Could the U-20s Be Better Still?

Happy as I am that the U.S. U-20 squad thrashed Haiti last night - and that a relatively unknown forward, Andre Akpan, wielded the switch to greatest effect - there's still something about the U-20s that irks me.

And that something is named Thomas Rongen.

So, we beat Haiti. We should always beat Haiti; ditto with Guatemala and whomever else we'll play in the qualifying tournament. The question is whether Rongen is the coach to lead us against the world. Where does this come from? Mainly his track record as a coach in Major League Soccer (MLS). The only success I recall Rongen enjoying in the league came with a DC United squad he borrowed from Bruce Arena (was that the 1999 championship?). Before and after that, I can only recall profound mediocrity, whether it was with the New England Revolution or Chivas USA.

So, with all that in mind, is Rongen the man for this job? More to the point, why does his name keep appearing with these plumb coaching jobs?

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