What is Next for USA Soccer?
Nicholas Spiller
Now that the 2014 World Cup has come and gone for America, the endless question on everyone's mind is simply: What now? Yes, the USA soccer team defied the odds and progressed through a very challenging group, and yes, once again American soccer displayed several hard-fought victories and inspired scores of new soccer fans back in the States, but will those fans continue to support the team, or will another four years have to pass until Russia 2018 before the casual fans come back out of the woodwork again?
And how about the team itself? Will they continue to develop, and could they one day soon perhaps make that big statement by defeating a major team at a big international tournament? What's does the future hold for America's national men's soccer team.
Overall the 2014 World Cup must be seen as a success for American soccer. Coming into the tournament concerns were great, especially considering the group stage matchups against Ghana, Portugal, and eventual winners Germany.
For Jurgen Klinsmann, the highly adored coach heading into his first World Cup leading America, the group posed a major test of his merits. Never predictable and always capable of making a controversial choice, Klinsmann stunned the nation by axing team leader Landon Donovan from the side.
While many still disagree with that choice, the USA team proved their worth by beating Ghana (a feat not accomplished by America at the last two World Cups), tying the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal, and fighting hard in two losses to Germany and Belgium. So where does the USA stand? Well, simply stated they are a quality second tier international team. They beat most of their opponents but can rarely achieve a significant victory over a super power outfit. Unfortunately, the road to that goal seems to be a long ways away, though encouraging signs have appeared.
The major problem looking ahead for American soccer is going to be the loss of several key veteran stars that have cemented this side for so long. Heroic goalkeeper Tim Howard is 35 and would be nearly 40 at the Russian World Cup. Donovan couldn't make the USA team at 32, so I would have serious doubts about him being around at 36. Meanwhile, other key leaders like Jermaine Jones and Clint Dempsey will be entering their mid 30s by the next World Cup. Each one of these players could be gone by the time Russia arrives.
Therefore, the young signs of hope will need to become key figures in the team, and fast. Such players include DeAndre Yedlin, Julian Green, and John Brooks. Fortunately, each of these guys performed very well in Brazil and could become key members of the team going forward. But before these long term hopefuls pan out, several of the middle-aged veterans will need to become the leaders, and that has me worried in the short term.
Mid 20's players like Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, and Jozy Altidore did little to impress me at this tournament. Sure, Altidore got hurt, and Bradley may have been played out of position, but these players are entering the defining periods of their respective careers, and America is certainly going to need more from them going forward.
But there will be at least a little more time before such stars will need to lead America before the likes of Dempsey, Jones, and Howard leave the fold. One upcoming tournament is next summer's 2015 Gold Cup, held amongst all the North American CONCACAF teams.
While it is an exciting affair, it holds little real prestige and usually comes down to a battle between the USA and Mexico (though perhaps Costa Rica could figure into the equation as well). The event was held last summer, but Klinsmann fielded a "B" team, withholding his top players and preferring they play in the all-important World Cup qualifiers. While some hardcore USA fans will be interested, the Gold Cup isn't a big deal.
But the tournament that might turn heads and could really allow the USA to make a big statement will be the 2016 Copa America, which is set to include CONCACAF sides. Usually reserved for South American nations of the CONMEBOL region, teams like Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Ecuador, Chile, and Colombia will be involved. Even more exciting is the fact that the tournament will be held entirely within the United States! Fans of the USA and soccer in general will be able to celebrate during this major sporting occasion. Dempsey, Howard, Jones, and perhaps even Donovan will feature for the team while our young generation will begin to mature and become solid starters. Who knows, perhaps a new young star will emerge. Anyone heard of Gideon Zelalem?
This tournament in two years time will be the major opportunity for America to make a statement by defeating one of these big South American teams. With home support this could be a very real possibility. This could cause soccer to explode in America!
One thing that has held USA soccer back for so long is the fact that it only competes on the big stage once every 4 years at a World Cup. It seems that the party stops just as soon as it began and is followed by an excruciatingly long wait.
With Europe and South America having such top caliber teams and diehard support, they compete in events like the European Championships and the previous version of Copa America, which excluded the USA.
Such events held during non-World Cup summers help keep up the momentum of international soccer teams and continue fan interest. Hopefully, the 2016 Copa America will do just that for the United States. But once again, they will need to win a big game in order to establish their ability to become contenders.
Beating someone like Brazil or Argentina would be an incredible feat. Obviously it would require a top performance, but within our home country, perhaps such a feat is manageable.
If America could manage a marquee victory or even claim the 2016 Copa America title, I feel that this team could possibly become a contender by the time Russia 2018 comes around. Such belief is a tall order, but so was emerging from our "group of death" this summer. Klinsmann seems to have the players invigorated, and an interesting group of talented youngsters (many of whom grew up playing in Europe) could bode well for the future.
But regardless of how the USA performs in 2016, hopefully this inclusion within the Copa America tournament will continue. Support for American soccer would certainly keep growing with continued serious international tournaments on a two year schedule (as opposed to the previous four year situation). Additionally, playing against tough opposition in big games more often will teach our players how to handle such sides.
Yes, America is slightly held back by our soft region in the world, and maybe this is why we so often freeze up against the big boys at major tournaments. However, as we look ahead to tomorrow I foresee a bright future for the USA soccer team. While our breakout victory over a major superpower might have to wait beyond 2016, I suspect that it is only a matter of time before a USA soccer team claims such a win and begins to be taken seriously at future World Cups. Perhaps one day the nation will rejoice as our players lift a World Cup trophy.
© Nicholas Spiller & Soccerphile.com
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