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One of the biggest attractions of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Convention each year is the session led by former USMNT forward Eric Wynalda. He is one of the most outspoken critics of the current system of soccer in the U.S. He delivers just as many good comments as unfounded opinions, but his contrarian approach is interesting regardless of where one stands on the current state of soccer.
MLS was a major topic during the discussion. Not all the blame for any current issues that Wynalda has identified was placed on the league. He even turned to a more positive approach in the question and answer session.
These are some of the best things Wynalda said Saturday Morning. Be sure to check out the worst snippets from his session as well.
5. MLS is Stopping Player Transfers
"The league has, to date, canceled or not allowed over 227 moves to Europe - wait, that number just went up."
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 16, 2016
5. MLS is Stopping Player Transfers
There is no reason to believe the number that Wynalda added in as gospel, but there is truth to the idea that MLS has interfered with player transfers. The league works under different windows than most of the world. Also, the negotiations often go through the front office and not the club. This statement is something that should be investigated.
4. Killing Creativity
Wynalda: We coach the creativity out of players. #BmoreNSCAA
— Beau Dure (@duresport) January 16, 2016
4. Killing Creativity
The ability of coaches across the country to make the most of their players' talents is often questioned, especially at any level under the age of 15. Certain drills and tactics demand following a system. The game becomes more about conformity and players must fit a certain mold to see playing time. That is a cause for concern for the future of U.S. Soccer.
3. Promotion and Relegation
?: How many owners will it take to sway MLS to pro/rel? Ans: More. #BmoreNSCAA
— Beau Dure (@duresport) January 16, 2016
3. Promotion and Relegation
The group of fans that often use the lack of promotion and relegation as an argument against MLS has a figurehead in Wynalda. However, the former USMNT forward acknowledged that the current set of owners in MLS will not allow promotion and relegation any time soon. Most observers understand that because promotion and relegation puts the owners' money and investment at risk. This comment made it clear that Wynalda is not completely out of touch.
2. High School Soccer
"If our country continues to tell kids to not play high school soccer - it's the biggest crime I've ever heard..."
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 16, 2016
2. High School Soccer
A player can learn a lot from playing soccer in high school. It does not have to be about playing on a traveling team exclusively. Players can also learn many off-the-field skills that will allow them to succeed moving forward. The hyperbole is unnecessary, but high school soccer does not need to have a bad reputation.
1. There is a Solution
"The main part of all of this is to remind you that it's fixable and our country is going to get better if we do this the right way."
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 16, 2016
1. There is a Solution
There are issues with soccer in the U.S. Players fall through the cracks, MLS has failed with their transparencies efforts and the USMNT is coming off a very tough year just to name a few. Following Wynalda word for word would be a mistake, but even he provided some optimism. If the U.S. Soccer Federation is willing to work with any and all constituencies to improve the game in the country and do it in a smart manner, improvement will be easy to spot.
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