A Pulitzer Prize-winning sports journalist explores why the U.S. has struggled to produce elite men's soccer players, despite the women's national team’s dominance with four World Cups and Olympic gold medals. The men's team has faced significant challenges, failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and the last three Olympics, raising questions about the disparity in performance between the genders and other men's team sports. In this investigation, the journalist examines the U.S. system for developing male soccer talent, highlighting decades of shortcomings. However, the focus shifts to the future, showcasing innovative coaches and players who are transforming how talent is discovered and nurtured. This includes an American in Japan who introduced a new approach for kids under five, a Los Angeles coach who adapted techniques from Spain and Argentina, and an Arizona real estate developer whose experiment reshaped talent development for pro teams. By following these pioneers, the narrative offers a hopeful perspective for U.S. soccer fans, suggesting that a movement is emerging to challenge the existing developmental norms and potentially elevate the U.S. to new heights in the sport.
