The U.S. Men’s National Team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup raised red flags within the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). It shed light on several systematic issues surrounding the organization, including the coaching staff and eventually the presidency of U.S. Soccer.

The road to qualifying for the 2018 World Cup began in November of 2016. The United States was in a qualifying group (CONCACAF) comprised of nations in North and Central Americas and the Caribbean. After the team’s 2-1 loss to Mexico and a 4-0 loss to Costa Rica, head coach Jürgen Klinsmann was fired by the USSF. It had been the first time the U.S. had lost the first two opening matches of a World Cup Qualifying campaign. Klinsmann had been the head coach since 2011 and concluded his tenure with a 55-27-16 record. Former U.S. National Team coach, Bruce Arena filled the void to finish out the World Cup Qualifying Final Round.

Regrettably, the United States’ road to the World Cup did not improve. The team finished with a 3-4-3 record, letting their World Cup aspirations slip away.

Following the U.S.’ 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago in October of 2017, the federation’s president, Sunil Gulati was forced to rethink his position. The Columbian national held his seat as president for nearly a decade.

There are several standouts competing in the race for the presidency including retired U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper, Hope Solo.

She is the ninth individual to announce their run for the presidency. The 2 time Olympian and World Cup champion played on the U.S. Women’s National Team for 16 years (2000-2016). If elected, Solo hopes to push for equal pay for the women’s national team and all women tied to U.S. Soccer, as well as “create a winning culture in U.S. soccer, starting with youth development.” (NY Times) In the Facebook post declaring her candidacy, Solo stated: “I know exactly what U.S. Soccer needs to do, I know exactly how to do it, and I possess the fortitude to get it done.”

The remaining eight candidates are not strangers to the sport either. The president of Soccer United Marketing, the marketing arm of the MLS, Kathy Carter, is running for the position, as well as ‘heir’ to the position, Carlos Cordeiro. Both Carter and Corderio have strong ties with the MLS and USSF already, so their knowledge of dealings within U.S. Soccer may work to their advantage. Another candidate that stands out is Eric Wynalda. Known for his lofty comments, Wynlada has admitted that he doesn’t fit the current system but has ideas for rectifying it to his liking. Two major ideas he would put into motion if elected consist of "erasing" the collective bargaining agreement with the women’s national team, bidding for equal pay and rearranging the MLS schedule to mirror those in Europe.

The election for the USSF presidency will be held in February and hopefully, the selection of a new president will aid in improving the entire Federation from top to bottom.