The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts

ISBN: 0593653874

Author: Schaerlaeckens, Leander

Condition: New

The gripping account of the U.S. mens national soccer teams winding saga from obscurity to the global stage as they stand on the brink of a seminal World Cup in 2026For almost half a century, the U.S. mens national team existed on the fringes of world soccer-out of sight, out of mind, and, more often than not, out of the World Cup. Between 1950 and 1990, the program toiled in irrelevance, a collection of part-timers playing before empty bleachers.Then, things began to shift, and todays U.S. mens team is loaded with young and pedigreed talent, expected to make its mark at the 2026 World Cup. The story of this teams rise to prominence is a dramatic journey, with setbacks, buffoonery, misunderstandings, glory, and a wide, eccentric, talented cast of characters. With unprecedented access to former and current national team players, coaches, and administrators, Schaerlaeckens traces the sports evolution in the U.S.-from its outsider status to its modern foothold-and the challenges that have shaped the mens national team along the way. From systemic obstacles in youth development to an American sports culture that expects instant dominance, he explores why success has been elusive, and why that might finally be changing.With insight, wit, and razor-sharp storytelling, The Long Game is an unforgettable look at the past, present, and uncertain future of American soccer- and the team that could redefine it all.