What does the US Soccer program need to do now?

I think that the US is still in the "build-up" phase. I, too, had expectations this year and I feel a little let down. They had their chance (all the really had to do was beat Ghana - Italy did their part) and they simply blew it.

I think that they need to look at countries like Holland (what, 8 million people?) who have built up great national programs. The idea of starting academies is good. Bring in coaching talent from other countries. Expand the college programs / make them more attractive. But the main thing that IS HAPPENING is that kids are playing the sport at a young age which is VERY important.

Try hiring some professional coaches from Brazil or soccer power house countries. We can also send young / youth USA teams to spend more time in soccer academies in other countries.

Expose the teams to more internationals with other foreign clubs / countries. You cannot develop into a soccer power house overnight..they have to nurture youth talent and hope and pray all the hard work, preparation etc come to fruition

i was lucky enough to be at saturdays game. thought we played awesome real attacking soccer. what arena needs to do is make sure that when goal keepers kick the ball out they kick it to there own team. too many wasted kicks givin it right back to the italians. they do need a overhaul not so much back to basics but more like lessons learnt.

Learn to play defense. Too many of the goals we give up are due to inability to mark, or check if you prefer.

And I guess Smiley will be chastising the Czechs as well, since they lost to Ghana and will be heading home early.

cry in shame and never return after to losing to a " powerhouse "

like Ghana

Give up and convert to lacrosse.

It's never going to happen.

overhaul the team...