COLUMN: American soccer needs improvement
Sometimes in sports, as well as in life, you have to descend to the lowest level before you can make it to the top. Just ask the Red Sox. Not only did they have to watch as the pitcher they sold to the Yankees went on to become arguably the best baseball player ever, but also the team to which he was sold has become arguably the most successful sports franchise in the United States. Let’s not forget, of course, Buckner’s boot against the Mets in ’86. However, after descending to these depths of despair, they were ultimately able to overcome it and win two World Series in four years.
Let’s hope the USA men’s national soccer team can do the same thing. While it’s true that the USA has been fairly successful in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and friendlies in the last few years, it’s also true that the real prize in international soccer is the World Cup. For the Americans the World Cup has been anything but successful.
After taking third place in the first ever FIFA World Cup in 1930, USA soccer went downhill. From 1938 to 1990 the U.S. qualified for two World Cups, 1950 and 1990, and managed just one win along with seven losses.
From there it’s just been a crazy roller-coaster ride for supporters of the men’s national team. In ’94 it made it to the Round of 16, in ’98 it lost every game, in 2002 it made it to the quarterfinals, in 2006 it didn’t win a game and in 2010 it lost again in the Round of 16.
Things, however, started to get especially dark this year after the USA lost to Paraguay, then got thumped 4-1 against Spain and then lost to struggling Panama. It culminated from the USA loss in the Gold Cup final to Mexico. It seemed like things couldn’t get worse for the U.S. That’s when USA head coach Bob Bradley was fired and German legend Jurgen Klinsmann was hired.
Finally it looked like there might be a light at the end of the tunnel for soccer in America. Klinsmann managed to take Germany to the semi-finals of the 2006 World Cup as manager and was a star player himself. Klinsmann is completely revamping the system of training and developing the future players of the national team.
The 81 years of losing looks to finally be sending the right message, and rightfully it should. If Americans want soccer to reach the level of popularity and global competition basketball, football and baseball have, the national team needs to start winning and it’s got to start producing real stars. Major League Soccer needs to develop name brands from local stock, instead of relying on old European has-beens like David Beckham, Thierry Henry and Freddy Ljunberg to generate support.
No more excuses. The MLS now has 18 teams with great facilities. Fans are turning out to the games in higher numbers than ever. Kids are playing soccer at an ever-increasing rate and at an ever-increasing level.
We can’t forget how well the USA women have been doing, either. Two World Cup titles and a runners up medal at the 2011 World Cup isn’t too bad at all.
It’s time for the USA men to put off the losing mentality and step up to the stage. Now is the time to take soccer in the U.S. to a new level. USA soccer has been at its lowest point; it’s now time for Klinsmann and company to take the U.S. to its highest.
– Spencer is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. He supports Manchester United and hopes to live long enough to watch the Cubs win a World Series. Send any comments to s.eliason3@gmail.com.