 back, but we are moving forward. The MLS is moving forward, but is a slow process in a country that has such a diversity of sport and such a loyal following of Football and Baseball. Let's face it we are at least 20 years away. You can hire whatever manager you want but being European isn't going to turn Landon Donovan into Kaka or Messi."
- Jim Stone, Bemidji, MN

"Perhaps this is the time to get a coach with international experience for the men's national team. Somebody like Ozzie Ardiles, is fluent in English, won the World Cup with Argentina, played and coached in Great Britain and is a magnificent manager."
- Nigel Higginbotham, Ft Lauderdale, Fl

"The U.S. is eleven starters not a team. You pick talent, but the coach has to mold them into a team. You need team players not so-called superstars. Defense wins games. The U.S. plays Kick and run, not ball control. The game has past Brady by. Time for a new coach, new direction. The talent is there, We need a coach ..."
- Ron Pfeffer, Fair Lawn NJ

"The US has not improved at all under bob bradley. He was a step up from Bruce, but we need a coach who will bring some flair into the lineup and not really soley on our physical play but our technical play. Davies, Benny, and torres need to see more time. Sacha and Beasley need Hopefully, Jones can bring some solid play in the midfield."
- Kyle N., New York, NY

"Time to find someone who knows how to pick out and inspire talent. Bob's a boob and a donkey. Sir Alex or a David Moyes might be able to help ..."
- John Moody, Los Angeles, CA

"Soccer in the USA is stuck in the mud at present. There is a lack of development at the youth level and the MLS is not even a minor league compared to European soccer.i grew up in Scotland and played as a youth there.it was free to play it was not about money it was about talent that could be developed. Parents never talked to the coaches about playing time. Unfortunately in the USA because it costs so much to play on competitive teams parents feel like they have a say about playing time and go as far as coaching there child from the sidelines. Until us soccer fixes there problems in youth soccer they will continue to struggle on a world stage no matter who coaches the team.the current us team has 6 to 8 players playing in Europe and only 2-3 of them see playing time at a high level. If you watch USA games you will see that there touch in small areas is awful as is there field awareness. The USA will qualify for 2010 world cup but until the youth programs are run better at a smaller cost we will continue to be beaten. USA has over 300 million people and lose to Costa Rica who has a population of 4 million. We don't develop players they do. This needs to be fixed from the bottom. In order to succeed you have to have a strong base and until we build that strong base we will continue to be a second tier team."
- Martin McInally, Virginia Beach, VA.

"The defensive marking is terrible the midfield has no imagination and the attack is uninspiring and lacks commitment from a team effort. The players seem to be afraid to hold the ball and wait for help and we play way to much long ball to be effective against higher level teams. When on the defensive side of the ball we make way to many stupid challenges costing us free kicks that we are hard pressed to cover one on one. We need man marking personnel and a midfield that is not afraid to hold the ball and a defense that can clear the ball when necessary and good distribution when not under pressure. I could break it down more but whats the use. I think it is time for a change. Bradley needs to go."
- Richard Lawrence, Chula Vista Ca.

"I have been a huge fan of THE SQUAD since the 1990 world Cup. I have attended the cup in 1994 and France 1998. I have also attended every US game played in Chicago and training sessions. I am lucky, in that I have had many chances to talk with players and coaches alike. I like many, make my living in soccer, and believe in the US Soccer Federation. I have too, no? Nonetheless, the US is an absolute embarrassment, and Bradley is to blame. 6 goals in 2 games. Let's talk about defense, shape, organization, and just old fashion American guts and grit. We have none. In the last two qualifiers; Costa Rica and Honduras, we gave up goals in the first 5 minutes! That is terrible, and again, falls on the coach. Where is the defensive presence and the strength that is American soccer. We are not ever going to produce players like Brazil, Argentina, Italy, or Spain. We need to all come to terms with that. However, that does not mean that we can't be good, strong and competitive on the world stage. CONCACAF is also a joke. We do not deserve 3 automatic bids and a possible forth from a playoff. That is crap. Furthermore, I am sick of the attitude of only being able to beat Mexico. Who cares? We beat Mexico and then get thrashed against legit teams on the international stage. A very, very sad day for US soccer. Bradley has to go. He has no clue! Let it be known, those of us with some years, remember 1994 and the win versus a very good Colombian team? Who was the coach? Bora. Bring back Bora, and bring back some pride and respect for American soccer. Bradley, Sampson, and Arena all suck! The World Cup results and this one, speak loud and clear! Bradley must go! Also, to all of us US soccer fans: where were you against Honduras? Of the 55,000 the greedy US Soccer federation opted to sell those tickets to a vast majority Honduran fan base. Hats off to the Hondurans. They traveled from all over the US and from Honduras. I was impressed by their dedication and loyalty. of all the thousands of suburban club soccer kids, and OPD kids, let me put it this way, very few were in attendance. This also holds us back. I am sad and angry by this performance. US Soccer again is the joke of the International game. Bob Bradley, you are limited and suck. Goodbye!
- Richard Drobny, La Grange, IL

"Unfortunately, US Men's soccer has been on the decline for many years. It all starts at the youth level on up in identifying the really talented good players versus the players who have no intelligence for the game. The US consistently falls short at identifying the "real" players because of the people to manage ODP and other identification programs. Most of the real players get frustrated with the politics and the lack of ability of most US coaches to identify game players and impact players versus the players who look good in practice or some weekend combine. The US continues to lose the "real" players to other sports which have a much better system of identifying players."
- Joe Battista, Lake Mary, FL

-2010-04-11