One of the biggest challenges in the U.S. soccer system is that coaches and academy leaders are primarily rewarded for winning rather than for developing top-tier players. Many youth and academy coaches are judged by their team’s success in league standings, cup competitions, and showcase tournaments rather than by how many players they successfully prepare for professional levels. Decision makers want to see immediate results and do not have the patients to see how the day to day development work unfolds over time.

This creates a misalignment between short-term success and long-term player development. Instead of focusing on skill enhancement and preparing athletes for the next level, coaches often prioritize structured, low-risk play. This discourages young players from experimenting, taking risks, and learning from mistakes—key factors in elite player development.

Most MLS academies prioritize controlled, possession-based soccer at the expense of individual player development. While possession is a fundamental aspect of the game, an excessive focus on structured play can hinder young players’ ability to make quick decisions, handle pressure, and adapt to the unpredictable nature of elite competition.

In contrast, top soccer nations encourage a more chaotic, fast-paced environment where players must navigate individual duels and high-pressure situations. By emphasizing structured soccer too early, MLS academies often fail to prepare players for the demands of professional-level competition.

U.S. player development often discourages risk-taking and creativity, leading to an overly cautious style of play. Many youth teams prioritize safe, methodical tactics, which can stifle players’ willingness to attempt unpredictable dribbles, aggressive attacking moves, or creative plays—all of which are essential traits of world-class players.

As a result, the U.S. has struggled to consistently produce dynamic attackers who can break down defenses in one-on-one situations. Without an environment that encourages improvisation and individual brilliance, American players often lack the flair and creativity seen in top international talents.

Many MLS academies take far too long to place players in their optimal long-term positions. Because winning is often prioritized at the youth level, players are frequently assigned roles that help their teams succeed in the short term rather than positions that maximize their future potential.

Many U.S. academies struggle to provide players with candid, constructive criticism and detailed growth plans. Coaches and development staff often hesitate to give brutally honest feedback, instead offering vague assessments that fail to pinpoint specific areas for improvement. This reluctance to critique can prevent players from understanding what they need to work on to reach higher levels.

I have spoken to dozens of parents of kids at various MLS academies and the story is always the same. "Your kid is doing well. We are happy with them". Who is this helping? Academies need to trust that their kids and parents can handle constructive criticism so that they can focus on the areas that will make them a better player.

While MLS has made progress in soccer development, systemic issues continue to hinder the production of elite-level players. By shifting the focus from short-term wins to long-term development, encouraging risk-taking and creativity, improving talent projection, refining positional training, and fostering a culture of honest feedback, the U.S. can take the next step toward becoming a global soccer powerhouse. Until these changes are made, the country will struggle to consistently produce players who can compete at the highest levels of the sport.