Something wonderful is happening to soccer in the United States of America and I for one cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Let’s get one thing clear, soccer has always been popular in the USA. Traditional home-grown sports have dwarfed US soccer for years, but the tide is turning ever so slowly. MLS continues to attract big names (albeit many are in the twilight of their careers), average attendances in stadiums increase steadily, more MLS matches are appearing on telly boxes throughout the world, and the social media presence of many US soccer teams has taken “bantz” to a new level.
Somewhere on the Beanstalk that is MLS sits an unknown entity for many people, namely the United Soccer League (USL).
Pep Guardiola said English football has a “real problem” because the academy structure isn’t competitive and strong enough to prepare youngsters in the Premier League. Barca’s former Head Coach explained to a salivating press pack that the Segunda Division in Spain contains B Teams from Barcelona and Real Madrid, whose younger players obtain vital experience playing in a more physically and mentally league than the reserves.
Meanwhile across the pond, the USL is in its fourth year of a player development agreement with MLS. In March 2017, 22 USL teams became affiliates of MLS teams meaning Mr Guardiola’s wishes have come true – albeit in a different country. Needless to say, the affiliate system has been a huge success. USL sides have benefitted from the loan system, particularly Charleston Battery who in Atlanta United loanee Romario William have a clinical, ruthless front man.
Romario, named after the great former PSV, Barcelona and Brazil striker, is in top form at the moment. Fourteen goals and 2 assists from 15 games and Player Of The Month award for June shows how well “Romy” has started the season. His performances for the Reggae Boyz in the recent CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament has no doubt caught the eye of several European clubs.
Battery sit pretty at the top of the Eastern Conference, looking down at the likes of Joe Cole’s Tampa Bay Rowdies, Ottawa Fury and Saint Louis FC – managed by Paul Dalglish and ex Everton forward Preki respectively.
Those who are aware of the club’s history and what is happening in the background won’t be surprised to see how well Battery are performing on and off the pitch. Chief Operating Officer Mike Kelleher and President Andrew Bell work tirelessly behind the scenes to evolve the club, while coach Anhaeuser continues to repay 12 years of faith from the club by building fantastic squads and instilling confidence and morals throughout.
Guardiola may not care too much for the USL, although there’s no doubt he’d be impressed with what the association is attempting to achieve. MLS powerhouses such as LA Galaxy, New York RedBulls, Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers (but to name a few) decided against aligning themselves with an existing USL teams and created their own B teams.
Grass roots football in the USA is putting the UK to shame. Player development is crucial for all clubs, hence the millions of dollars spent on employing coaches from all over the world and building state of the art facilities. It’s ironic that the while MLS looks at the Premier League like a child looks up to its older, successful brother, the US is where the UK wants to be at the most important phase.