If you’re coming to the NSCAA convention in Los Angeles (or you’re already local), we’re hosting a 3 hour meet-up just a few blocks away. Date: January 12 from 5-8pm Location: The Fine Arts Building in downtown LA. The room we’ve secured is beautiful. Bring your own beer? Forget that, we got you covered! Everyone […]
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“White Boys” Can’t Play Soccer?
Hi guys, I opened up quite a bit in an interview, but that’s where John Pranjic – host of the 3four3 podcast – led me at times. I’ll be happy to engage with any of your thoughtful follow up comments, questions, ideas. Listen to the episode here. Last thing, if you appreciate the work John […]
The American Soccer Culture Problem
First, I want to applaud both Colin Cowherd and Jason Whitlock for bringing an important truth about the state of American soccer to the masses. It speaks volumes that these sports generalists call it like it is, while entrenched American soccer media doesn’t. American soccer media, hence its consumers, coddles our players. You don’t hear much […]
American soccer said no, Latino soccer said yes!
Choco Gomez signs with Atlante FC. Jose “Choco” Gomez, a 2013 Hermann trophy finalist, has signed with storied Mexican club Atlante FC, after being repeatedly snubbed by American pro soccer outlets. A talent, known throughout his college career as the “midfield maestro” finally has a pro contract, and is now a Potro. This is a […]
US Youth National Team: So Far So Good, but Will It Continue?
The next u14 cycle for US Soccer has begun, and it seems like they’re on the right track in terms of identifying some players in the country. The era of searching for the most athletic, biggest, strongest, fastest players seems to have changed. At this age at least, the federation is practicing what they preach […]
Who are the American Soccer “Incumbents”?
I’ve used that term a lot on twitter, and was asked to define it. This was my response: Impossible in 140 chars. But here goes: The "incumbents" are those holding the power, their supporters, and their target demographic. — 3four3 (@3four3) July 27, 2013 Here I’ll go further … Traditionally the term is used for […]
Winter Camp for Ballers!
Similar to what we did last year in LA/Orange County, we’re thinking of getting some badasses together several days this month. Pros, college All-Americans, former youth National Team, and other ballers will be there. If you’re 17 and up and want to come out and get a flavor for this … you can! One Requirement 100% Commitment! […]
Map to the Gold Standard (version 1) Infographic
This is going to be an iterative process. Here’s the base version containing fundamental requirements.
Our First Soccer Podcast: “Hear It From the Horse’s Mouth”
Brian and I are flattered by, and grateful to, Jacques Pelham of the Football Garden for having us as guests on his Podcast. We touch on a bunch of topics, some of which are: Brian’s coaching genesis The Academy setup Our influences Player selection The concept of hierarchy and MLS / US Soccer insulation State […]
What Are You Talking About?
Lack of definitions is a huge problem! In the context of soccer, when one says: “Culture” “Creativity” “Possession” “Attacking Style” “Development” “World Class” “Great Coach” “Great Player” etc .. Those things can all mean wildly different things, unless you have a proper reference. And that reference must be based on the best – the gold […]