In this episode, we continue our conversation about coaching development in the U.S., addressing the intense pressure to win and its impact on coaching effectiveness. We emphasize the importance of winning to provide coaches with breathing room to focus on player and team development. We discuss real-life scenarios, from dealing with star players and managing […]

In this explosive episode, we kick off with Gary’s no-holds-barred rant on the USMNT’s performance against Australia, highlighting Pochettino’s culture-over-strategy mindset and why our players lack true differentiation or winning nastiness. We break down the entitlement era’s end and draw lessons from Argentine grit. Shifting to coaching development, we explore building a philosophy modeled on […]

In this episode of the 3four3 podcast, we take a hard look at the evolution of American youth soccer, reflecting on its past and critiquing its present. We discuss how the competitive, merit-based Coast Soccer League once set a high standard for youth soccer, producing top talent through a promotion-relegation system. Fast forward to today, […]

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 They go over MLS and US Soccer’s outdated dismissal of rondos, the impossibility of “playing the right way” at youth, college, or pro levels, and the national team’s struggles under coaches like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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: 1) a scholarship requirement mandating one player per club, 2) an extension of the “Pro Player Pathway” adding U15 teams, 3) a Talent ID weekend for scouting, and 4) new […]

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 […]

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 […]