In this episode of the Over The Line Podcast, we sit down with Bryan de la Fuente — former professional player and now a youth coach working to shift the culture of American soccer. From his days at Chivas USA to his coaching work in Las Vegas, Bryan brings a unique perspective on the U.S. soccer landscape, what’s broken, and how we can fix it.

We cover everything from the chaos of youth soccer leagues, the overemphasis on winning, and the lack of technical foundation in early development — to what parents should actually be looking for when choosing a club. Bryan also shares his coaching philosophy, why long-term development matters more than short-term trophies, and how to keep young players engaged and progressing through the ages.

If you’re a parent, coach, or player trying to navigate the U.S. soccer system, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:
01:13 - Introduction and Background of Bryan de la Fuente
03:14 - Differences Between Chivas USA Academy and MLS Youth Systems
08:14 - Challenges and Changes in Youth Soccer Leagues
11:60 → 12:00 - Bryan's Journey into Coaching
20:17 - Balancing Development and Team Results
26:06 - The Importance of Technical Foundation
33:51 - Development vs. Results at Different Ages
50:13 - Parental Advice for Choosing a Soccer Club
56:02 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement