Ep 379: Christian Pulisic Controversy Mirrors the Soft Fanbase, and Your MLS Academy Question Answered

In this episode, we discuss Christian Pulisic’s controversial decision to skip national team duty citing fatigue.

We address the pervasive softness in American soccer culture compared to other footballing nations. We also tackle questions from the audience on training compensation, solidarity payments, and highlight video best practices for aspiring players.

The episode takes various interesting tangents including discussions on coaching personalities, soccer fandom in different cultures, and the systemic issues within U.S. Soccer.

00:00 Intro
06:44 Football Coaches with Passion
07:45 Sub: Contrast with American Coaches
09:28 Sub: American Coaches are Neutered
11:20 On the American Soccer Fanbase
14:25 Pulisic Rejecting the National Team Call
23:36 The Softness Stereotype in American Soccer
34:17 Media Strategy: Covering Current Events in Main Stream
36:37 The Disenfranchised Rooting Against the US and MLS
40:44 Sub: MLS has Targeted and Cultivated a Neutered Demographic
42:10 Sub: Why MLS Wants a Neutered Customer Base
43:35 Sub: The Key Narrative to Have a Neutered Fanbase
46:40 The Price of Admission to Pro Games
54:56 An Audience Question About MLS Academies
56:49 Sub: Understanding Training Compensation and Solidarity Payments
01:02:20 Sub: Influence of U18 MLS Academy Coach Dictating to U16 Coach
01:03:22 Youth Highlight Reels and Player Marketing
01:11:56 Promotion and Relegation

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