Reviews

Please Tell Me How My Soccer Book Ends

5/31/2013

You think he could help?

I am currently polishing my book about the eight World Cups I have covered, enjoying memories from Barcelona in 1982 to the American rally against Algeria in 2010 on a goal by – now here’s a name from the past -- Landon Donovan.

The bulk of the book needs to be turned in by July 1 so it can be published next May, before the World Cup in Brazil.

However, the last chapter is just sitting there, unfinished and unresolved. Right now it looks like the editor could be waiting for the final chunk of copy in late November.

Our Lads are currently in the middle of six finalists from their region. The American team plays its two final qualifiers, against Jamaica in Kansas City on Oct. 11, and in Panama on Oct. 15. But if the Yanks finish fourth, they will have to play a home-and-home series against New Zealand, the winner from the Oceania Football Confederation, in November.

After watching the Americans once again look inadequate in a friendly against Belgium on Wednesday night, I don’t see them dominating their Concacaf region. Jurgen Klinsmann’s team plays his home nation of Germany in Washington, D.C., on Sunday at 2:30 PM in good old RFK Stadium.

The Germans have not called in regulars from Bayern Munich or Dortmund, who played in the Champions League final last Saturday, but I think reserve players from the Bundesliga could infiltrate the American defense.

This generation – at least the version assembled and coached by Klinsmann – is clearly not working out. After watching the defense bumble against Belgium, I am extremely nostalgic for stalwarts of the past.

Whatever Donovan has left, can you imagine how he could open up the field with his speed and experience?

As of now, the last chapter in my soccer book is sitting there, awaiting a conclusion.

Your thoughts?

John McDermott

5/31/2013 06:34:08 am

I think Klinsmann has perhaps a bit too much pride(or is it ego?). He should have been dialing Landon and Bocanegra from the locker room after the Belgium game, and praying the Cherundolo and Holden return to full fitness ASAP. What an embarrassing mess that game was. Gonzalez almost makes me nostalgic for Alexi Lalas who I've always considered to be sort of a donkey. Glad to see the revival of Beasley, but he's not the answer at left back. One of the least successful USA teams in memory, Steve Sampson's 1998 group, nevertheless had players with class, skill and cleverness, guys like Ramos, Wynalda, Balboa, Dooley, McBride and Preki. How many players of that caliber in Klinsi's team? The USA has gotten very good at producing robotic college-trained players, but we seem to have gone backwards when it comes to developing real talent. And MLS is simply not a place where guys with real talent can fulfill their potential. And I'm already thinking ahead to who should replace Jürgen. Let's see: Dominic Kinnear? Tab Ramos? Peter Vermes? Hey, how about Bruce Arena? Or Siggi Schmid?

[email protected] link

5/31/2013 09:44:23 am

George

You cannot do a signing tour unless you have a finish book.

My OLLI adult education “Understanding Soccer” class finished today with a discussion of American soccer, present and future. All thirteen students are new to soccer within the past three years. Several are close friends who now watch soccer more than football or baseball.

There comments were interesting as they do not have the bias of prior experience.

• Why doesn't the Men’s National team have an American coach?
• Is Jurgen Klinsmann forcing the team to play an uncomfortable style? He seems aloof!
• Younger players need more exposure.

John is correct “He should have been dialing Landon and Bocanegra from the locker room after the Belgium game, and praying the Cherundolo and Holden return to full fitness ASAP”!!!!

The program seems to have regressed under Klinsmann. We should develop our own. I have always liked Arena.

MLS is a work in progress that will continually improve. Talent outside of the MLS should also be cultivated.

I’ll be meeting with representatives of the NE Revolution and the Boston Breakers in the next few days. It will be interesting to see how they see things.

