[GloryDayz]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

I mean, imagine Lebron James playing soccer. And I bet he could. He'd be unstoppable. Still I think we have enough athletes that we should be much better. A few potential issues.... SUM has been accused of favoring developmental players who can afford developmental camps. Basically camps for rich people in suburban neighborhoods. A lot of the best international soccer talent comes from people with nothing to lose so they practice nonstop. And it's so easy for them to do because unlike hockey where you need to buy hundreds of dollars for equipment, all you need for soccer is sneakers and a ball. Soccer can't just be a game for rich kids. The best talent should be developed regardless of ability to pay. The other fixable thing is that we shouldn't wait til the last minute to send someone to Europe. Our best talent at a young age should develop in Europe. Period.

Our usmnt will probably always struggle to recruit the best American athletes because they play different sports. But theres no excuse for us to be this bad.

I can't disagree. And yes, sports that need little investment are havens for the financially challenged who see it as a potential ticket out of poverty. It's hardly unique to soccer.

And yes, I PAY OUT THE ASS for ice time...