The US soccer national team lost 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago. Combined with a El Tri’s loss against Honduras and a ghost goal by Panama and Russia is out of the question for the US. Despite not going to the WC, the USMNT still has to work, very hard. What’s next for the stars & stripes?
Heads Will Roll
Some will have to leave. Bruce Arena should be the first one to leave (and he has since). Bruce’s record at the hexagonal with the USMNT was “mediocre”, to say the least. 3 wins, 3 draws and 4 defeats. Bruce’s boys are not free of guilt either. Defense made foolish mistakes trough out the entire qualifiers. Midfielders like Paul Arriola do not really want to fight for loose balls all that much. Offensive hopes rest in Christian Pulisic who isn’t even an actual striker.
Pulisic And Company
Russia is out of the question. Regardless of the current squad and its flaws, very few will make it to World Cup 2022. First, Tim Howard will not be between the post due to age. Michael Bradley will not at midfield six years from now either. At the top line Bobby Wood can also make it to Qatar. Regular bench players like Gyasi Zardes might go to 2022. In order to fix the upcoming lack of offensive power, solutions must come from the MLS.
Fresh Faces
During the las decade or so, the MLS has been known for being a retirement home to foreign footballers. Coches choose well known names like Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Vela or David Villa over home grown talent. While they might look unstoppable at the US, they do not contribute anything to the national team. It is time for US soccer to embrace their own instead of denying them the chance. Players like midfielder George Acosta, keeper Alexander Budnik or, forward Josh Sargent. They, and many more youngsters are waiting for a shot at the top flight.
Going Backwards
The biggest drawback is not who leaves or stays. It took U.S. Soccer almost a decade to build a team and get where they are right now. Missing the World Cup stops such progress right on its tracks, it is also a huge step in reverse. Furthermore, from now on, any move made will be focused on long term plans for Qatar. It will take a long time and hard work to get back in shape.