Beyond the 11 · Episode 7

America's Best Players Are Still Unscouted

with Steve Sampson, Former USMNT head coach

13 October 202612 minHosted by Shaun Harris & Kevin Meredith

The short version

The former USMNT head coach argues the US has a scouting problem, not a talent problem.

Former USMNT head coach

Forty years in the game, from college soccer at UCLA to a national title at Santa Clara.
On Bora Milutinović's staff at the 1994 World Cup, then head coach of the US men's national team at France 1998.
The first US-born coach of a foreign national team, Costa Rica, and LA Galaxy coach for the 2005 MLS Cup and US Open Cup double.
Today he covers Copa América and World Cups in the media.

I don't think there's any shortage of talent in our youth game. But there has always been a need for a national scouting program.
Steve Sampson · Episode 7
Coaches don't win championships without outstanding leadership on that roster.
Steve Sampson · Episode 7
The missing factor for me is the four or five top quality players on the field that can carry a team in a world championship.
Steve Sampson · Episode 7

Lines from the recorded conversation, lightly edited for length.