The Barnyard

It does suck, but honestly the only way to get better is to play top flight teams across the world. We just need to get a little momentum, and I think we'll be ok. In most countries, if you're an athlete, you play soccer, period. Here, premier athletes have multiple sports to choose from. If we get even a couple world-class athletes who pick soccer, then we'll be alright.

We aren't terrible right now. Aren't we usually ranked around 20 in the world or so? Not the American exceptionalism most people are used to, but it isn't bad.

I think the US will continue ot get better. The new coach they have now is very good. Soccer's popularity is growing, and our growing hispanic population will definitely help. The fact is we are so large, that if we can just get a decent percentage of elite athletes to play soccer, we will be fine.

Imagine a team with Dwight Howard or Lebron playing keeper with Reggie Bush, Derrick Rose, John Wall, and Chris Johnson playing midfield.

I dunno - I mean, we didn't even qualify for the olympics this time around. That's not a good sign.

I grew up playing soccer and love to watch the US play. Klinsman just took over and should be given some time. Besides, not making the Olympics isn't a big deal; the World Cup is where it's at.

There are 2 reasons first and foremost in my mind why the US should not give up soccer. In the 2010 World Cup, when Donovan scored the goal against Algeria, I and many other Americans were going freaking crazy. Search the youtube videos and watch them again, it gives me goosebumps.

Second, in the 2002 World Cup, the USA lost 1-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals in a match that the US Dominated (yes, with a capital D). We had so many quality chances on goal and just couldn't put one away, while Germany perfectly executed a free kick to score the game's only goal. We showed in that game that we are capable of fielding a team that can beat the historical powers. It still bugs me just thinking about that match.

The team qualifying for the Olympics was a 23 and under team that was not even coached by Klinsman

I could be wrong but my suspicion is football and basketball, regardless of the camps and the aau, engage the "lower" class (and if by that you mean code speak for black and or disadvantaged youth) because of the money. The disadvantaged youth see those sports as a means to the "good life".

Soccer, lacrosse and ice hockey are just not viewed as the best avenue for a future in the bigs and the realization of the dream of riches.

I played soccer all the way up until college, and I agree with you 100%. It is extremely boring. That's why I can't stand it now. I hate to watch it. I hate to hear them say, "GGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!" I hate the grass fairies that fall on contact. The euro's need to be men, and they're not. It's a lot different when you're playing it. It actually becomes interesting. But I can see why the "lower class" doesn't want to play it. Have you seen the guys that play soccer? They're not something a basketball player strives to be. And I'm talking about what they look and act like away from the field. They mostly seem to be pricks who wear bright shoes and short shorts just because that's what you do if you're a soccer player. It's terrible.

But the US national team isn't going to win the World Cup anytime soon, but like all things american, it will happen one day. Currently, we're in the top 30 in the world. That's not that bad. And we've made it as high as the "elite 8" or whatever you want to call it and the round of 16, so we're capable of being better. It's definitely something we're going to have to give time.

I want some of that magic spray that helps them miraculously recover.

They're not all like that. Also, I just wanted an excuse to post this video ..

The diving is a problem, though, and it's a problem because of the officiating, not the players. The easiest way to score in soccer is to get a penalty kick, and the easiest way to get a penalty kick is to take a dive in the box. The problem is that the officials fall for it way more than they should. Same thing with wide receivers trying to draw interference calls and basketball players flopping for charges.