If there was ever a low point for U.S. Men’s Soccer, it probably peaked on Tuesday evening with a friendly loss to Costa Rica. So, why is a friendly loss so bad? Well, it was the fourth consecutive CONCACAF home loss for the men’s senior team, a first in their history. And this was only the cherry on top. The glaring (and stinging) results from the previous weekend came in the form of a 3-2 loss to Mexico and a missed ticket to the Confederations Cup in Russia in 2017. The men’s U-23 team also lost 2-0 to Honduras on the same day in the Olympic qualifying semifinals. The team managed to pull together a 2-0 win over Canada for third place, but now have to compete for the final Olympic ticket in a one-off playoff match against Colombia in March.

Needless to say, U.S. Men’s Soccer did not have a good weekend. This may be rock-bottom for a team in desperate need of rebuilding and new approach. With World Cup qualifiers beginning in November, the pressure on head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has reached its peak: produce wins, or find another job. While U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati has stated that his job is safe, it’s hard to imagine Klinsmann keeping his job if losses continue into WCQs.

U.S. Soccer must come to the realization that so many others made years ago: the youth development system is not producing better players for the men’s teams. There has certainly been more attention paid to soccer development in the United States, but the same formula is in place. Women’s soccer is flourishing, and men’s soccer needs to take note. Young girls are excited to play soccer and work hard to dominate the game. Frankly, the NWSL could explode in popularity if given the chance and attention it deserves.

If U.S. Soccer wants to compete at a higher level and grow the game, there needs to be a complete restructuring of the development programs. But U.S. Soccer can’t do it all. There needs to be a culture shift amongst American youth and their parents. While a large amount of youth play soccer at an early age, very few continue into and beyond high school. This is where club soccer can come in. Kevin Payne, the CEO of U.S. Club Soccer recently discussed this approach and how their Players First programs seeks to “enhance the development of every player especially at the younger age groups“, which will have a direct impact on growth of the game in the states. From youth dynamo all the way up to MLS, club-sponsored soccer has to invigorate a failing development system. While many people might say that U.S. Soccer is “too young” to have such extraordinary success internationally, it is important to remind them that the U.S. Soccer Federation has been around for over 100 years.The men’s team placed third in the World Cup in 1930, an often unknown piece of history. If given the chance and proper development system, U.S. Soccer could be at the top of the international stage once again.

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This was written in collaboration with Zachary Bright, a recent college graduate from San Diego State University.

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