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 They go over MLS and US Soccer’s outdated dismissal of rondos, the impossibility of “playing the right way” at youth, college, or pro levels, and the national team’s struggles under coaches like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

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 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 [...]

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 [...]

We explore the non-negotiable factors necessary for effective player development, such as possession-based gameplay and actual results on the field. We also dive into sideline coaching, creativity in players, and the critical role of charisma and care in coaching. Throughout, we address the misconceptions within the American soccer environment and propose ways to cultivate genuine [...]

Designing Effective Training Sessions: Insights and Strategies We touch upon the early days of session planning, the evolution of professionalizing training, and the importance of having premeditated player groupings. We also cover typical session structures including warmups, technical exercises, tactical exercises, and play phases. The episode highlights the common coaching mistake of doing too much [...]

In this episode, we discuss how to evaluate whether your player or kid is legitimately good at soccer. We share an email received from a concerned father about his 13-year-old son, highlighting the common issue of ‘man child' dominance in youth soccer masking true deficiencies. We share insights into the rigorous process of player evaluations [...]

A compelling episode with Joey Cascio, who shares his extensive coaching experience and insights gained over 15-20 years. We discuss the recent Club World Cup, where Chelsea surprisingly beat PSG, and dive into coaching philosophy and methodologies. Joey highlights the challenges and joys of youth coaching, such as building a team’s identity and handling parental [...]

In this episode, we wrap up discussions on the US men’s national team following their 2-1 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup final. We dive into roster decisions, tactical choices, and the higher-level takeaways from both the match and the broader program. We also emphasize the critical role fans play in shaping soccer culture [...]

Culture, Passion, and the Realities Holding American Soccer Back We bring on long-time friend and experienced practitioner, Kephern Fuller, to discuss the challenges and barriers in US soccer culture, the differences between suburban and international football cultures, and the importance of mental resilience. We examine the role of culture in developing top players, top clubs, [...]

In this episode, we touch on the US men’s national team’s semi-final against Guatemala and Pochettino’s remarks an American soccer culture. We reflect on Diego Luna’s performance and critique the hype around his goals. We also address listeners’ feedback, focusing on the critical issues within the US soccer system, including the need for cultural change [...]