Generation Zero: Founding Fathers, Hidden Histories & the Making of Soccer in America

This is definitely worth the read for any US soccer fan. I played soccer growing up, and remember seeing the “Hand of God” game in the ‘86 World Cup but not really understanding the concept of a World Cup as a 7 year old at the time. Fast forward to 4 years later and I was inthralled with Italia 90. But I never considered the historical ramifications of that USMNT until this book. It gives someone like myself a greater appreciation and understanding for the team and the accomplishment of just qualifying. It’s a great read (though sometimes the word choices seemed to be made by a thesaurus just for the sake of it), and I would definitely recommend it.On a side note: the Kindle version was missing parts, like rosters. They would be mentioned, but never there in the digital text. I give the book itself 5 stars, but the Kindle version 2.5-3 stars.

You know how people always say, “You had to be there”? Well, in fact you didn’t have to be there to experience the unstoppable rise of soccer in the U.S., because reading Hal Phillips telling the tale brings the whole experience to life.Disclaimer: I have never been a real soccer fan, so I don’t follow the sport in any intense way, but I pay attention to what is happening in all the leagues including MLS, as well as the World Cup. However, the idea at the heart of the book was so intriguing (and, dare I say, mysterious) that I needed to grab a copy.Only hearing about some of these events secondhand, in small sports page blurbs, or in general sports conversations over the years, I figured there were a bunch of books about this topic available already. I was 100% wrong in my assumption. Phillips is like a detective discerning all the intricate connections leading to proof of his theory, and this is how the story is revealed. I’m glad he did all the work so I could have all the fun learning the story.What Hal Phillips gives us is detailed understanding of all the critical events (and numerous related events) building toward the most significant game in American soccer history.This firsthand knowledge, as well as his experience and masterful storytelling, is the foundation of Generation Zero.I especially love how he weaves the section about LASA into the overall story, and his own personal experience in that league.I’m used to only reading books about things of which I already know a great deal (especially sports books). I usually just like to add to my existing knowledge to solidify my standing in groups of sports-minded people during discussions. This book was a whole new realm for me, and I’ve decided I truly enjoy it. You should definitely find out for yourself.

A great read and a primer on how the US finally joined the rest of the world in embracing the beautiful game

Hal Phillips’ “Generation Zero,” is an engaging book. Although obviously focused on soccer, it is so much more. It is an important, and often hilarious, piece of cultural reflection, a piece of Americana.Carefully researched, it’s the compelling story of how soccer took off (finally!) in the U.S. There is a palpable enthusiasm for the sport. The book is full of honest, thoughtful interviews with the players who helped turn the tide against the apathy soccer previously confronted. It’s an improbable story full of crushing disappointments and failures until it all changed in 1989 on one sultry night in the Caribbean. It’s a rather improbable story.The backdrop is a young boy growing up in a Boston suburb falling in love with the sport just as the short-lived professional league, the North American Soccer League, begins to fall apart. Soccer continued to be played however in various regional semi-pro leagues, played by and ran by, some very colorful characters. A compassionate and at times humorous account of the twists and turns of the sport during these times, Hal Phillips relates this all with incisive wit and charm.I heartily recommend this book to all!

Generation Zero is a masterpiece about the evolution of US soccer in the late 1970's culminating in the US 1990 World Cup appearance. His in-depth research about many aspects of the game (youth, high school, college, ethnic leagues and various US pro leagues, USSF, etc.), interviews with key players and coaches, timeline development and outstanding writing leads to a fascinating history of US soccer finally making its mark in the country and world in spite of tremendous failures and weaknesses on many fronts.There are many stories and events during that era that even those who started playing soccer and taking it seriously in the late 70s will find fascinating. Also, it is an important book for today's US high school, college, and professional players to understand how they are benefiting from the many players, coaches and administrators who paved the way for player development during that time period.This is a great read and a 10 star book.

The author clearly knows his soccer history and has written an engaging and informative book that is a must for any soccer fan

This is an incredible origin story of modern US Soccer, told via an unrivaled and unique first-hand perspective. A book that will have you gripped from the very first chapter.