Here’s the deal: I didn’t mean to cause such stir but this topic makes a good debate. The reality is that the USA has enough talent and depth to build multiple national teams. The reason I made my previous statement is based on my observations over the past few years, watching top players in this age group compete in the ECNL playoffs and finals, as well as attending an East Coast Pro ID camp. There, I had the chance to see some of the best talent from the East, South, and Central regions.
One key difference I’ve noticed about the player pool in California for this age group is their ability to play possession-based soccer at a higher level than players from other regions. I’m not saying they are more talented or more athletic, but they demonstrate better composure in possession, which I haven’t seen as consistently in top players from the Central and East regions. Those regions tend to excel in a more direct style of play but often struggle with composure when maintaining possession...imo
On the other hand, a California all-star team would thrive in a more dynamic style, seamlessly blending possession-based play with direct and counter-attacking tactics. I know this perspective might seem bold to some, but based on what I’ve seen, it holds true at this moment in time for me.
I’d even argue that the 2010 California all-star team is unique because of how they developed during the COVID era. When much of the country shut down, many kids stopped playing on grass fields. However, in California, many 2010-born players & younger who didn’t fully comply with restrictions, continued playing in small spaces, often turning to futsal and arena soccer. As a result, they became extremely comfortable with the ball in tight spaces. This period also saw an explosion in private technical training, which further enhanced their footwork and overall skill level.
You can see the difference today inplayers born in 2010 and beyond are noticeably more technical than those from 2009, 2008, 2007, and earlier. The California 2010 all-star team is a special group, shaped by unique circumstances that set them apart from previous generations.
And to those who think it’s unrealistic to form a dominant national team solely from California’s 2010 talent pool, look at Uruguay. With a population of only 3.5 million, they consistently produce world-class teams. California alone has nearly 40 million people, with a deeply ingrained soccer culture. Given the depth and quality in this specific age group, it’s not far-fetched at all to say a team built solely from California’s top 2010s could be elite on the national stage.
IMO this is the opportunity to finally change the style of play for USA starting with 2010’s… if they want to build a dynamic female team that can play possession soccer at a very high level while at the same time leverage the athleticism, speed, work rate that USA teams traditionally have. It all starts with the 2010’s
One dad "scout" bought 5 Blues players to win a natty. The "Scout" for the first ever GYNT U14 Team (not a team, just a list the "scouts" put together) lied through his teeth. Dude was the head of the first ever San Diego US Soccer Training Center that the Federation told all of us we needed to be invited to first to make the dam list, and then from there, the head "scout" would make his picks after meeting the parents. All the parents came to the "tryout," and I watched them shake hands with the Director, who also was the selector and director of the prize everyone was after. This was not based on merit, trust me. This was based on pay for play. Good luck everyone.
