Like many of you, I am concerned with the current state of US Soccer, particularly as it relates to the progress on the field and increasingly fractured nature of its constituency. US Soccer has made great strides, but the systemic problems that have been building over time are taking a serious toll. After sharing some of my ideas on how to move forward with folks around the country, I have been persuaded to run for President of the Federation by many who have already cast their support behind my candidacy. I now ask that you join our movement to make US Soccer better.

Like many of you, I have invested thousands of hours in the sport as an athlete, parent and member of my community out of a love for the game and desire to help soccer in this country grow and improve. I have played soccer at the youth, collegiate and professional levels, coached at the youth and collegiate levels, and managed at the youth and professional levels.

Like many of you, I have also held down a full-time job while continuing to stay involved in soccer. For the last 17 years, I have been a corporate attorney in New York City representing some of the largest companies, domestic and foreign, in high stakes cases and negotiations, and have been an adjunct law professor since 2003. At the same time, I have raised two children with my wife in Ridgewood, NJ, both of whom play the game.

Like many of you, I believe we need change within the Federation. It is time that issues such as the process and transparency by which critical decisions are made, the clarity and effectiveness of our development path for young athletes, the disparate treatment of the US women’s programs, and the prohibitive costs for player participation and coaching education are addressed and resolved through collaborative efforts.

I pledge to work with all of US Soccer’s members, create merit-based committees, and ensure transparency in taking a fresh look at and resolving these and other issues. There is no magic talisman to effect these necessary changes. It will take intelligence, fairness and candor, as well as a deep understanding of the game from all perspectives. It will take diligence, hard work and perseverance. My soccer experiences, on and off the field, as well as my experience as a corporate lawyer and educator have prepared me to serve as President of our Federation.

Like all of you, I pledge to put the good of the game first. Thank you for your support.