In this episode of the 3four3 podcast, Gary Kleiban and Benny Rogers expose the ongoing “brain rot” in American soccer.

They go over MLS and US Soccer’s outdated dismissal of rondos, the impossibility of “playing the right way” at youth, college, or pro levels, and the national team’s struggles under coaches like Berhalter.

Kicking off with Ousmane Dembele’s Balon d’Or win, Gary calls individual awards nonsense in a team sport, echoing Arsene Wenger’s disdain and comparing Dembele’s raw power to Lamine Yamal’s complete playmaking.

Dive into fiery audience comments: Debunking claims that rondos are for “lazy coaches,” proving the myth that American kids can’t handle possession soccer (backed by Brian Kleiban’s pro-developing track record), and addressing why coaches cling to sunk costs in licenses.

Gary shares open invites for critics to debate on the show, highlights why practitioners can’t speak freely in a monopolized system, and offers parents a 3-key-principle guide to spotting great coaches: possession-based, winning-focused, with intense yet caring sessions. Plus, a roast of an MLS demographics comment overlooking Latino talent.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 400: Why US Soccer Sucks – Balon d’Or Nonsense, Rondos for Youth, and Brutal Fan Roasts! appeared first on 3four3.

In this powerful episode of the 3four3 Podcast, Gary Kleiban hosts Oscar Reyes, a Santa Ana native, former soccer player, and visionary club operator.

Oscar, who grew up in the vibrant Latino soccer community of Santa Ana, shares his story of playing in competitive local leagues and training in Europe, only to return with a mission to uplift disenfranchised talent.

Through his nonprofit, La Academia, Oscar addresses the three biggest barriers in youth soccer: the high cost of elite programs, lack of local access, and limited knowledge about pathways to college or professional soccer.

Charging just $2,500 annually compared to $4,000+ at other clubs La Academia keeps costs low by operating without profit, ensuring accessibility for Santa Ana's youth.

Oscar discusses the systemic exclusion of Latino players from mainstream soccer ecosystems, drawing parallels with his own experiences and those of players like his sister, a Mexican national team star, and Frankie Amaya, an LAFC midfielder. He critiques the pay-to-play model, where clubs prioritize revenue over talent development, and calls out the lack of interest from U.S. Soccer and MLS in scouting diverse communities like Santa Ana.

His vision extends to establishing a professional team in Santa Ana, creating a legacy that provides local players a direct path to the pros without leaving their community.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and players passionate about changing American soccer. Learn how Oscar is breaking down barriers and why education and competition are key to unlocking the potential of America's largest soccer demographic.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 399: Breaking Barriers in American Soccer – Oscar Reyes on Elevating Latino Talent in Santa Ana appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we discuss Mauricio Pochettino's tenure with the USMNT, exploring how his bold approach calling up MLS players and challenging the entitlement of A-listers is shaking up the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

We go into why his strategy to test depth and foster competitive fire is critical, even if it ruffles feathers among fans.

Plus, we answer a listener's question on climbing the coaching ladder, breaking down the dual paths of mastering your craft and navigating the politics of the American soccer ecosystem.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 398: Unpacking Pochettino's USMNT Strategy and How Coaches Climb the Soccer Ladder appeared first on 3four3.

In Episode 397, we unpack the Luis Suarez spitting controversy post-Leagues Cup final, diving into the hypocrisy of public outrage and what it reveals about soccer culture.

We also provide actionable strategies for coaches conducting tryouts, sharing tips on identifying players suited for a possession-based system, drawing from our experiences at 3four3.

Finally, we passionately discuss promotion and relegation, debunking myths about its relevance in the U.S. and highlighting its role in fostering freedom, opportunity, and merit.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 397: LEARN from Luis Suarez, Tryout Strategies, and the Pro/Rel Debate appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we dive into MLS Next's newly announced initiatives aimed at reshaping youth soccer in America.

We break down the four key changes:

We argue these initiatives are more about perception and consolidating MLS's monopoly than fostering true player development.

We highlight how the scholarship rule fails to address the pay-to-play barrier, the Talent ID weekend risks non-MLS clubs losing talent, and the playing time mandate mimics recreational soccer, potentially harming competitive development.

We advocate for a free-market system with promotion and relegation, asserting it would incentivize clubs to fund talent and elevate competition, potentially making MLS the world's top league.

Packed with bold insights and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and players navigating the youth soccer landscape. And media who actually care about learning and being truthful in their coverage.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 396: MLS Next Initiatives EXPOSED Playing Time, Talent ID, Scholarship Myths, and More appeared first on 3four3.

