For the past 20 years, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team has asserted world dominance. Winning four World Cups (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019) and five Olympic Gold Medals (1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2024), the United States is, by far, the most accomplished nation in women’s soccer.
Between 2017 and 2023, they recorded their second-longest streak at number one in the world rankings. But, at the 2023 World Cup, the USWNT shockingly exited in the round of 16- their worst ever finish- and consequently dropped in the rankings for the first time in six years.
While this may seem minor to the average viewer, to fans and former players, it felt downright wrong not to be the absolute best.
After the weak 2023 World Cup performance, USWNT legend Carli Lloyd famously criticized her former team, saying, “I wouldn’t [rank] them in the top 10.”
Former USWNT goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris agreed with Lloyd, commenting, “The players know the standard. It’s just not good enough right now.”
While some blame the coaching switch, others believe the issue is rooted in the U.S.’s youth programs. Within the youth soccer system, there are two issues: the system does not effectively develop tactical intelligence due to its emphasis on kick-and-run tactics, and players are often recruited primarily for their athleticism and size.
Junior Maddie Cappaert shares her experience as an undersized soccer player. “I was really short for my age when I was younger, and one of my coaches told me I was too short to play as a centerback, so I was never able to learn the position, and it stuck with me a lot,” Cappaert shared.
But the biggest, the fastest, and the strongest players are rarely the best players. PV girls soccer assistant coach Tina Matheson presents her stance as a fan of the USWNT. “In my opinion, you don’t need to be large and in charge to play elite soccer,” Matheson said. “Let’s not forget international players such as Marta (Brazil) and Messi (Argentina)- both small but mighty, elite players.”
The U.S needs to focus on developing talent and tactical brilliance, not athleticism.
As the assistant head coach of women’s soccer at Drake University, Kevin Brennan offers a valuable perspective on recruiting and developing talented players. “When we are recruiting players at the collegiate level, we try to identify those individuals who are comfortable with the ball and understand how to read the game,” Brennan said. “At the early stages, youth players should focus on being comfortable and familiar with the ball. This starts with dribbling, adding simple moves, but should also teach how to receive/control passes and bounce balls.”
Soccer is an evolving sport. Teams from various parts of the world have adapted to its nuances by focusing on technical and tactical brilliance; the United States needs to do the same, starting with youth programs. Equipping young players with good tactical and technical habits ensures that they can compete at the highest level, regardless of their size or athleticism.
