How the USMNT Transformed…

As the FIFA World Cup draws near to North America this month, the confidence in the U.S. men’s national team is soaring to new heights. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is filled with players who regularly compete in the UEFA Champions League, alongside star athletes who have won trophies in major European leagues and domestic tournaments.

However, the outlook for American soccer has not always been this bright. A glance back to the last time the U.S. hosted a men’s World Cup in 1994 reveals a different story.

Three decades ago, the USMNT had just a single player in a European first division, and there was no MLS in existence. Following a poorly received World Cup return in 1990 after a 40-year hiatus, the U.S. men’s national team lacked any prominence on the world stage.

To rectify this, U.S. Soccer embarked on a prolonged mission to develop a competitive national team, starting in an unexpected location: the beaches of Mission Viejo, California. There, a motley crew of college graduates and semi-professionals ignited America’s passion for soccer.

The Enigma That Was Bora

After the USMNT’s disappointing group stage exit in Italy in 1990, the new U.S. Soccer president Alan Rothenberg sought a new head coach. He considered prominent coaches like Franz Beckenbauer and Rinus Michels but ultimately chose Bora Milutinovic, a lesser-known but cost-effective choice.

The Serbian coach had previously brought success to Mexico and Costa Rica in prior World Cups and was ready for another challenge. It turned out to be U.S. Soccer signing up for an unpredictable journey.

Bora embodied a blend of wisdom, soccer genius, and paternal guidance, while also being somewhat maddening. His command of English fluctuated, depending on his enthusiasm for conversation. Players quickly learned that his methods were meticulously crafted to enhance their skills.

Bill Nuttall (team general manager, 1991-94): Bora never asked a question he didn’t already know the answer to. He has sharp insight and is genuinely a nice and positive individual, making him truly unique.

Hugo Pérez (midfielder, 1984-94): Bora wanted soccer to be at the forefront of our lives, urging us to immerse ourselves in the sport.

Marcelo Balboa (defender, 1988-2000): I remember one day when we were waiting in the vans, Bora surprised us by suddenly appearing from under a seat, and the atmosphere instantly turned serious. He has a knack for reminding us that he knows everything about our behavior.

Tony Meola (goalkeeper, 1988-2006): Bora was notorious for filming everything with his Canon A1 camera, capturing moments that now feel like treasures.

The Clash of Cultures

During preparations for the World Cup, the team felt like two separate groups: those enduring Bora’s rigorous training in Mission Viejo and those off playing in Europe.

Eventually, merging these two worlds proved challenging.

Meola: The European-based players would often ask, “How do you survive this every day?”

Jeff Agoos (defender, 1988-2003): There was an evident disparity in treatment between the U.S. players and those abroad. The European players were expected to earn their spots, but there was an understanding that many were already guaranteed a place on the team.

Tab Ramos (midfielder, 1988-2000): There was an established hierarchy within the team. It was understood who would play when they arrived.

Mike Sorber (midfielder, 1992-98): The European players were earning significant salaries and training only once a day, creating a different mentality compared to the rest of the squad.

Balboa: As Bora made tough decisions towards the end, we realized that some players who dedicated time throughout the training might be cut, leading to tensions.

The Lack of Facilities

Upon arrival in Mission Viejo in early 1993, the training facilities were in disarray. Flooding from El Niño affected fields, locker rooms promised by the city were incomplete, and housing arrangements for players fell through.

The team had to construct not only itself but also the necessary infrastructure from the ground up.

Renato Copabianco (team administrator, 1991-94): We drove around looking for apartments for two weekends, visiting every complex and speaking to managers since there was no internet.

Meola: We changed clothes in an abandoned unit across from our practice fields before heading to training, which added a layer of absurdity to our situation.

Agoos: We were changing in a strip mall unit, initially with clear windows, which was quite embarrassing until we managed to cover them.

Balboa: Our fitness training often took us to the beach, where we’d change in our cars before running on the sand.

Cobi Jones (midfielder, 1992-2004): Being young helped us cope with the unusual circumstances. At the time, we adapted to the situation as it was.

Agoos: Initially, we stayed in a hotel before relocating to apartments. My roommate Alexi Lalas was notoriously messy, creating a stark contrast to my own cleanliness.

The Rigors of Bora’s Training

The workouts in Mission Viejo resembled preparation for an ultra-marathon more than soccer training, designed to test players to their physical and mental limits.

Bora’s warm-up drill, “One player, one ball,” required intense running and ball control for 45 minutes, fostering an unusual training atmosphere.

Ramos: The routine felt unlike anything I experienced before; it was truly unique to Bora.

Jones: I recall times trying to find ways to take breaks during workouts, even kicking the ball away intentionally to escape the intensity for a moment.

One enjoyable break from monotony was soccer tennis.

Bora’s approach focused keenly on the mental aspects of soccer. He insisted on playing soccer tennis to sharpen both physical touch and mental game awareness.

And he was undefeated.

Meola: Bora never lost at soccer tennis; he employed clever tricks to ensure victory.

Ramos: Bora’s competitive nature turned every game into a fierce contest.

Nuttall: There were often misunderstandings, but Bora never truly cheated.

Cultivating Soccer Minds

Bora strived to instill his soccer vision in his players through lengthy tactical discussions and shared viewing experiences of impactful games.

Agoos: We once discussed a single play for hours, highlighting Bora’s focus on strategic coherence among players.

Meola: Bora also took us to watch soccer at local pubs, fostering camaraderie while expanding our understanding of the game.

