In the current issue of INSIDE SPORTS, Ashley Jude Collie
examines the "uncertain future" soccer faces in the U.S. Collie
writes that "to a large extent," many of the problems the sport
faces are due to the leadership of the US Soccer Federation which
"has been plagued by questionable decisions, inflexible stances
and plain old bad luck." Collie notes that while youth soccer is
"alive and kicking," even USSF Secretary-General Hank
Steinbrecher "acknowledges this is a crucial juncture for his
organization" and soccer in the U.S. Collie reports that
corporate sponsorship has been "slower than anticipated," with a
revenue shortfall of $2.5M this year. The "alphabet soup" of
soccer's various organizations is also cited as a problem.
Steinbrecher: "The USYSA, AYSO, NCAA, NAIA, MLS, USISL, A-League
... every one has a voice. At times we are a very fractious
group." Also cited: Allowing '94 U.S. national coach Bora
Milutinovic to go without a replacement, and the "bitter
election" of President Alan Rothenberg -- who also heads MLS.
Collie writes "Rothenberg's single-minded vision led to record
earnings for the World Cup, but he has a reputation for ambition
and a propensity to wield his power. ... While that
uncompromising approach may work in organizing an event such as
the World Cup, there are those who feel U.S. Soccer must be more
flexible to move forward. ... It might take radical change to get
soccer to the point the USSF wants it to be." Steinbrecher: "If
we can put men on the moon, we can do this" (INSIDE SPORTS, 9/95
issue).
