Submitted by Peter Poole, Jan 16, 2007 02:43

When it comes to how Beckham fares in MLS and visa-versa, I'm willing to wait and see. At least he cannot be fouled on free kicks, perhaps his best remaining ability! But the MLS and US Soccer scenario he steps into is indeed as abysmal, as you have pointed out in this article and before.

The presence of good (foreign) players does help raise the water level for all their teammates, and I hope others like Beckham follow, but it is the young US talent who are being practically ignored. USSF lets youth soccer organizations continue to hold games and tournaments that coincide with National Team appearance dates (even World Cup), and age is often more important than ability and potential in placing players. There needs to be a discernable pathway to advancement. But next, as you pointed out, there is the college problem. Some of the best US youth players come through decent club team programs, not too far distant from European youth programs, but then the big disconnect.

Since the USSF cannot seem to take effective control of this next step, maybe commercial interests can be the key. Basketball in the USA seemed pretty healthy, but the best players who now move directly from high school to the NBA would never have gotten that level of exposure without the shoe companies getting involved with sponsored teams, tournaments, training programs, etc. It has also been great for disadvantaged youths, although some find it to be exploitative.

Like it or not, that's the American way, and it could work for soccer. I think the leaders of the best club programs should start looking to develop those relationships, and maybe something could change. Those commercial suppliers have worldwide connections to provide coaching, and help players move on to the next best level. If something like that were to occur, I really believe USSF would feel threatened by it, which would only show how comfortable they are with the status quo. They need to grow up for US soccer to improve.

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