4 Steps for U.S. Team
Jerry Trecker: For U.S. Team, The Next Level Is 4 Steps Away
The United States has improved dramatically in soccer the past 16 years. Don’t forget that while seeking explanations for the national team’s failure in Germany.
What World Cup 2006 should drive home is that the climb to international respectability is easier than completing the transition to championship contender.
In the year before this World Cup it should have been obvious that U.S. expectations were not realistic. But perhaps they signal an opportunity to move the U.S. toward the day when it can be counted among the top teams in the field.
Here are four steps needed if the American game is to progress significantly:
His recommendation about getting MLS on the same schedule as the rest of the world, so that our national team can remain cohesive, is an excellent point.
The United States must play on every FIFA-designated international date; must accept every opportunity to appear as a tournament guest; must work as diligently as possible to qualify for every FIFA event, from youth level to Confederations Cups. The national team must play high-quality games instead of wasting time with meaningless exhibitions against regional opponents who are now beaten routinely. U.S. Soccer should re-create the old U.S. Cup. That would bring three quality teams to our shores each year for a major competitive weekend.
From 2002 to 2006, the U.S. could not play on every available date because some conflicted with MLS playoffs; others fell at times when MLS players were out of season. We said no to a Copa America invitation and did not field our full national team for CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments.
Sounds right to me.
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