Oh! Woe is the USMNT.

The Trinidad and Tobago Soca Warriors. They clinched the last place spot in the CONCACAF hexagonal qualifying tournament with a 1-8 record. A country the size of New Hampshire, a country that has some players with fringe MLS talent or not quite good enough to play there. A country that the national soccer team representing the United States should dispatch with ease.

Well; the mighty Soca Warriors dispatched the U.S. Mens National Team, unceremoniously; 2-1, in a stadium that probably had a few hundred spectators in it. The date of Tuesday; October 10th, 2017 will go down as the worst night in USMNT history. The defeat leaves the U.S. on the outside looking in for the 2018 World Cup in Russia; the first World Cup without the United States since 1986. The Americans only needed a draw to qualify.

This night wasn't horrific just by this wretched defeat. It wasn't only the fact that Trinidad and Tobagos' first goal of the night deflected off of the foot of U.S. defender; Omar Gonzalez, into the top right hand corner of the net in the 17th minute. The U.S. needed Mexico to win against Honduras, but blew the lead they had and lost, 3-2. They needed Costa Rica to win, but they blew their lead against Panama on a goal that shouldn't have never been counted.

The ramifications of this loss will be prevalent for years. Lost revenue and shrinking interest will certainly follow. Major changes are going to have to become reality for this organization. One of the problems that the United States Soccer Federation could face is the possible waning interest in the national team from this missed World Cup. Interest in soccer has been growing at a steady pace during the past several years; some of that due to the teams' play in the recent World Cups. Landon Donovan sending the U.S. to the Round of 16 in South Africa back in 2010. Their play against eventual champion; Germany, and John Brooks' go ahead goal against Ghana in Brazil back in 2014 captured many American sports fans interest . It is entirely possible that interest in the sport will level off in the coming years.

" A bunch of soft, underperforming, tattooed millionaires."

Alexei Lalas

So, how did it get this bad? Is it the talent level? Is it the mindset? I believe the current USMNT has more than enough talent to not only make World Cups, but to get to the knockout rounds in them. There seems to be an arrogance about them, something that really shouldn't be existing. Does the structure of the USSF need changes? Some of that comes into play, but aren't the sole reasons that the team can't claim one of the top three spots in a mediocre CONCACAF to qualify. The pay for play scheme may need to be looked at. Also, maybe too many American players are content on playing in the second rate MLS, other than getting more battle tested in Europe.

A reason everyone could agree with is the stubborn, subpar coaching. Current coach; Bruce Arena, and his predecessor; Jurgen Klinsmann, have proven to be awful tactical coaches. Both too stubborn to make changes. Klinsmann would place players on the back three for the first time without training them properly; if he wasn't losing the locker room otherwise. Arena never wanted to part from using one central midfielder, and that midfielder was often Michael Bradley. Even after the wreckage of Tuesday night, Arena and USSF President; Sunil Gulati, still dismissed the idea for required changes.

" The definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing; knowing the result."

Taylor Twellman

You can feel the pain of both of these men. Alexei Lalas and Taylor Twellman gave their heart and sweat to this organization; and still do. So what is the future look for the USMNT? They don't have to worry about playing another match with meaning until 2019. The initial financial hit it will take is the $6.2 million buyout of former coach, Klinsmann. The USSF will miss out on revenues from the World Cup. The organization raked in approximately $10.5 million in 2014. The sponsorship seem solid, but changes could happen there. Entities outside of the organization will feel a pinch that could have a cascading effect. Fox Sports outbid ESPN for the rights for the next three tournaments for a half of a billion dollars.

One thing is for certain; it will have to find a new coach. One that can instill a winning culture and build around the emerging star, Christian Pulisic. President Gulati is up for reelection in February, and has opposition for the first time. The roster will be turning over. The majority of the current players are not going to factor in on qualifying for 2022.

Through all of the depression of this situation, it should be an interesting next few years.