Charlie Accetta link

5/31/2013 05:48:36 pm

Alan is spot on. U.S. Soccer is displaying absolutely no definitive style that identifies it as such. Generally speaking, we are not overly skillful ballhandlers. We are not artful passers. What we do well is attack vertically and defend horizontally, which was long the style in English professional soccer before teams there began stocking up on talent from South America, Africa and the Continent.. Of course, we need to work on adding some tangents and cosines to our field geometry, but that can develop with time and an overall consistent game strategy. Right now, Team USA exhibits the hesitancy one sees in junior league play. We need a program that fits American players' abilities and tendencies, that rewards the best examples of our superiority in speed and strength. We need Americans to develop and champion that program.

George Vecsey

6/1/2013 01:11:04 am

I generally think U.S. players need an American coach -- Arena and Bradley were quite fine. Klinsmann fit a lot of criterias; I'll reserve judgment on him. But Charlie used the right word -- hesitancy. The U.S. does not develop independent ( even selfish) players who can score because our players are never alone to work things out -- they are always waiting for Coach to yell at them to stay back. Hence, the struggle to get out of Concacaf region. GV

Brian Savin

6/3/2013 08:02:21 am

Re Last Chapter: I submit that the challenge is to find something more interesting than this conclusion: The powers that be in soccer are most likely the powers that will be for the foreseeable future.

The concern I have is that the game at this level is too established and the money generated by prestige clubs has solidified their future. Until there is a larger audience in the U.S., there is little incentive for American money to pour into a major international challenge. Same is true of the emerging Asian powers. Perhaps, say, if there were revenue sharing and/or luxury taxes we'd have a Jamaican Bobsled Team type of excitement about soccer and a more competitive spirit. How about a soccer czar being appointed from among the leaders of the American professional sports organizations? Which one would best serve the current soccer landscape and achieve competitiveness? Goodell (say,salary caps)? Stern (say, officials)? Etc.

Charlie Accetta link

6/3/2013 08:22:43 am

Don't we have to differentiate between the professional establishment and the national programs, Brian? I think that part of US soccer's problem is that we are accustomed to sports that begin and end as revenue generators. I recall seeing a letter of agreement between the North American Soccer League and ABC where the network would broadcast the League's 1973 All-Star game for $5000.00. Yep, Five Thousand. This was back when Kyle Rote Jr was the League's headliner, but it shows the relative value that TV execs soccer to have then and that value has increased only by degrees. If a robust professional program is necessary for the national program to succeed, we're definitely screwed

George Vecsey

6/3/2013 10:36:54 am

You guys are way ahead of me for the big picture.
I've already conceded another generation before the U.S. produces a better level of player.
My main concern for the last chapter is whether The Lads qualify by the end of this year.
I would say Michael Bradley added a lot in the middle on Sunday, against a disjoined German B team. But road matches in Concacaf are tougher than that. It could come down to the second game of the fourth-place playoff. The future will take care of itself, or not. Thanks for being so thoughtful. GV

Brian Savin

6/3/2013 02:47:00 pm

Actually, I'm not so sure about what's left as a distinction, Charlie. Let's explore it and you tell me if this makes sense or not: Isn't it the same teams in both contexts (national and professional) on top year after year? It seems to me that the professional league teams pick and choose among the national teams' best. Yes, Manchester City sneaked in after some new blood threw a pile of money into it, but weren't they bidding for the same small pool of top players? So, to get to your point, I think: isn't it the same national teams that control the game at both levels? And isn't the reason because those few top tier national organizations devote the most money to the game, and thereby can develop the organization to produce those players? What are the differences between the national and professional league teams?. Amateur status went out the window long ago. Everyone playing at the top level is money-oriented today it seems to me. I admit to being a terrible cynic, but following the money is ruining competitive sport, and I'm not seeing soccer as immune. Why not run the national programs on an organized, professional international basis and with the goal of encouraging competitive play?

