I KEEP TELLING MYSELF THAT EXTRA TIME TO PREPARE IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING.
As Head Coach of the U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team, my dream for this summer was to be with our squad in Japan, representing the United States at the Olympic Games.
I remember exactly where we were when we got the news that we had to leave the Concacaf’s Olympic qualifying tournament due to the COVID outbreak. We were in Guadalajara, Mexico, training and primed for the tournament start. Our priority going into the tournament was all about minimizing distractions. We knew how difficult the environment would be and we wanted the team completely focused. We had just over a week until our first game.
Our coaching staff was headed to the field with our cones and equipment to set up for training. We got a call and our team administrator said, “Pack up. We’re going home.”
What followed was a stressful 24 hours. We were worried about safety, closing borders and flights back to all parts of the country. Fortunately, we have fantastic people who work in U.S. Soccer administration, and with a lot of help, we were able to get all our players and staff home in about a day.
The tournament was suspended and we are still awaiting updates on the qualifying process. Much is uncertain.
What we do know is both exciting and challenging. Next summer could be epic for soccer: the potential for the now 2021 Olympic Games, the Concacaf Gold Cup and the start of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying will keep our players extraordinarily busy.
As you probably know, the Olympic team is made up of Under-23 players with three players allowed over the age of 23. With so many talented young U.S. players eligible for both the Olympics and valuable to the senior team, the roster decisions will be made through collaboration with all our technical staffs.
I’m sure this will spur a lot of discussion in the year ahead, but my first goal is simple: qualify. Make Olympic dreams come true for our team and people like you in the United States who love our sport.
LOOKING AHEAD
Sometimes I think about that day when things changed. I think about how our team and staff came together in rushed efforts for the good of the whole. I think about the crazy, difficult world we live in – full of things we maybe can’t control but where we want to do more, do our best, and support each other every step of the way.
Now we look ahead. While our Women’s National Team has qualified for the Olympics next summer, there are still qualifying challenges that await our U-23 MNT.
You can help us do more and be more. You can help support the team on the important steps that lie ahead. Will you join us?
Donate now to support the U.S. Soccer Development Fund. Even a small gift of $11 – representing a dollar for each player in a starting lineup – will help fund vital programs to develop the next generation of world-class players, coaches and National Teams that inspire us all.
It takes tremendous dedication, hard work and critical resources to build championship teams – from talent identification, to high-performance staff, to coaches, to effective administration that make the difference in the last push for success (or even safety). You can be part of this team behind the team.
Your donation now will mean more than ever as we face a difficult year with unforeseen challenges and financial strain brought on by COVID-19.
With hard work – and people like you to support us – I hope we can use this extra time now to be in an even better position to qualify.
Donate today to be part of the excitement ahead.
Sincerely,
Jason Kreis
Head Coach, U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team
U.S. Soccer Federation
