There is a growing consensus among U.S. soccer followers that the fewer collegiate players on youth national teams, the better. The thinking is that prospects who play professionally -- even if only on a reserve or academy team -- receive better tutoring than college kids and, thus, are further along in their development.
The makeup of recent U-20 squads would suggest that fans are getting their wish. The team U-20 coach Thomas Rongen took to Northern Ireland for the Milk Cup in July included only six (of 18) college players. At the Cor Groenewegen Tournament in the Netherlands last May, only four (of 21) players came from universities.
Not long ago, the U.S. U-20 roster was comprised primarily of collegiate stars, and so it would seem a sea change is under way. But Caleb Porter, an assistant coach on the U.S. U-18 national team, doesn't believe we are nearing the end of college soccer as a pipeline.
"Sure, less of the top kids are signing with colleges and, honestly, that is how it should be," Porter says. "But there are also kids who are not ready for the pros right out of high school and can benefit from one or two years in a college program. Because of that, college will continue to be an important step for some players."
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