The U.S. U-23 men failing to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games comes on the heels of the U-20 men's national team failing to qualify for the U-20 World Cup.
Ronald Blum checked in with Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who coached the U.S. Olympic team in 1996 and the full national
team in 1998-2006.
“We need to have new leadership, a fresh way of doing things,” Arena said. “Usually it’s a new coach. But maybe it’s time for new leadership
and new concepts as well. Who knows? But I think we’re making progress, regardless of this result.”
U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said,
"Obviously last night is a huge disappointment on many levels and for everyone involved. We’ve been very successful over the last 36 years in being at most of the Olympic games on the
men’s side, so it’s a big setback.”
Gulati became USSF president in 2006 and replaced Arena after the Americans crashed out of the World Cup in the group stage. Arena had
guided the USA to the quarterfinals in 2002.

Walt Pericciuoli


