The U.S. Soccer Federation has outlined strategic pillars, but a closer look reveals a series of glaring shortcomings that are holding the sport back.
“Grow the Game”: Empty Seats and High Ticket Prices
One of U.S. Soccer’s supposed strategic pillars is ” growing the game.” However, this ambition seems hollow when Major League Soccer (MLS) charges exorbitant ticket prices, often reaching $600, effectively pricing out a significant portion of potential fans. Poor attendance at some MLS games and low media viewership also reflect a failure to attract and engage all fans effectively.
Furthermore, U.S. Soccer’s approach to filling stadiums for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) games is perplexing. Rather than giving tickets away to underprivileged fans, they prefer to leave seats empty. This shortsighted strategy disregards the opportunity to nurture a diverse and passionate fan base among the 340 million people in America.
“Create a World-Class Organization”: Lack of World-Class Talent
U.S. Soccer has failed to demonstrate this in terms of players, coaches, and operators. While American soccer has potential and talent, the nation still struggles to produce players and coaches of the caliber needed to compete on the global stage.
The lack of progress in this area indicates a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to elevate the sport in America. Developing a world-class organization necessitates investing in youth development, coaching education, and scouting networks to unearth and nurture all talent.
“Grow the Soccer Economy to Fuel Investment”: Exclusivity and Overcommercialization
U.S. Soccer’s strategy to grow the soccer economy has been marred by ownership restrictions and partnerships, notably with MLS and the United Soccer League (USL). These alliances have given the rich a stranglehold on the industry, creating a sports franchise exclusive model that prioritizes profits over the best interests of fans, sponsors, and investors.
This monopolization of the industry has resulted in overcommercialization, with inflated ticket prices and its products with an emphasis on marketing rather than the purity of the game itself.
“Develop Winning Teams”: Lack of Competition and Promotion
One of the cornerstones of any successful soccer ecosystem is competition. However, the U.S. domestic soccer scene lacks the critical elements of promotion and relegation. Without these mechanisms, there is little incentive for lower-tier clubs to aspire to compete at the highest level, and top-tier teams often lack the motivation to improve.
“Foster the Best Playing Environment”: Neglect of Lower-Class Talent
The foundation of any great soccer nation is its grassroots development. U.S. Soccer’s disregard for the lower class and its support for the pay-to-play model exclude talented young players from disadvantaged backgrounds. The use of artificial football fields with distracting lines further embarrasses the integrity of the sport.
