U.S. Soccer culture needs less arrogance and more accountability

The U.S. Men’s Soccer Team failed to qualify for the World Cup after suffering an all-time embarrassing loss to Trinidad and Tobago. The loss, combined with wins by Honduras and Panama, means the U.S. will miss the World Cup for the first time since 1986, and Colin was shocked at how indifferent the players and coaches seemed after the game. He was more upset about the loss than they seemed to be.

The reality is that U.S. soccer team has been overly arrogant for a long time, despite never winning anything of significance, and the players never hold themselves accountable for their failures. This is one they can’t hide from.

If the U.S. wants to compete going forward, they need to adopt the international model of developing players and start sending the young talent overseas to play against the best competition, and scrap the pay-for-play model at the youth level that has produced a team full of entitled, soft suburban kids, and has bypassed talent that doesn’t have the financial means to enter the youth development system.

Don’t be fooled into buying into this version of Alex Smith

The Chiefs are playing better than the any team in the NFL, and Alex Smith is playing better than he has at any point in his career. Even though it’s tempting to buy into the narrative that this version of Smith is different than the game manager, who has struggled in the playoffs throughout his career, Colin isn’t drinking the Kool-Aid.

Smith looks great right now, but Colin warns that when the weather gets cold and the playoffs start, Smith will still struggle, like he always has. Statistically, in his career, all of his numbers dip, and he has a losing record when the temperature drops.

This isn’t the first time Smith has come out of the gates fast, but he’ll prove that he’s still the same Alex Smith once the second season starts.

Guests:

Joel Klatt – FS1 College Football Analyst is in-studio to explain why people comparing Jim Harbaugh are clueless; why Sam Darnold isn’t struggling as bad as some contend; and his Almost Upset of the Week.

Antonio Cromartie – NFL Cornerback is in-studio talking semi-retirement; anthem protest; Jerry Jones mandate to players; and why he thinks his protest got him cut from the Colts.

Alexi Lalas – Fox Sports Soccer Analyst joins the show to discuss the massive failure of the U.S. to qualify for the World Cup; and what needs to change in the USMNT culture to avoid this happening again.

Nick Swisher – FS1 MLB Analyst joins the show to talk about Strasburg’s reluctance to pitch in an elimination game; and his prediction for Yankees/Indians Game 5 tonight.