Criticizing college soccer for its physical style and emphasis on hustle is ridiculous. That is the way Americans play sports and always will. That we need more creativity goes without saying, but blaming it on college soccer is a red herring. The sport is still in its infancy here and we need to be patient. The creative superstars are a rarity under any circumstances. We need to do more to develop our top talent. Nobody will argue that. But maybe we need to work with what we've got and stop trying to imitate the Europeans. College soccer, like all levels of soccer here, is improving. The players need to extend their season and maybe the top teams could enter post season cup competitions against MLS and other pro teams.
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Yeah we're caught in a conundrum. We want our kids to developed their skills, but we also want them to... [MORE]
lee
Aug 26, 2008 15:23
Paul Gardner speaks the truth. I wish it weren't true but it is. One earlier poster suggested the problem is... [MORE]
Jim Compton
Feb 12, 2007 09:28
I do not agree with this article. I believe there is very good soocer being played in the USA. Yes,... [MORE]
Murph
Nov 28, 2006 19:51
It's fine for colleges and universities to offer athletic programs for its students, but when these college programs take on... [MORE]
Ron Rockman
Nov 28, 2006 19:03
I was a HS coach for 30 years in 3 different sports. If all I did was try to get... [MORE]
Michael
Jul 25, 2007 17:10
Paul Gardner is terrific at finding faults with American soccer but rarely offers solutions or ideas to overcome them. He... [MORE]
Michael
Nov 23, 2006 13:10
Paul's comments are not news to the US soccer fan. I think his focus on the college game is wrong.... [MORE]
Bruce Gowan
Nov 22, 2006 17:51
Criticizing college soccer for its physical style and emphasis on hustle is ridiculous. That is the way Americans play sports...
Tony Caplan
Nov 22, 2006 17:38
This is a major and very real let down to anyone who has been dreaming of playing professional soccer. It's... [MORE]