Charlie Accetta link

6/3/2013 03:22:34 pm

I don't know if I'm being naïve. Both professional and amateur clubs and leagues answer to FIFA worldwide. What you're suggesting, in a roundabout way, is a soccer equivalent to the USGA, which stands in loyal opposition to the Royal & Ancient. If that's what you're suggesting, I agree. We're too separated in too many aspects from the FIFA royalty. We need our own organization, apart and unanswerable to FIFA, but perfectly willing to cooperate when everyone's interest is being served, such as the World Cup. That way, US soccerr can develop its identity from the top down, without the snobbery that we've become accustomed to from the Europeans and South Americans. MLS and the NCAA, along with all scholastic and youth programs would answer to an American authority. This might even be a way to consolidate sports relationships in Asia and Africa. There's no love lost for FIFA in either continent. You are a genius, Brian. Down with FIFA, up with whatever you want to call it. It's our declaration of soccer independence.

Brian Savin

6/4/2013 12:19:27 am

Actually, Charlie, you are the genius, because all I'm doing is flinging complaints while you are constructing a serious solution. So, then, the way you would go about this is to have the U.S. establish it's own framework and offer cooperation with Asia and Africa, who have similar self interests. Then, this group meets FIFA on a World Cup basis under rules that are negotiated on the basis of sound sport and not establishment power politics. FIFA would have little choice eventually, I suppose, because of the potential money and huge percentage of the world population the new group represents. Yup, that's on the road to real answers that just might work, Charlie!

Alan Rubin link

6/3/2013 03:52:53 pm

George

It is very rare when I can offer advice to individuals who are experts in their field. I suspect that readers will be so enchanted by following your eight World Cup odyssey, with your humanistic insight; it should not matter whether it is known if the USMNT has qualified or not.

I suggest that the final chapter reflect the positive future for our national team and United States soccer in general. I know that this may seem overly optimistic in light of the USMNT’s inconsistent performance during the past two years, but this based on my experiences of the past year.

I've volunteered to help both of Boston’s professional soccer teams develop their brands in western MA and neighboring NY State; MLS’ NE Revolution and the National Women’s Soccer League’s ( NWSL) Boston Breakers. Early on I teamed up with Peter Lopez who opened The Fieldhouse, an indoor soccer facility, in Canaan, NY. www.thefieldhousecanaan.com. This is a state of the art facility dedicated to providing instruction and playing space to Youth Soccer programs at reasonable cost.

In the interest of brevity, I’ll relate our experiences of the past two days.

The Fieldhouse sponsored an all NE Revolution day on Sunday June 2 which included a bus trip to their game at Gillette Stadium against the LA Galaxy at 4:30 PM. The Rev’s conducted a two hour soccer clinic at the Fieldhouse for about 35 boys and girls between 7-16 years of age. Wayne Sygrove (U-16 head coach) and Kyle Teixeira (Development Staff) ran typical NE Revolution Youth Academy drills. I was impressed by the extremely high quality of the two coaches. They had every youngster involved and often gave individual encouragement when required. Although the atmosphere was one of fun and learning, fooling around and not paying attention was not tolerated.

I had met Wayne and Kyle when they visited Peter at the Warehouse earlier in the year to set up this event and to schedule 3-day youth training sessions in November and the following February. During a break, I asked Wayne what he thought of the problems of the USMNT and its prospects. Instead of the expected criticism, he indicated that the national program was in the best shape ever. MLS’s Youth Academy programs have been in effect for only three years, but it should pay dividends over time. The better players are now in 19 MLS youth programs and not scattered in hundreds of programs, many of which are money makers but not necessarily developers of talent.

His take on Klinsmann was—two years is a short time to develop a program and he should be given more time.

On June 3, Peter and I met with Elise McLean, Sales Director of the Boston Breakers and observed their practice while we talked. She had played professionally for Arsenal for a few years. (It is a different world than when we grew up). She was also upbeat about soccer in the US, both men’s and women’s.

