u/GrizzliousTheOG

Also, I just wanted to say it's so impressive to see the talent Philadelphia Union is producing in the last decade.

16 years ago, they came into the league. They had a five-point plan. They were never going to start signing big name older flashy European guys. They focused on developing the youth in the area. And it's paid dividends!

I've never gotten the privilege to work for the Union. But I visited their facilities last year. Everything is super top notch and the club is so well run. I got to talk to the directors there who invited me, and they explained to me how they do things. As a sporting director myself, I've been so impressed and I can only wish to work in an environment like that.

Ernst Tanner may not be the best character, he used anti-LGBTQ+ language and got suspended recently. But he has great soccer IQ and built a system that is hard to match for other MLS teams, Forget about USL, we simply don't have the financial resources and facilities they have.

All in all, I think American soccer is improving thanks to clubs like the Union. I know they're not having a good season but they've been solid for years. Cavan is just the latest in their pipeline and he is not only talented, but he has the character to make it in pro soccer.

When you are 16 and playing with grown men, you can't be afraid. And as you can see from this clip as one of many examples, he is not afraid of anyone or anything.

We need more teams like Union in this country. Let's prioritize youth development. Teach them skillset and the tough mentality that is needed in soccer.

Personally, if I were running the Union, I would bring in one or two veterans who played at the highest levels just to let them share their experiences with these young kids and to lead them. But they have their philosophy and it is helping American soccer.