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Breaking The Line, the ECNL Podcast, went live and in-person at the ECNL Coaching Symposium at the Circa Resort in Las Vegas, NV for a historic podcast featuring executives from US Soccer. ECNL President Christian Lavers and ECNL Vice President Doug Bracken sat down with Emily Cosler, US Soccer Senior Director of Strategy, and Matt Crocker, US Soccer Sporting Director. 

Together, the four conducted an incredible discussion surrounding US Soccer: what does the future hold for the sport within the United States, US Soccer's approach to the 2026 FIFA World Cup beyond, how the organization fits into the overall soccer structure within the country, and more. Ultimately, there was one theme throughout the entire podcast: collaboration. 

Tune in for a riveting roundtable about soccer in the United States, and read more about the panel guests below. 

Emily Cosler: Senior Director of Strategy, US Soccer

Emily joined U.S. Soccer’s strategy department in October of 2022. As the Senior Director of Strategy, Emily’s work has primarily focused on strategic projects including the U.S. Way Sporting Strategy, the Safe Soccer Clearance program, 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup bids, and partnerships with key landscape stakeholders such as National Member Organizations and Professional Leagues. She has also helped to support the implementation of U.S. Soccer’s new strategic vision, including matured business planning processes. Prior to joining the team at U.S. Soccer, Emily worked in management consulting at Bain & Company.

Matt Crocker: Sporting Director, US Soccer

Matt became U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director in August of 2023, overseeing the entire Sporting Department and focusing on the Men’s and Women’s National Team programs, Youth National Teams, and the Extended National Teams. Crocker is responsible for setting U.S. Soccer’s sporting vision, overseeing the performance of all national teams, implementing the technical development plan, developing sporting culture, philosophy, ensuring greater communication, and sharing of best practices. Matt is formerly the English Football Association Head of Development Teams and Southampton Director of Football Operations - he brings more than 25 years of experience in player development and coaching with proven success at the club, youth, and senior international levels. A native of Wales, he holds a UEFA Pro License, the FA Technical Directors License, the FA Academy Manager’s license and has an Honors Bachelor of Science in Sport Pedagogy.