Blame Canada: How the U.S. U20s Can Restore Hope or Continue Widespread Panic

As seen on Confessions of an American Soccer Junkie

When I look to the United States U20s game against Canada on the 26th of February — the one match that stands between the Yanks and a trip to the U20 World Cup, a trip which alluded the 2011 squad — I feel some combination of trepidation and excitement. Sure, the United States should come out on top, but that expectancy is more terrifying than staring across the field at a Spain or Brazil team that should romp to a comfortable 4-0 victory. “Supposed to” is just not something I, or many American soccer fans in fact, are particularly comfortable with.

As a sports fan, I’m not used to being a fan of the big, bad bully. In baseball, I follow the saddest route of many New Yorkers: becoming a Mets fan. Football? I align myself with the Jets and their unyielding little brother complex over the Giants, with their recent and historical success. Even when it comes to choosing a club team to support, with all the world my oyster and no homegrown ties to a culture of ineptitude, I gravitated to Queens Park Rangers and all the turmoil of the four-year plan.

Needless to say, high expectations have not worked out particularly well for me in my rooting history. Among US soccer fans, I really doubt that I am alone.

Brek Shea Serves as Important Test Case for Growth of MLS

When Jürgen Klinsmann came to the US National team proclaiming change and hope for the future of American soccer, he wasn’t wrong. The existing system in this country is in need of a facelift that would make Joan Rivers proud. Klinsmann has continued calling for changes as his start to his United States coaching gig has been slow getting off the ground. His recent campaign has been for a longer MLS season, putting it on par with most of the world’s top leagues.

Though his reasoning leaves a little bit to be desired — he says the current system puts US-based players at a physical disadvantage, ignoring the fact that the team’s fitness levels was the strength of his predecessor’s sides — the sentiment is admirable.

The MLS has begun to get more respect as a league recently but is still, and will likely always be, far short of most of the leagues that lie across the pond. Certain things that purists are convinced will put the US on the same plane — drop the playoffs, add promotion and relegation — will never happen. At its heart, the MLS is an American sports league and some traditions are so deeply embedded in the national sporting culture that they just aren’t going anywhere. That means only one thing. Major League Soccer has to hold on to it’s own stars. When the transfer window opens up in January there will be a multi-million dollar chance to prove they are serious about keeping talent at home. And his name is Brek Shea.

American Soccer Junkies: Episode #14

In latest episode of the popular “American Soccer Junkies” podcast series, Dan Popko and Steve Fogarty break down the United States 2-0 victory over South Korea, check out how various national teamers are doing in Europe and predict the squad for this summer’s World Cup in the latest “23 for 2014.”

Check out more USMNT news and analysis at Confessions of an American Soccer Junkie.