Well said Klyd. Good points you make!

I think the problem for US soccer and the MLS in general is twofold. The US current players are better for going abroad and playing in foreign leagues. It is better for their development. however for the MLS it does no good if all the better players leave. Nobody wants to watch poorer players in their teams. So the teams and the sport in general has problems attracting younger players to it. Do you see what i mean?

I don't know how serious soccer is played in high schools and colleges but i get the impression that kids play soccer till they are about 10 and then move on to more traditional US sports? I may be wrong there of course?

All in all though i think the US are coming along nicely. A last 8 position in the world Cup would not be beyond them at all!