Five of my OLLI Understanding Soccer students (mentioned in an earlier post) also attended Sunday’s game, which was their first ever live soccer game other than a grandchild’s game. They were impressed by the morning soccer clinic and the number of young families at the game. These were guys in their seventies who grew playing and following the typical American sports. They felt that soccer was more fun to watch and that 90 minutes went by very fast without interruption. Also, soccer is more affordable for families. Their prediction, not necessarily in our lifetime, that soccer support would grow significantly with each generation as the base of savvy fans increased and would eventually surpass baseball and football in popularity.

At the risk of sounding overly optimistic or totally naive, I think that most if not all of their predictions will eventually happen.

To end on a sobering note, Wayne also stressed that it was important that the USMNT qualify for the World Cup every time. In the near term, not qualifying was worse then getting in and performing poorly.

NOTE: NE 5-LA 0. It was a most unusual game in that it was evenly played with the first third controlled by LA. Early on, even while under considerable pressure and attack, NE was continually launching a lead pass that narrowly miss connecting. Several of the breaks were ruled offside, but I disagreed with a few calls. You had the sense that if NE held on, the scoring chances would come.

Brian SAvin

6/4/2013 12:38:48 am

Alan, what do you think of Charlie's ides (or, more accurately, where I at least think he is heading)? Charlie seems to be saying that looking at the US place in the FIFA world may be just the wrong starting point. Maybe going our own way is better because we represent something different. Our participants are currently in the game for a great reason -- the love of pure sport. Charlie also notes that Asia and African countries share that passion. What's missing in these places is much of the big time money of FIFA, their NBA-style refs, their power politics and their prima donnas. Why is that so bad? Let's go our own way and then let's have a real World Cup and see if we can get U.S. vs. Soviet Union in Olympic hockey competition again down the road.

George Vecsey

6/4/2013 03:46:30 am

I think it's a good thing to burn to compete with the best nations. If they are going to run into a Germany or a Spain in the WC, might as well be able to compete. The last generation of male player has been admirable because they arrived where they did. But there could be a higher level of athleticism and genius. How to produce that? Poaching second-level Germans, and the odd Adu fiasco, doesn't seem to work. It's about competition. I love Beasley because he chose soccer over basketball in Fort Wayne. Until that happens nationally, with all groups, we'lll be scrambling in Concacaf. The gap may not be the fault of Klinsmann or federation. It's evolution. GV

Brian Savin

6/4/2013 06:44:28 am

Just a radical thought....

The American League was not content with the National League...

The American Football League was not content with the NFL....

The American Basketball Association was not content with the NBA...

All of them developed on their own to a level where they forced themselves into the sport at the top level. The goal in each case was to be the best they could be. Maybe that's one way to accelerate to the top level the fastest...by going your own way. There is a lot of soccer talent in the U.S., Asia and Africa. I would guess perhaps enough to get to the critical mass required for top flight competition. Sometimes the lateral move is more successful than the butt head on assault, where you risk buying into the mental paralysis of thinking you are second tier.....

George Vecsey

6/4/2013 06:51:21 am

I think that's what the new ownership of the Cosmos logo has in mind, out on Long Island, aiming for a secondary league. I don't think Giorgia Chnaglia is coming back. But maybe the name could carry a league that Brian describes. GV

George Vecsey

6/4/2013 06:52:43 am

mi dispiace.
Giorgio.

Brian Savin

6/5/2013 01:58:50 am

Not meaning to distract this thread from soccer, but the sudden news that MLB may slug the sluggers on drug charges is certainly interesting and I want to express intense interest in getting your read, George, as things progress. Lots spinning around and around. Does this mean MLB is still concerned about current abuses? Does this signal they are acquiescing to eliminate the Steroid Era from their record history and future Hall of Fame considerations? Does this mean the Yankees will try to sever their ties to their increasingly controversial star? What will be the message/impact on kids? Do heros matter? What would the Chipmunks think (assuming you all stopped arguing and wisecracking)? More basic, is what is happening important? Etc.

