You can't "own" a player in the US. Contracts are one thing, but in Europe, clubs invest in players and then get the benefit of said player when they develop, and if that player leaves that organization/club the club gets usually gets paid (transfer fee). That can't/won't happen in the US. Thus it's parents/players paying the club for the training and because of this there is an over emphasis on winning at ages where development should be more important, because these clubs have to try to attract players. US soccer perpetuates this format with ODA and ECNL. The stress and pressure put on kids at such a young age burns a lot of them out. I don't think the size of the US necessarily helps either with regards to identifying players/prospects. Is it fixable...maybe, but it would take some drastic changes from everyone (clubs, coaches, parents, players, etc.). The best alternative now would be our best 15-17 year olds need to be identified and go to Europe to train and develop rather than be pushed towards college ranks.