Controversial Opinion Atlanta United 2 roster

I hear what you are saying about players who won’t get the opportunity. It’s true but “embracing college soccer” isn’t the answer. An open pyramid is. Perhaps the current baseball lockout will help people realize that domestic Pro sports hierarchy is about control first money second and sport third. And players last.

People constantly shizat on “the sixth level of English football” and “teams who will never finish above 12th in EPL” but they ignore the fact that those levels are real and players have opportunities within them. The bottom of the pyramid is more important than the top in a real developmental hierarchy.

Our country is a soccer dead end until lower league clubs can climb and overtake crappy higher leagues clubs by winning. Otherwise there is zero incentive to invest in the game and it’ll remain a dead end.

You both are so right.

Even the current academy stock at AU preforms very well but sadly won't get the chance. Only the "chosen ones"

A lot of "egos" in the soccer world. Being a good former player doesn't necessarily make you a great coach for development.

The goal for these MLS academy coaches should be how many players can I get to pro or college and helping them achieve those goals. So so many lower level international spots division 1-3, D1-3, NAIA etc, College routs. HELP the player get into those locations. Call, email, invite... I don't see a lot of that at all. 

I honestly think a lot of that is just being lazy. 

Yea - I have relatives/friends in other cities, where the youth soccer isn't nearly as competitive, but they are surrounded by top tier d1 schools for both men and women.
Their coaches are extremely honest, and can literally pick up the phone and call to speak to schools directly on players behalf's. they seem to be much more helpful to be honest and better connected.
Full support and endorsement by a coach with contacts goes a long long way.

Let me reiterate, their club and coaches are doing everything in their power to help kids.



I'm so over having a roster of 18 - 23 kids in a an age group and then openingly showing the chosen ones favoritism. I have full confidence that players 6-23 could become gems also with time, patients and maturity. Develop them all, don't close doors.

I honestly think the only value of the domestic player in the MLS is they are cheap and can help fill your roster. They have very little leverage when it comes to contract negations.

I hear what you're saying but keep in mind that there is always an incentive to sign a HG.  MLS mandates that slots 29 and 30 on a roster can only be occupied by a HG player.  I think it also has to be pointed out that many local players across the AU academy ages get chances to trial with the team on an ongoing basis.  The real question is this, is this trialist better than what you currently have?  Most of the time, no for a myriad of reasons.  Some players can't keep up with the pace, some are not fit enough, some are good playing in the ECNL but are just okay in the MLS Pro route and others may be talented enough but just don't have the willingness or mindset to thrive in a highly competitive environment.  The AU United Georgia Cup that occurred last year really showcased the drop off in talent at the U14/15/17 age groups, especially in the 04/05 group.  There truly was no competition.  Now, could other players outside AU get the opportunity to develop and get better, absolutely.  I think AU, ODP, Local Clubs should work together to identify the really talented non AU players and train and challenge them in other non-MLS tourneys and games.  Think of it as an ongoing RDS program or a reserves team for the current AU Players.  It gives those players who were missed, undersized, undeveloped another pathway on to all the benefits and opportunities AU provides...