[vataha]

Because of where we are, two games into the Hex, Arena is about the only choice. His experience, credibility will command instant respect from the locker room. The short term goal is to regroup, qualify for the world cup and perform up to capabilities during the world cup. All the while looking for the proper coach for the USMNT for the following 8+ years. I have felt that the best preparation for a U.S. player for international futbol is to play in international leagues. The old NASL and the current MLS are nowhere near the caliber of the better international leagues. MLS is difficult to watch. Watch an EPL match then watch an MLS match. It is like night and day. EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga etc. all are light years ahead of MLS. I wholeheartedly agree with Klinnsman in his assessment that our USMNT candidates should be playing club futbol in the international leagues where the competition and skill is superior.

U.S. soccer is hamstrung by the fact that many of those in charge have a monetary stake in the MLS and they will do what is best for their monetary interests, not what is right in the long-term for the USMNT. These folks want the best American players playing in the MLS because they believe Americans want to watch Americans play. What scares me about Arena is that he is a proponent of the MLS ideal and I'm afraid that he is going to stock the roster with older MLS players when in fact America has some truly talented young players sprinkled throughout international futbol who are the future of the USMNT. They need to keep playing internationally to hone their skills.

[vataha]

Because of where we are, two games into the Hex, Arena is about the only choice. His experience, credibility will command instant respect from the locker room. The short term goal is to regroup, qualify for the world cup and perform up to capabilities during the world cup. All the while looking for the proper coach for the USMNT for the following 8+ years. I have felt that the best preparation for a U.S. player for international futbol is to play in international leagues. The old NASL and the current MLS are nowhere near the caliber of the better international leagues. MLS is difficult to watch. Watch an EPL match then watch an MLS match. It is like night and day. EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga etc. all are light years ahead of MLS. I wholeheartedly agree with Klinnsman in his assessment that our USMNT candidates should be playing club futbol in the international leagues where the competition and skill is superior.

U.S. soccer is hamstrung by the fact that many of those in charge have a monetary stake in the MLS and they will do what is best for their monetary interests, not what is right in the long-term for the USMNT. These folks want the best American players playing in the MLS because they believe Americans want to watch Americans play. What scares me about Arena is that he is a proponent of the MLS ideal and I'm afraid that he is going to stock the roster with older MLS players when in fact America has some truly talented young players sprinkled throughout international futbol who are the future of the USMNT. They need to keep playing internationally to hone their skills.