The optimism that had taken over US Soccer after finishing second in the Confederations Cup, winning the CONCACAF qualifying group, and the USMNT winning their group in the World Cup, suddenly died over the past year. The glass was not even half empty for the US, instead the cup was bone dry.  There was a good reason for the negative outlook on US Soccer.

Last year the U-20 squad failed to qualify for their World Cup, the U-17 squad only won a game in Mexico, and the USMNT blew their 2-0 lead against Mexico in the Gold Cup Final.  It was not only the USMNT struggling, but most Americans were not performing well abroad, and Real Salt Lake lost to Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions League final. The only good news in the US camp was Clint Dempsey continuing to score for Fulham, and a bench player, Juan Agudelo, in the MLS scoring goals for the National team. 

The entire state of US soccer was scrutinized from the talent down to developing youth players. In the end, the blame, as usual, was placed on the coaches and Bob Bradley and Thomas Rongen lost their jobs.

Rivals Mexico did not help matters with their “Golden age” players impressing for Manchester United, winning another U-17 World Cup, and beating the USMNT in the Gold Cup final.

Oh how things can change so quickly. The US seems to be quickly filling their glass to half full with the start of this new season. It all started with the USSF deciding to go in a different direction and hire Jürgen Klinsmann (I am not saying he is the reason why players are playing well). The new ideas and players that Klinsmann have brought are well appreciated, but the German is not the only reason why the mood for US Soccer has changed.

Instead of US players struggling to make their club’s starting lineups, it seems like a day does not go by without a US player scoring. Jozy Altidore, who had previously struggled to find the net in Europe, has already scored three goals and looks at home playing for AZ Alkmaar. Former Chivas USA player Sacha Kljestan continues to start and play well (one goal and a beautiful assist skip to 4:45 to see the assist) for Belgium side Anderlecht.

No surprises for Fulham with Clint Dempsey continuing to provide goals, and defenders Steve Cherundolo and Timothy Chandler continue to star in Germany. Even Robbie Findley has been a part of the action, and he has already scored twice for Nottingham Forest.

Americans Chris Rolfe, Clarence Goodsen Mix Diskerud and Josh Gatt continue to shine in Scandinavia. It also helps when young American players like Euan Holden and Gatt are scoring amazing goals that make you say, “how did he do that” and “ankle breaker!” Players south of the border like DaMarcus Beasley, Jose Francesco Torres, Joe Corona, and Herculez Gomez are also performing well and scoring goals in Mexico.

Although the season just started, it is nice to have this trend of US players scoring in leagues not named the MLS. Hopefully, this is something that will continue to happen throughout leagues across the globe for Americans

The glass is not only half full for American players, but also the MLS. Forty-nine straight times the MLS and USMNT failed to beat a Mexican team on Mexican soil. Now the MLS has a two game winning streak against Mexican teams on Mexican soil. Not to mention the MLS is undefeated against other leagues in CONCACAF Champions League with a record of 6-0-1.

Maybe, the US soccer situation is not as dour as we thought a month ago. The US was just in a slump and sleeping beauty is finally waking up. The majority of US players has started this season off well: let’s hope that this is a trend that continues.

by Anthony