About
Attending the World Cup in 2006 in Germany was one of the most exciting and yet difficult times in my life. Standing in the crowd, cheering for my team to repeat their success in 2002 only to be utterly embarrassed and outclassed was very tough for me as a sports fan. The criticism of Bruce Arena was resolute: the United States Soccer Team needed a high quality coach to break the team out of their mold and improve their style of play to compete with the world’s best when it matters most.
Despite being let down with Sunil Gulati’s failure to concede power and sign Jürgen Klinsmann in 2006 opting to go for the familiar side of United States Soccer, I was behind Bob Bradley. Though he wasn’t my first, second, or third choice to elevate the USA to the next level I felt like his knowledge of the system and unique perspective on player selection could help this team compete.
Winning the Gold Cup was great but that was the climax of the team’s success under Bradley. Friendlies against the likes of Spain, Argentina, & England ended with US Supporters scratching their head, attempting to push memories of 2006 in the dark recesses of our minds, hoping that this wasn’t more of the same US team that can’t compete against World Cup quality opponents.
With the team struggling in World Cup Qualifying and completely embarrassing themselves and US fans in the South African Confederations Cup, Bob Bradley has all but ruined this team’s ability to win important soccer games. Though talent levels don’t come near the likes of Brazil or Italy; seeing Egypt play with passion and determination (ultimately beating Italy) just further fans the flame of frustration with Bob Bradley.
There’s still a year before the 2010 World Cup. Its not too late to thank Bradley for his time and replace him with a top level coach, someone who can inspire greatness from the talent of America’s Team
Nothing will change until that wanker Sunil Gulati is fired ! You should start a fire Gulati site. I have watched all our National youth teams play.They all lack skill, creativity, and most of all a identity. A foriegn coach needs to come in here,and fix our entire system. Our youth system as it currently stands is a disaster. Influenced by bad coaching with way to much emphssis on winning rather than player development. Klinngmann wanted to come in here, and try to make a difference from top to bottom and was denied . Nothing will change with the Gulati Old boys coaching frat in place. If they do fire Bob he will most likly be replaced by some Bruce Areana MLS retread with little or no coaching exprience at the highest level . FIRE GULATI NOW FOR THE GOOD OF AMERICAN SOCCER!
Great site. But you need a sign up page.
How about t-shirts? I’d buy one.
I agree a foreign coach needs to come. I put already in a few ussoccer.com blogs. My suggestion is Guus Hiddink ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guus_Hiddink ) You might have a different pick, but it needs to be a coach with HEAVY international experience; managing national teams, not league teams. That knows how to make last minute changes if plan A is not working, then B and so on. We have great and potential players…we do not have great coaches.
]Truth be said, Mexico beat us in every aspect during yesterday’s 2-1 result (Fiasco) in MC. IMHO this was a damning result for the U.S. Men’s side.
Our midfield couldn’t control the ball, let alone the flow of play. Other than the moment of brilliance by Landon Donovan and Charlie Davis, we were outclassed and impotent up front. Our defense was overworked and the pressure was overwhelming which led to the winning goals. Bradley did not make timely subs and coached like a man wanting to hold a point, not win the game. In addition, with the exceptions of the defence (namely Gooch) and Tim Howard, our players looked like schoolboys rather than professionals. Our forward were AWOL!
We haven’t grown and developed to the point of dominating CONCACAF as we should. Bob Bradley is not up to the task at this level and it is apparent to every right thinking and knowledgeable U.S. supporter. In all honesty, we should be the “Germany” of our group and the infrastructure and current management of the U.S.S.F. are solely to blame.
Many of those involved (present and past) and in the know believe it is time for Sunil Gulati to go and a new administration to revamp the entire player development, training coordination and professional league influence and structure. The U.S.S.F. has become no more than a rubber stamp for MLS, USL and the obsolete ODP. The people in Chicago have become rife with politics and policy over development and on-field results in major competitions. They are content with showing up for WCs, rather than challenging for them. It is apparent and proven by the results, abilities and attitudes displayed on the field yesterday.
The changes that Juergen Klinsmann attached to his prerequisites for taking over the National Team must be implimented. In addition, though his failure at FCB damaged him, he would be the best choice as National Team Manager or Sporting Director. He would bring instant credability and could help us make a better showing in Souith Africa and lead us to the true potential of challenging for a WC title in the future.
The time is now. We need three straight wins, including a convincing victory over Costa Rica to look like we will be for real in South Africa. Otherwise, we will be three and out. We need a individual that can bring vision and reality towards our future growth, Someone that will not be satisfied with what we have acheived, but brings about what are potential can acheive.
Time to CHANGE!