Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer are lucky to have Allstate in their corner. Corporate partnerships are crucial to the success of any sports program and Allstate has emerged as one of the strongest partners when it comes to caring about American soccer. Allstate has put their dollars behind the sport with legendary keeper Tony Meola engaging the public via community events over the past year.
“Allstate has made a huge commitment to MLS and the U.S. Men’s National Team,” Meola stated in an interview with ISNSoccer.com.
Meola and Allstate were there for the MLS Cup, promoting the league and the sport to the masses. The U.S. National Team legend was busy all weekend.
First, Meola facilitated a free youth soccer clinic, where he shared his massive expertise with youth goalkeepers from across Southern California. The players also received free gear, which was welcomed with smiles from the clinic participants. Second, Meola raised money for LA Scores during a charity event prior to the MLS Cup Final on Sunday.
He did have time to speak with the media, spending time on a variety of topics. While Meola missed with his prediction of a 2-1 Houston victory in the Cup Final, he was spot on with his analysis of the national team program.
When asked about an emerging superstar for the USMNT, Meola pointed to Bolton’s Stu Holden. Meola said Holden is primed for a breakthrough and may be the next American soccer superstar. Injuries are obviously a problem for the former Houston Dynamo star, but Meola thinks that is something that will be overcome. Meola was reminded of Dominic Kinnear’s praise for a young Holden. “This guy is going to be good” was Kinnear’s assessment of the young midfielder three years ago.
Meola also shared praise for Edson Buddle, Brek Shea, and Tim Ream.
“I’m a big Edson Buddle fan,” Meola continued. When asked specifically about Shea, Meola replied, “I’m a fan. He is one of the guys I like watching on the weekends.”
Meola showed support for Ream, knowing that center back is a difficult position just like goalkeeper. Why? According to Meola, mistakes by a center back and a keeper are often magnified by 10. This explains why a couple of plays plagued him this season.
Meola must have been right about Ream, who has recently attracted the attention of EPL clubs like Holden’s Bolton Wanderers. The U.S. goalkeeping legend was quick to remind critics that young players make mistakes and that those players, including Ream, need to have a short memory.
Despite being a friend and supporter of Bob Bradley, Meola showed an appreciation for the Klinsmann administration. Klinsmann has focused on development from top to bottom with his W-L record not a concern at the moment.
“I don’t think winning is the most important thing,” Meola declared. “I understand it in theory.”
The only problem you will find is with players and fans. Players play to win and fans want results that can be measured in goals and wins.
It was a pleasure speaking with Meola and hearing his thoughts on the beautiful game here in America.