We tackle two audience questions.

First, we explore how players get selected for youth national teams and discuss the challenges posed by the monopolistic control of MLS academies. We highlight the importance of MLS academy affiliation, coaching recommendations, and the limited pathways for non-MLS players.

Second, we provide guidance to a parent coach on choosing the right programs to support their 7-year-old’s soccer development, emphasizing the importance of the Parent Education Masterclass.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 395: The Corrupt Pathway to the US Youth National Teams and Beyond appeared first on 3four3.

Exposing the Competitive Facade of American Soccer

In this episode, we respond to toxic comments our viral instagram real generated regarding the recreational state of American soccer leagues, clubs, and culture.

MLS, MLS Next, ECNL, National Teams … it’s all non-competitive rec soccer.

We emphasize the lack of seriousness in developing professional players and the systemic issues perpetuating recreational environments. We address comments from the community, debunk myths about youth soccer development, and outline our solution to foster a competitive, merit-based system.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 394: TOXIC Comments Unleashed – Why American Soccer Remains Recreational appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, we catch up with Facundo Bruno, a former American youth soccer talent now living in Argentina.

We discuss his journey from the U.S. to Argentina, the differences between soccer cultures, and the intense pressure and environment young players face in Argentina.

We also talk about the broader cultural, political, and economic context in Argentina and how it impacts soccer. Lastly, we touch on how past experiences with the sport have shaped our perspectives and the importance of non-robotic, genuine interactions both on and off the field.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 393: The Argentina Connection – Soccer Culture, Development, and Lessons appeared first on 3four3.

In this insightful episode, Gary Kleiban and Benny Rogers tackle the intricacies of pro player development in the United States. Starting with a listener question on coaching U9 girls using the 3four3 methodology, they emphasize treating young players with the same foundational principles as older groups focusing on possession, structure, and adaptation across formats like 7v7 or 9v9. The conversation shifts to the pro pipeline: what it takes to become a professional, from early athleticism and technique honed outside team environments to mentality and discipline in adolescence.

Gary shares real-world examples from their academy days, highlighting how players like Efrain Alvarez stood out due to innate skills developed through pickup play and family influence. They debunk myths about “letting kids play” without structure and stress the need for competition, humility, and paranoia about being displaced to achieve career longevity drawing parallels to legends like Messi and testimonials from pros like Oscar Ruggeri.

The episode critiques the recreational nature of much of American soccer, even in top leagues like MLS Next and ECNL, and explores external factors like training compensation, MLS ownership, and pathways via USL or overseas moves. With success stories of coaches winning state championships using 3four3 frameworks and a teaser on a “Drake Equation” for pro odds, this is essential listening for coaches at 343coaching.com and parents at 343masterclass.com aiming to build dominant, pro-ready players.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 392: Unlocking Pro Player Development – Pathways, Odds, and Longevity in American Soccer appeared first on 3four3.

In this episode, Gary Kleiban welcomes Filippo Silva, the independent voice behind Tactical Manager TV, for an unfiltered discussion on the state of American soccer.

Filippo, a Brazilian-American with a deep soccer background, shares his journey from playing and coaching to building a platform that challenges the U.S. soccer establishment.

The conversation covers the USMNT's struggles, including the entitlement of the current golden generation and Christian Pulisic's controversial decision to skip the Gold Cup.

They also explore MLS's controlled growth, the U.S. Open Cup saga, and the recent USSF-TST partnership, questioning whether it signals a corporate takeover of a fan-driven tournament.

Filippo embodies the power of independent media and vocal fans in driving change, citing Gregg Berhalter's firing as proof of supporter influence.

Packed with insights for coaches, parents, and fans, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in transforming American soccer.

00:00 Intro

If you are a coach or a parent of a player, we’ve also codified and made available the remarkable work of a coach who trained and shepherded many, many players from the age of 9 all the way to graduating them to being professionals.

The products that show you how this was done, is what sponsors this episode.

Get aboard a proven path, a legitimately proven path, not something copied or synthesized from elsewhere, or worse. No, but rather a first hand account and curriculum directly from the source, from the practitioners themselves, whose work is unprecedented in the American soccer environment.

Learn the methodology at 343coaching.com.

You don’t have to be lost and confused.

This is brought to you by the 3four3 coaching education program.

Learn more and join over 1000 coaches using our proven possession-based methodology.

The post Ep 391: Filippo Silva (Tactical Manager) on Independent Media and USMNT Challenges appeared first on 3four3.