NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
I first fell in love with the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in 1990 when some no-name punk kids flew to Italy to make some trouble. Losing all 3 games and giving up 8 goals, we didn’t cause much of anything except embarrassment to the game and nation. But the grit and hard work we put in was there, a scrappy underdog trying to compete with the best in the world. Unlike most other sports, we didn’t destroy the other team and held on to anything positive we could do. This led to us hosting the 1994 World Cup and a much better performance, like taking down Colombia. Packed stadiums and people talking about soccer.
Getting knocked out by Brazil felt like an honor; we gave it our all. I grew up loving guys like Brian McBride, Cobi Jones, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, and Tab Ramos. And my all-time favorite USMNT player, Clint Dempsey. These guys left it all on the field, LITERALLY pouring blood, sweat, and tears to represent the country, game, and themselves. A player making it to the big stage, aka Europe, was a MAJOR deal. As the little brother of the soccer world, we got hype for any crumbs of respect we got in the sport. After the slap in the mouth we took in France back in 1998 we had to look in the mirror and figure our sh*t out.
Fast forward to 2025, and we have players playing in major clubs all across the globe. Not just sitting on the bench looking pretty but playing and impacting WINNING. Next year, we will host the World Cup, which is only the biggest event in sports for me; my apologies to the Olympics. That being said, you want to put your best foot forward and showcase to the world that you mean business. In the age of social media and “brands,” our current crop of players are well-known much better than players of the past. Cool cars and fancy tattoos don’t win you futbol matches. Skills, EFFORT, and passion do that. This group of players got a manager canned and forgot to show up at the Nations League. The last time they will play together before the World Cup is the Gold Cup, which I feel they need to WIN for themselves and their country. Build up the fan base’s passion for the Cup, or face a serious issue next year.
“No matter how you looked at it, it was going to be a failure… When I was on the field, I gave you everything I had.” 💯@clint_dempsey shares his disappointment in the USMNT’s lackluster effort in the Nations League 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/bujq2D7llA
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) March 24, 2025
My issue is the effort from the players. Where is it? We have soccer glory at our feet, and time and time again, we let it go. Do these dudes care at all? No one is playing like the rent is due, almost like WE should be happy they showed up, which is not how it works. On paper, a team like ours should NEVER lose to Panama, especially on home soil. In years past, we had no names from little towns who would leave an arm or leg on the pitch to get a positive result. These dudes seem too cool for school, with the exception of the Iran and England game in Qatar. Who are the leaders on this team? I have to ask: Is winning important to them? After this past match, everyone has been bashing and rightfully so the entire system from top to bottom. How can a nation that’s done nothing on the international stage have a sense of entitlement?! Compared to the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain, who are you???
Guys have to earn the right to slip on the USA jersey, and I feel that reminder needs to be shared with the current crop of players. Diego Luna gets it, and we need 14 more dudes like him who will suit up and ball out until they pass out to get the job done. Getting Mauricio Pochettino was a big get, and improved play was the expectation. He would unlock the best in our guys. Well, so far, I ain’t seeing it, homie. This is when he earns his money and figures out how to fix this and put the best 11 on the pitch. Heading into the World Cup, the USMNT should be a topic in every sports conversation. It is, but for all the wrong reasons.
Moving forward, the question is: Do they care? Is playing for Man City, Inter Milan, or Manchester United more important than suiting up for the red, white, and blue? 443 days until we show up or get laughed out of our own house. I still ride for the squad, but WE need more. Next up is the 2026 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Let’s get after it boys!
