Tagged: US Soccer

‘It’s only working for the white kids’: American soccer’s diversity problem | Football | The Guardian

‘It’s only working for the white kids’: American soccer’s diversity problem | Football | The Guardian

Good read here. It will take time, and a concerted effort, for change to occur. You would think coaches, clubs etc would do whatever to ensure talent, from whatever background, gets through but they may not be thinking about how US Soccer as a whole is being affected.

Women Earn The Glory While Men Earn The Money In U.S. Soccer | FiveThirtyEight

Women Earn The Glory While Men Earn The Money In U.S. Soccer | FiveThirtyEight

Well. Let’s see how this turns out. Certainly a valid argument for the US Women’s team. They’ve been the money-maker and the better US team for quite some time. There is one interesting thing to note as one of the articles mentioned. The US women’s team club salaries are paid for by the US Soccer Federation, something that’s pretty much nonexistent elsewhere. That’s because the Federation runs the NWSL, the US Women’s league. Some could say that US Soccer might use that as leverage by lessening salaries or saying the ladies will have to get that straight from the clubs moving forward if they want more bonuses, per diems etc for national team play. It’s a bit sinister but possible. The Women could in turn leave the NWSL and play in Europe, which would certainly put the NWSL in danger due to losing their star power. That’s sinister from the too but eye for an eye right? That’s unlikely though as they want to improve the women’s game in the US not harm it. Interesting to hear from the players in that last article. We probably won’t hear about his for a while. Unless, say, the US Women win the Olympics, but you would think things will turn out in these ladies favour. Guess we’ll see.

US women’s soccer team accuses federation of wage discrimination

US Soccer’s wage gap is America’s shame

The Conversation with USWNT players Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn, Carli Lloyd and Hope Solo

Jurgen Klinsmann needs show progress with the United States – ESPN FC

Jurgen Klinsmann needs show progress with the United States – ESPN FC

Sometimes you get the feeling Jurgen Klinsmann is getting a lot more leeway than he deserves. Especially lately. Is his contract too much for him to get sacked early? There really has been little progress for the US since the World Cup and things weren’t necessarily that great before either. He’s not really overseeing the transition to the new generation well. World Cup qualification and the Copa America will certainly tell a lot. Who knows if he’ll still be there at the 2018 World Cup.

Is Jürgen Klinsmann calling up the right players to the US national team?

Why can’t the United States develop a male soccer star? | Football | The Guardian

Why can’t the United States develop a male soccer star? | Football | The Guardian

Seems like a lot of time in this article was spent on the issue of compensation for youth clubs as a way to address the pay to play system which can reduce the number of talented youngsters available outside those in MLS academies. That’s understandable but ultimately the major factor is a cohesive plan for youth development with high schools, youth clubs and  MLS Academies all partaking. Yes, the solidarity and training fees may help youth club’s expand opportunities for youngsters who otherwise couldn’t afford it and try to improve their operations and quality. It would help but it wouldn’t necessarily amount to a drastic improvement in the amount of talent produced in different levels of US Soccer.

Jurgen Klinsmann under pressure after U.S. defeat vs Brazil – ESPN FC

Jurgen Klinsmann under pressure after U.S. defeat vs Brazil – ESPN FC

Pretty much spot on all throughout. Will be very interesting to see what happens if the US does lose to Mexico. Although the Confederations Cup is not that big a deal it robs the side of some much-needed competitive experience. They may get it in the Copa Centenario though so there’s that. Still. Lots of questions for Klinsmann and this US side.

Why America’s next top soccer star may have found the perfect fit in Rangers | Football | The Guardian

Why America’s next top soccer star may have found the perfect fit in Rangers | Football | The Guardian.

It’s definitely an interesting move for Zelalem. We’ll see how it pans out.