Balboa: Dining with Bora was an immersive experience where he’d use salt and pepper shakers to demonstrate tactics.

Making the Team

The final six months leading to roster cuts were fraught with tension. Intense training sessions exposed fierce competition among players, who were filtered down to the final roster.

Upon making final decisions, Bora faced a mix of exhilaration and heartbreak.

Balboa: I was uncertain about my chances of making the World Cup team after a torn ACL. When Bora unexpectedly announced I would start, it moved me deeply.

Agoos: The day of my release came after an exhausting beach run, which intensified the emotional impact of the situation.

Wynalda: Bora kept us guessing, and once the decisions were made, it transformed our approach to enjoying the World Cup experience together.

Preparation in Motor City

The time for the USMNT to shine on the World Cup stage had arrived. With intense training behind them, they geared up for their spotlight moment. Bora orchestrated a final motivational push with a stirring hype video featuring music by Queen, Van Halen, U2, and Tina Turner.

Wynalda: Holding hands together while watching that video made us feel more united than ever. It was a powerful moment.

John Harkes (midfielder, 1987-2000): Embracing an underdog mentality added dimension to our approach as the host nation, as we aimed to prove our mettle on the world stage.

Wynalda: The day before the match, I inadvertently consumed something I was allergic to, triggering a severe reaction. Bora’s confidence in my ability to play inspired me to push through.

This is the World Cup

Against Switzerland, the U.S. was expected to secure a win but were anticipated to struggle against favored Colombia while hoping for a result against Romania. What followed was a surprising tie with Switzerland, an upset of Colombia, and a narrow loss to Romania.

This unexpected performance surpassed expectations, yet left the U.S. facing a challenging round of 16 matchup.

Balboa: There was no external pressure to succeed but internally, we felt the weight of our efforts. We had invested so much time and energy that elimination wasn’t a consideration.

Ramos: Facing Colombia was daunting, given their status as one of the tournament favorites. The stakes felt extraordinarily high.

Harkes: Scoring early allowed us to gain confidence and show Colombia that we were not to be underestimated.

Balboa: Earning a tie against Switzerland felt acceptable, but after a victory against Colombia, we thrived with newfound confidence.

Thomas Dooley (defender, 1992-99): Initially ignored by most, the changing atmosphere transformed as we gained recognition and support from the community following our victory against Colombia.

Balboa: Our mentality shifted into the final game against Romania; despite our previous successes, we faltered due to lack of experience in such positions.

Confronting Brazil

The USMNT’s loss to Romania resulted in a difficult round of 16 clash against Brazil, known for their formidable prowess.

Despite battling hard, tragedy struck when Ramos suffered a skull injury due to an elbow from Leonardo, necessitating a hospital visit and leaving the team bereft of its key playmaker.

Sorber: The excitement among Americans was palpable; facing Brazil was a monumental opportunity for the team.

Jones: Walking onto the pitch for that match was invigorating, particularly feeling the support from American fans.

Ramos: My injury was disorienting, resulting in my absence from the second half.

Wynalda: The emotional impact of Ramos’s injury was felt deeply, impacting our performance for the remainder of the match.

Balboa: Despite having an advantageous player count, Brazil maintained their composure and ultimately scored, resulting in our elimination.

The Dream Ends, A New Era Emerges

In the wake of the USMNT’s exit, Bora struggled to find words in a team address, with the humor of comedian Robin Williams providing relief.

Over the days that followed, the reality of what the team had accomplished began to resonate.

Players who were once unknown became celebrities practically overnight, leading to endorsement deals and heightened respect within the soccer community.

Wynalda: In the aftermath, Williams’ comedic touch helped shift our mood from devastation to joy.

Jones: Celebrity status transformed our experiences; simple gestures like bumping up to first class became common.

Balboa: Attending the World Cup final reminded us of the significance of our experience while also acknowledging uncertainties about our professional futures.

Jones: My immediate plan was to return to school; instead, opportunities arose, leading me to sign with Coventry City in England.

Meola: The recognition we gained led to unexpected opportunities, including a fascinating invitation from the New York Jets.

The Legacy of ’94

The World Cup not only filled U.S. Soccer’s coffers but also laid a solid foundation of support for the game’s growth.

This financial backing enabled the establishment of Major League Soccer and allowed for further investments in international women’s football events, notably amplifying the success of the U.S. women’s national team.

Mike Burns (defender, 1992-98): For that fleeting month, soccer gained relevance in America, marking a turning point that propelled future growth.

Harkes: Advancing beyond the group stage was a massive accomplishment, providing a launchpad for soccer’s growth and engagement within the U.S.

Janusz Michallik (defender, 1991-94): The World Cup’s impact is immeasurable, preventing stagnation and fueling enthusiasm for soccer in America.

Sunil Gulati (director of national teams, chairman of technical committee, 1990-2002): The focus shifted to cultivating a culture of soccer and professional leagues post-World Cup’s conclusion. The dynamic growth of MLS exemplifies the enduring legacy and success that stemmed from ’94.

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This past April celebrated the 30th anniversary of Major League Soccer, recognizing its role in the ascent of various U.S. soccer stars while welcoming global icons.

The U.S. women’s national team continues to redefine excellence, solidifying its status in the sport.

Every summer, Europe’s top clubs engage American fans through exciting matches, reflecting the transformative journey of U.S. soccer since that remarkable summer of ’94 when players like Eric Wynalda, Cobi Jones, Alexi Lalas, and 19 others embarked on a historical journey with Bora Milutinovic.

Leander Schaerlaeckens is the author of “The Long Game: U.S. Men’s Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts.”