USA Soccer Team: Don't Believe the Hype

Some people see the glass as half full, some see it as half empty; I just wonder who the hell has been drinking my beer.

What is the state of the US National Team? After their 3-0 win over T&T, the company line is that everything is fine and we're right on track and where we want to be.

Why do I not feel that way and find myself screaming at the TV every time they play? It's one thing to give the ball away when you are under severe pressure, it's something else to give it away for no reason.

In tennis they are known as "unforced errors", in soccer it's known as "giving away possession". That's my first problem with this team. Beasley at left back? Please.

Did you watch the US in the last Olympics? How would you rate the play of Mr. Adu?

I rated it pretty damn high and for him not to be included in recent matches is stupid if you ask me. Oh, but wait, he has creativity and takes people on in the offensive third, that dosen't mesh with our robot mentality.

The USSF reminds me of the Bush administration. No transparency, cloaked in secrecy, and if anyone dare criticize them, they are branded as un-patriotic. The Fox Soccer Channel can't even get Bob Bradley to come on their show for an interview, god knows, he might have to answer a tough question.

Coaching, holding on to the ball, and developing players to have confidence in beating people one-on-one; these are things they need to work on.

Perhaps Bradley should be retained as coach but I don't see them getting any better with him at the helm. We have the athletes, we need to have a stronger mentality to become world beaters.

When you hear that we have a really good team and that all is fine in the US soccer world, I say to you:

Don't believe the hype.