Posted inU.S.

THE STATE OF THE GAME: Former U.S. internationals and coaches and administrators address the good, bad and ugly of American men’s soccer

When the 21st World Cup kicks off Thursday, the U.S. will be absent for the first time since 1986. The shock of failing to qualify for soccer’s premier tournament will be felt for some time in a country with millions of registered players, a successful professional league, and significant sponsorship invested in the game.