George Vecsey

6/5/2013 05:13:11 am

Brian, thanks for asking. I'm caught up in polishing my soccer book, great memories of France in 1998.)
Just found out that US at Jamaica Friday night is in the clutches of something called beIN, which is not available on DolanCable.
Your questions would make a good sports column....
My cynicism runs so deep that I can imagine the Yankees dropping a dime (as police used to say) on Mr. A-Rod. I may use that line if I get around to organizing my thoughts. You honor me with your question. Right now I am trying to figure out what was up with Ronaldo in the final of 98. A bientot, GV

John McDermott

6/5/2013 07:33:03 am

I would love to see a large-scale popular revolt against two sports organizations which badly need to be modernized and brought down a few pegs: The NCAA and FIFA.

As far as the Yankees dropping a dime on A-Rod...they are probably looking up the number as I write this, if they haven't already made contact to offer their assistance to the authorities to clean up the game(while unburdening themselves of a big salary, cleaning up their clubhouse).

I hope scoring a few goals against Germany "B" doesn't obscure the fact that this is still a US team with more questions than answers, especially in defense. Does anyone really believe that if this were a game against the full German team, with something on the line, that the outcome would have been the same?

George Vecsey

6/5/2013 12:29:29 pm

Joe Nocera has done a great job with the NCAA for the NYT in the past year.
And Andrew Jennings, in his way, makes me laugh on his web site.

http://transparencyinsportblog.wordpress.com/

GV

Alan Rubin link

6/7/2013 04:25:17 am

There is merit to the many comments and suggestions concerning the USMNT and soccer in the US. Although they both address US soccer, improving the USMNT and separating from FIFA are two separate issues.

The USMNT is a work in progress that should improve over time as the Youth Academies begin to bear fruit. If all of the MLS’s Youth Academy programs are as good as the NE Revolution’s appear to be, I will remain optimistic. The large pool of ethnic youth has barely been tapped, but the MSL is beginning to address that.

The issue of coordinating all the US soccer leagues and programs under one umbrella is a more daunting project. I do not know enough about the hierarchy of the various professional leagues and how much cooperation there is among the many youth programs, but you guys have triggered my curiosity to find out.

Elise McLean of the Boston Breakers said that this year’s third attempt at a professional woman’s soccer league (WNSL) had a much greater chance of success since they were partnering with the US Soccer Federation (USSF), the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) and the Federation Mexicana de Futbol Association (FMF) and were developing a sounder financial base.

I was surprised that they did not have any significant interaction with the NE Revolution since they both want to increase their brand and be profitable. Many of the other WNSL teams have working relationships with MLS teams. The Portland’s teams have the same owner.

So, what should we wish for? What do we want to accomplish? Is it feasible or even desirable to get everyone under one umbrella?

There are no quick and easy answers to these and other questions, but a unified strategy should be developed. Too much energy could be dissipated with a shotgun approach. It would not be easy coordinating the various soccer entities, but if everyone one is working towards the same goal in a spirit of cooperation, difficulties usually can be resolved.

Separating from FIFA is more complicated. Since the US is not a soccer powerhouse on the pitch, they should not attempt this unilaterally. As has been suggested, the US could coordinate with Asia and Africa as our growing financial clout could be a factor. FIFA will not change unless their financial structure is threatened.

Although the leaders of FIFA and the NCAA retain their powers through intimidation, standing up to bullies can effect change. Joe Nocera suggests in his June 6, NYT Op-Ed “The Way to Run College Sports” suggests separating the academic and athletic management at colleges and universities. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/06/opinion/nocera-the-way-to-run-college-sports.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss. Leaving the subject of pay for the players for a different discussion, his suggestion that the major football and basketball programs could function independent of the NCAA would be one way of pressuring the NCAA through their pocketbook.

I favor pressuring both FIFA and the NCAA through all available means including social media and the press to promote change. However, what kind of change? Are both organizations totally broken or is it the abuse of power by the few? Are their basic mandates sound and can new management instill fairness and common sense?

