CARY, N.C. – UCLA head coach Jorge Salcedo offered strong support for the college system and its ability to develop player ahead of his side’s meeting with Virginia in Sunday’s national championship game (12 pm ET, ESPNU).
Salcedo has impressive credentials, spending three years playing in MLS before launching a successful coaching career that’s seen dozens of players turn pro.
He also has strong connection in MLS, including a relationship with LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena. The longtime University of Virginia head coach and former US national team manager has often attended UCLA home games since moving to Southern California in 2008.
“I alluded to Bruce Arena earlier, and I think Bruce has great perspective of the game from top to bottom,” Salcedo said. “When he comes to our games [at UCLA], he’s made the comment that he thinks that the rosters now in terms of quality are much better than they were back when he was the coach at Virginia.
“I firmly believe that college soccer continues to be an important pillar in the development of players, in the development of professional soccer players and ultimately national team players. Our country is much different than any other soccer nation in the world, and for our kids to be able to mature and develop… in college soccer, I think makes it an integral thing for a lot of players.”
Many argue that college soccer's breakneck schedule and lack of compliance with FIFA rules holds players back at times. In response, there is a proposal to change the way the season is organized, plans that shift NCAA soccer from a fall season to a split, fall-spring season.
In theory, Salcedo said such a move could be positive for the college game, but the UCLA boss also pointed out it's not an open and shut case.
“That’s a really challenging topic,” he said. “If it helps the game and helps us develop players and helps fan attendance, then I’m all for it. But I think there’s a lot of variables and factors that are challenging and take time to understand whether or not it’s actually viable.”
