Problems

by Gary Kleiban on January 30, 2012 4 Comments

Please Fill in the Blanks

Happy mad-libbing! _______________ (Possession/4-3-3/Passing out of the back) like __________________ (F.C. Barcelona/Spain/Ajax) would never work for a __________________ (Mid-low table Premier League/Major League Soccer/NCAA Division I) team. The __________________ (British/American/American College) game is too ____________ (Fast/Physical/Aggressive) for a ________________ (British/MLS/College) team to play like that. The only reason ______________ (F.C. Barcelona/Spain/Ajax) can play like that is [...]

by Gary Kleiban on January 5, 2012 14 Comments

Camp For Young Professionals, College Players, and …

There is nothing high-level available for this group of players during their off-seasons. That hurts, and it must be fixed! During the holidays we held a 4 day camp for them. It was a pilot program really, as we have never done such a thing, but I was pleased with the turnout. Here’s the list [...]

Filed Under: College Soccer, MLS, Problems, Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: College Soccer, Elite, MLS, Players, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on November 18, 2011 4 Comments

Progress

“We’ve made good progress in the last 20 years.” Yes we have, and we should all be happy for it. However, it’s easier going from 40% to 70%, than it is from 70% to 100%. The first jump involves broad strokes. You know, the “common sense” stuff. The second jump involves the details. You know, [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Development, Education, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on October 24, 2011 56 Comments

THE LIST

What follows is an initial list of 25 things obstructing the US from becoming a soccer powerhouse. The “what’s wrong” topic is always around and maintains a certain level of attention. Then, when our national teams flounder, the topic spikes and dominates the discussion. And of course everyone and their mom has an opinion. Errrr [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Education, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on August 18, 2011 27 Comments

3four3 Turns 2! Thank You Guys!

Today marks 2 years of 3four3! When I first started, the idea was really just to get my thoughts on paper, flesh them out and refine them over time. I thought I would systematically deconstruct all the issues I saw with the sport in the U.S., and methodically build up solutions. Surely that would be [...]

Filed Under: Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: Education, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on July 19, 2011 29 Comments

It’s Gotta Be The …

Culture? The following is perhaps the most accepted as insurmountable. Soccer in the Home The scapegoat is usually of the “soccer isn’t popular” variety. Which of course implies that daddy wants to play catch with the kids; not kick the ball. And even if all those daddy’s chose to help their kids with soccer, they [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education, Solutions Tagged With: excuses, Problems, Solutions

by Gary Kleiban on July 10, 2011 45 Comments

Player Development: Accountable for What? And to Who?

I don’t know if real accountability for player development is possible. What are the metrics? Is it how many players you place in college? Is it the number that get called to youth national teams? Is it the number of professionals you’ve touched while they were amateur? Certainly these things are important. But we need [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education Tagged With: Club Soccer, Coach, Development, Education, Problems

by Gary Kleiban on July 5, 2011 17 Comments

On Replacing Bob Bradley, Rongen, and the Whole Entourage

What are the expectations? That is key. I think people are getting it confused. Hiring a manager who actually has a clue will not get us the World Cup final, and perhaps not the quarters this cycle either. That is not the discussion we should be having. That is not the appropriate metric to use. [...]

Filed Under: Problems, Soccer Education, Solutions, Uncategorized Tagged With: Coach, Education, Problems, Solutions, USMNT

by Gary Kleiban on June 27, 2011 19 Comments

Sooooo … Now What?

It’s been 5 long years of this: “It was our B-team.” “The players were tired.” “Bradley’s tactics were spot on.” “Bradley’s tactics were off.” “Bradley should try the youth.” “Onyewu never recovered from his injury.” “The ref sucks.” “We just don’t have the players.” “Give him time.” “We’re making progress.” “We beat Spain.” “We tied [...]

Filed Under: National Team, Problems Tagged With: excuses, Problems, USMNT

by Gary Kleiban on June 8, 2011 33 Comments

Apparently Clint Dempsey is World Class. Who Knew?

Let’s get something straight right off the bat: Dempsey is a quality player. He is one of the few worthy of representing our country. He has a good touch, a good brain, and is highly valuable to his club. But World Class? I know we want one of these badly, but people are reaching and [...]

Filed Under: National Team, Problems, Soccer Education Tagged With: Education, Elite, Players, Problems, USMNT