A year of sea change for the U.S. men's national team began with Carlos Cordero winning the race for president of the United States Soccer Federation. We had a lengthy coaching search that ultimately saw Greg Bertholter taking control of the U.S. men's

national team and oh by the way did I forget to mention there were some games played

too. So it's been a busy year for the U.S. men's national team to say the

least so now allow me to take you back to the beginning.

As with most elections not everyone was happy with Cordero's appointment.

To the chagrin and irritation of those who wanted a quote soccer person to take

the reins, Cordero beat out the likes of Kathy Carter, Eric Winalda, and Kyle

Martino. But what is a quote soccer person? Well I addressed that on February 14th.

Over the course of the USF presidential election many argued including several candidates

about the need for more quote soccer people. election many

about the need for more quote soccer people to be involved in positions of power within the US soccer federation

now soccer people is often really just code for former players.

Many also argued that this election should be the moment

when real soccer people take the game back

and make decisions focused more on

about what is good for the game

and less on what is good for the game and less on what is good for the business.

This is nothing new.

We often look at former athletes as possessing a unique, authentic, or valuable understanding

of the game and one we want a mine.

But when the Athlete Council, which by law controls 20% of the vote and consists of 20 former

and current players, when it plays Kingmaker and it dictates and decides the election by wielding and exercising its

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