Pochettino, MLS show parents how to take long view with youth athletes

About a year and a half ago, MLS NEXT announced it would use Quality of Play rankings for its U13 and U14 age groups.

The idea behind this method of evaluation aligns with what most parents, at least in theory, want to emphasize to their kids as they play youth sports.

Teams in those age groups are ranked by how they played tactically, with wins and goals de-emphasized and progress measured by players’ offensive and defensive actions, including their off-the-ball movements in games we sometimes don’t see. Standings are based on the rankings.

The rankings, and what Major League Soccer looks for within them, also reflect a poignant theme of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s roster for four upcoming friendlies.

Pochettino, in his first roster since the 2026 World Cup, is heavily balancing youth with experience, giving young players time to grow with an eye toward the 2028 Olympics.

It’s a way we can also look at our kids’ sports, surveying the big picture so they can get the most out of the experience – which may bring on losses and setbacks – with an eye toward an ultimate goal.

"We need to be careful," Pochettino said in the leadup…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/sports/