The threat of forming new leagues and other entities to challenge the powers at FIFA and the NCAA would be most effective as a threat to their income. Change from within is preferable to reinventing the wheel. Alternatives should be a last resort when all else fails.

The goal is to effect change, not to create other potential monsters.

Charlie Accetta link

6/7/2013 03:10:09 pm

Alan - If this little brain-storming session results in a broader conversation about the US role in international soccer and our ability to effect some self-determinism, then I'm be proud to be a part of the timeline. I really don't have anything to offer other than opinions, but I'd be happy to contribute my time and some cash to the cause, if it comes to that.

Charlie Accetta link

6/7/2013 03:13:34 pm

And George - You may have to start your next book where this one ends - following Alan into the thin air of Olympus and recording the results.

George Vecsey

6/8/2013 01:30:33 am

Thanks. I'm just sweating out whether my last chapter should be geared toward the qualification for 2014 or falling short. But I used to do that with "early" columns before big events -- without predicting a result.
The late goal Friday night was huge -- 3 points on the road.
I wish I had seen it, but this beIN network does not exist on Dolanvision.
GV

Ed Martin

6/9/2013 08:30:37 am

It may not be relevant in the World Cup story, but I know you covered the U.S. Women's win in the Greece Olympics, (and elsewhere) and I think Women's Soccer/Futball is a great story of recent years. Ciao.

George Vecsey

6/9/2013 12:50:43 pm

Ed, thanks., Two chapters in the book will be about the women, one the 1996 Olympics, the other the 1999 WWC, which leads to the next 14 years....You're right on it. There has never been an American national team, men or women, like that soccer generation. I do a whole riff on that. Best, GV
Now tell me if Our Lads will keep going, to Brazil.

Alan Rubin link

6/10/2013 05:40:10 am

George

Our dialog began with your coverage of the USWNT leading up to the 1999 WWC. It was evident that they possessed a special chemistry and a sense of combined purpose.

In the 1999 WWC, the USWNT was down 1-0 against Germany at the half during their first knockout stage game. Early in the second half, a substituted player created the tying goal. When interviewed after the 2-1 win, a reporter asked if she felt she should have started. Not taking the bait, her response was that “we are all part of a team and we do whatever is necessary”.

Most, if not all macho male professional football or basketball players would probably not have given a similar answer. They would more likely have complained about not starting.

All too often, it is commented that the woman’s game does not measure up to the men’s. This is unfortunate as they both play entertaining and exciting soccer and need not be compared.

I would purchase a ticket to the super lottery if I could predict our chances of going to Brazil at this time. There is more reason now for optimism since the opening loss to Honduras. The USNMT has continued to show improvement and demonstrate determination. The snow storm victory in a must win against Costa Rica and Brad Evan’s dramatic winner against Jamaica are a few examples. I wonder if Brad would have been more pressured on his shot if he had known it was stoppage time.

The team seems to be learning from some of their friendlies, even the poor performances. Also, Klinsmann is beginning to look at younger players.

The last qualifier is against Panama on October 15th. Is this too late for your final chapter?

The US men’s team is playing in the U-20 World cup in France. This is another hopeful example for the future of American soccer. Bob Hughes’ “A Growth Spurt in the Making for US Soccer” is an interesting read.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/sports/soccer/08iht-soccer08.html?ref=soccer

George Vecsey

6/10/2013 06:00:16 am

Alan, great to hear from you. I recently re-read Jere Longman's great book, The Girls of Summer, and was touched by how much the concept of team meant to those great players. Mia Hamm wanted to fit in. Tony DiCicco, the coach, talks about how he had to revise what he would say to female athletes as opposed to male. Yet their cdamaraderie did not keep them from being the most competitive and resourceful US team we've ever seen.

As for the USMNT, every Hex is a long haul. Frankie Hejduk dominated early games in 2009 but never got to South Africa. Stay tuned. GV

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6/27/2013 06:33:47 am

At last, your soccer book! I'm looking forward to reading it.

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