Winning vs Development: Eric Wynalda Calls Out MLS NEXT’s Broken Vision

In this explosive episode of Unleashed, Eric Wynalda takes the gloves off and goes after the growing culture shift in U.S. Youth Soccer — where winning no longer seems to matter.

From MLS NEXT’s new player grading system to the obsession with analytics and wearable tech, Eric warns that American soccer is losing its soul. He argues we’re raising robotic players who can pass the ball sideways but don’t know how to win — and we’re doing it under the false banner of “development.”

He also shares personal stories from his time in the system, calls out familiar media figures, and reflects on what we’ve lost: identity, instinct, and the freedom to play with personality.

🔥 Topics Covered:

Why Carly Lloyd's Hall of Fame speech matters more than people realize

The dangerous rise of metrics-based coaching in youth soccer

Why America needs to stop chasing European validation

Eric’s message to MLS NEXT decision-makers

Thierry Henry, CBS punditry, and the decline of real analysis

“Home of the Brave” or “Home of the App”? — What’s next for U.S. Soccer?

📺 Unleashed is a GOLZ TV Original. Watch every episode on golz.tv and subscribe for exclusive access to the most unfiltered voice in American soccer.

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