There is an excellent post by SchadenfreudianSlip below which says more about the problems with US soccer on an international level in two paragraphs that I could say in ten pages.

Briefly put, the US will never compete at the top international level (and that doesn't mean beating Mexico) until they change the culture of the game in America.

How to compete on THEIR level:

1.  Develop the funds to establish a system that a) identifies kids at a very early age; b) gets them into leagues away from soccer moms and no-nothing coaches; c) cull down the pool to only the most talented, most athletic, with the most creative and aggressive style; d) keep Sunil Gulati and MLS out of the system; e) play World Cup prep games only in Europe and South American cups and championships.  Stay away from COPA America and CONCACAF...lame.  And along the way, pay dearly to get the best coaches, trainers and assistants from around the world...guys who've been there.

We just beat Mexico on their own turf 3-0. U-S-A! U-S-A! (yes, the game was in Arizona)

Very good team, but you know what ruins it all?? An extremely apathetic fan base.

come on gringos, you can bomb every other country in the world, and you will never be good at soccer

US needs help when it comes to soccer, it's not A US thing, their too busy watching stuff like Football, when Rugby is way better

u.s.a is doing a great job! keep on REPing us guys!

it's ok. im not a sports fan but it's ok.

We are #1 !!!!!

Look out world, here we come....

Man I'm happy that we have a good national team. However, US will NEVER have a dominating national team, ever. We play soccer, but some countries like Brazil and most of Europe live soccer. I love being an American, but I wish we'd appreciate this sport.

Will keep on getting better.

Jeez...I don't even follow sports but you just KNOW with all the little up and coming soccer brats we're producing this game is well on its way to being the next American sports obsession. So, get ready Mad TV Krazy - the competition is on its way and the jerseys say U.S.A.!

The womens teams always get the spotlight. Now it is the underdogs' turns. The mens team has been doing a good job. They already beat the Mexico team: 2-0. Keep up the good work!

I didn't think the U.S. standed a chance in their pool what with Portugal and Poland, but poor play by both teams has lead to what could be a major upset, one of the biggest in the World Cup. Led by Landon Donavon this U.S. team may have some more suprises for us.

Wow - this team has really come a long way. What really separates the 2002 World Cup team from previous Cup teams is its speed. While the US still does not control the ball as well as the elite teams, what they do have is the ability to strike quickly. The young strikers of the US seem to be able to run by anybody at any time - giving the US a goal scoring threat on potentially any ball placed behind the last line of defense. The other thing that makes the US tough is keeper Brad Friedel. As he proved in the English Premiere League as well is in last night's game with South Korea is that he is talented enough to keep his team in virtually any game. If you haven't had a chance to check this team out yet, try and see them against Poland on Friday morning... this could be the best US team in history.

The USA Team is better than many think. They are faster and more skilled than any USA team in the past. Watch for Langdon Donovan to open some eyes.

They just made me feel really good about waking up at 4:30 am to run to Dunkin' Donuts to get some refreshments to share with my buddies as we wiped away the eye snot to watch this team represent the country. They played fast and furious the first half and made the plays that they needed to make to win this first match over Portugal. Hopefully this will increase the notoriety of the team and if Rayna and Mathis get healthy for the next couple of opening round games, there is a good chance that the team will make it out of the first round and avenge a crummy showing in the last Cup.

This almost depends on which team you are talking about. The men's team could use some work, they got killed in 1998. The Women's team was undefeated, and I saw the 1999 final and I swear my heart stopped about 5 times. Why can't we rate WUSA teams on this site yet.

Considering that soccer is mainly a girl's sport for so many generations in the USA and that the professional league is still in its early stages and considering that soccer is like the number 8 or number 9 sport more revnue generation - I think this team is great!! Also - MEMO to the world - more US children are playing soccer than baseball - US will dominate this sport in 2-3 generations.