The American Dream

Heartbreak. I sat on the edge of my mother’s bed watching the United States Men’s National team walk off the Ato Boldon pitch. For the first time in my life,  I cried tears (You read that right) over the result of 2 to Trinidad and Tobago and 1 to the United States. Words couldn’t justify my emotions, time froze for the entire postgame television show. This single qualification match had a significant weight, a weight that eventually broke the squad creating a lackluster performance on the night. Why am I writing this column roughly a year and a half later from this match? The United States is still spinning the tires on how to properly run a soccer federation inside a country that is more than capable of accomplishing it. Soccer culture has taken over cities across the U.S, but we continue to repeat our past failures. Even with Gregg Berhalter’s small sample size during his current stretch of friendlies, the same problems still linger from the famous 2014 World Cup team. The Stakes haven’t been raised to the levels that should generate panic, but our performances recently should question what Gregg is trying to implement into our identity as the USMNT.

American Arrogance

Nationalism runs fluidly through this federation from a managerial standpoint. Foreign influence of tactics, players, and even dual citizenship players have conjured controversy in the press. Whether it be German-American players being called up more frequently during the Klinsmann era or how the federation refused to interview Julen Lopetegui for the manager position. An arrogant culture is present for a nation that hasn’t proved anything. Supporters of the USMNT couldn’t care less about the dual citizenship, birthplace, or physical make-up of those included in the starting XI. Our biggest concern is finding a consistent pattern that can be picked up and adapted by players. We want results, we want the best players on the pitch, and more importantly, we want to win. Nothing more, nothing less. This country has the resources, capital, and bodies to make this “American Dream” a reality. The federation falls to a self-driven arrogance of the 2014 World Cup round of 16 advancements. Guess what? That tournament was five years ago - yet Michael Bradley, Omar Gonzalez, and Jozy Altidore are still earning caps. Watching and reading about the call-ups for the team, I’m still left confused as to why these players are still being allowed to touch a USMNT roster. As a nation, we must look past this miracle run and allow for the wave of talent to play and look after one another. Gregg continues to dispatch starting XI’s without letting chemistry build between players from previous fixtures. Our identity has yet to be illustrated. With the Gold Cup approaching this summer, what will the federation accomplish? Does Gregg cater to the best individuals available? Or does Gregg select players that fit a certain playstyle he prefers? Gregg’s tactics and game plan at this year’s Gold Cup have two possible outcomes. Either the USMNT federation leaps ahead of the 2022 World Cup timetable or the USMNT faces another phase of rebuilding that creates a short-term solution for long-term complications.

Major League Soccer and Player Comfort

Major League Soccer has grown and shown popularity in this country. The league is fairly “new” to the extent of television and streaming providers bringing the games to a nationwide scale. Foreign talent also expressed an interest in playing in popular cities and embracing the culture of the states. At the current pool of talent, MLS still lacks the creativity, depth, and tactics of other leagues. Expanding the margin between the higher leagues across the world. With no relegation system or punishment for a poor season, teams are rewarded with higher draft picks. Thus, not creating a competitive atmosphere for low table teams. Relegation opens doors for lower-class teams to experience the highest-tier soccer within a league. Looking deeper into Gregg Berhalter’s selections since his managerial debut in December, more than half of the selections are from the MLS.

MLS holds 66.7% of the yield of players. As Bundesliga and Premier League hold a respectable 20.6%. Growth in other leagues is the biggest takeaway. Players are starting to venture overseas to prove not only themselves but the world Americans belong in soccer.

A Player’s decision to leave the states and try overseas leagues factors into why MLS dominates this chart. Take a minute to evaluate your career/life as it currently stands. Would you be willing to uproot your life to advance in your career, knowing that failure outweighs success? Writing that the USMNT players need to travel overseas to engage in a richer systematic approach to soccer than at home is easier said than done. The current example that should inspire the younger talent is former Borussia Dortmund forward, Christian Pulisic. Pulisic rose to superhero status with his five-year tenure with the club. His plate was filled with domestic league fixtures, DFB cup fixtures, and the holy grail, Champions League fixtures. Yes, Pulisic left his hometown as a young teenager to take the next step, but the current talent he possesses has large ties to a league that has matured more than the MLS. Much like his former teammate, Jadon Sancho he also left home to play in another country with hopes to elevate his overall game. Hopefully, in the near future, younger prospects will follow the trail of Christan Pulisic and look overseas to improve their game.

Reality begins on June 18th, as the United States starts its campaign in the Gold Cup against Guyana. From here, the federation aims to add another piece of hardware to the collection. Gregg will be under the microscope as the next generation of US soccer takes the pitch. Group D also includes Panama and rivals Trinidad and Tobago. The US must avenge the dark night in Trinidad on matchday two.

Fans across the nation will rally together at bars and cookouts rooting for the US. Our chants will fill the air with excitement and encouragement, bringing out our passion for the national team. Just remember, we as fans have suffered for the last five years, and it’s time to fight back and win this campaign. We want results to build off each other, carrying overconfidence to defeat our opponent no matter the rank or country. Most importantly, we want to win.

- TH