Entering important season, NWSL, commissioner Jeff Plush eye growth

The realities of growing an American soccer league don’t faze the National Women’s Soccer League’s new commissioner, Jeff Plush.

As managing director of the Colorado Rapids and member of Major League Soccer’s Board of Governors, he oversaw what he calls “a pretty interesting period of time” for six years in the mid-2000s. Plush joined MLS in 2006, just after its first expansion in seven seasons and after the two original Florida franchises folded to stop the league hemorrhaging money. Now, the men’s league is stable as a business, and Plush turns his attention to his first season as NWSL commissioner.

“It’s been busy and certainly a whirlwind, going to all the different markets and meeting everyone, but it only gives me that much more excitement for the season to finally start,” he told SI.com in a phone interview last week.

U.S. dominates New Zealand 4-0, but work remains before World Cup

The NWSL enters its third season in better shape than its two predecessors, thanks largely to the American, Mexican and Canadian federations subsidizing allocated players. League sponsors have also increased their support, and Plush said a new television deal is imminent.

However, after the third season, nobody knows what happens for women’s professional soccer in the United States.

No professional league has made it to a fourth year, but that doesn’t seem to weigh on Plush’s mind at all.

• STRAUS: NASL seeks to shed "minor league" label in fifth season

He speaks mostly about the future—about expansion, an undisputed sign of health in American sports leagues, and improving the product on the field through player development initiatives that only come, presumably, when that future isn’t in question.

“The exciting thing is, there are those conversations happening already,” he said. “We are already speaking at the league level and at the board level about how we coalesce around a strategy that we can all support and be excited about.”

USWNT pieces falling into place as Jill Ellis finalizes World Cup preparations

​NWSL attendance should increase following a Women’s World Cup on the continent, but some of the league’s players decided not to play and focus on national-team commitments instead.

Mexico’s allocated quartet won’t return to their teams until after the Pan-America Games following the World Cup at the earliest, and it’s up to individual players if they will play at all in 2015.

Chief among those who won’t play is U.S. forward and 2012 FIFA World Player of the Year Abby Wambach. Plush said the league isn’t in a place to make demands of its players just yet, considering the support their federations provide.

“It’s part of the nuance of our league today,” he said. “It’s part of creating a sustainable league. I think it’s our job over the next number of years to make our league vibrant, sustainable and create an environment where players want to play in our league all the time. … I don’t view it as a negative thing. I just view it as a part of our evolution of a women’s professional league, and we have to find the right path forward.”

Plush said he understands Wambach’s decision.

“We certainly support Abby and what she’s trying to do. Certainly, the best thing that could happen is if Abby leads the U.S. to a successful World Cup—that’s all very positive for our league,” he said. “Are we a better league with Abby in it? Of course we are, but players come to points in their careers where they have to make choices, and where careers do start to wind down. We’re a league of 180 players and nine clubs and lots of different storylines. She’ll always be a special part of that, but there are other things to get excited about going forward.”

Of those 180 available roster slots (20 on each team’s active squad) teams are allowed three tradable international spots. So far, the league’s efforts have focused on maximizing exposure for the home federations’ players.

• WAHL: Wambach explains her choice to sit out NWSL season

American and Canadian players overwhelmingly comprise the NWSL’s player pool, but the league should still see an attendance bump this summer.

Soccer at Baseball Stadiums

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The U.S. women's national team played New Zealand in a pre-World Cup friendly at St. Louis's Busch Stadium on April 4, 2015.

Elsa/Getty Images

New York City FC kicked off its Yankee Stadium era Sunday evening with a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution. The MLS expansion club will play at the famed baseball venue for the foreseeable future, as it continues its quest to land a soccer-specific stadium in the Big Apple. But it’s not the first team to play soccer in Yankee Stadium–new or old–and it’s just the latest instance of soccer being played on Major League Baseball fields. Here are some instances throughout the years.

Elsa/Getty Images

New York City FC takes on the New England Revolution during the club's inaugural game at Yankee Stadium on March 15, 2015.

Kiera Wood

Yankee Stadium set up for soccer on July 30, 2014.

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

Before the club's rebrand to Sporting Kansas City, the Kansas City Wizards played the 2008-2010 seasons at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, the everyday home of the minor league Kansas City T-Bones.

Michael Tureski/Icon SMI

Liverpool played AS Roma at Fenway on July 23, 2014.

Fred Kfoury III/Icon SMI

Liverpool played AS Roma at Fenway on July 23, 2014.

Michael Tureski/Icon SMI

Liverpool played AS Roma at Fenway on July 23, 2014.

Avi Creditor

A Chelsea-Manchester City friendly match in 2013 at Busch Stadium.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Argentina played Bosnia-Herzegovina during the international friendly match at Busch Stadium on November 18, 2013.

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Argentina played Bosnia-Herzegovina during the international friendly match at Busch Stadium on November 18, 2013.

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Brazil played Chile at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Nov. 19, 2013.

Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Brazil played Chile at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Nov. 19, 2013.

Keith Hamilton/Icon SMI

The Brazil team on the field before playing Chile at Rogers Centre in Toronto on Nov. 19, 2013.

Ben Walton/SI

Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees tosses the coin before the International Friendly match between Real Madrid and AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 8, 2012.

Ben Walton/SI

Real Madrid played AC Milan at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 8, 2012.

David Banks/Getty Images

A.C. Roma played Zaglebie Lubin at Wrigley Field on July 22, 1012.

David Banks/Getty Images

A.C. Roma played Zaglebie Lubin at Wrigley Field on July 22, 1012.

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Ecuador played Greece at Citi Field on June 7, 2011.

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Juventus FC played Club America at Citi Field on July 26, 2011.

Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Mike Cameron of the Boston Red Sox on the field at Fenway before the start of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 20, 2010. An image of a soccer ball was mowed into the center field grass to promote a match between Scottish club Celtic FC and Portuguese club Sporting CP that is set to take place at Fenway Park on July 21st.

Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Pele, while playing with the Cosmos in the 1970's, played in Yankee Stadium.

Focus on Sport/Getty Images

Pele played for the Cosmos from 1975-77.

“All eyes of the soccer-viewing population will be focused on the Women’s World Cup, and it’s our opportunity and responsibility to capture that,” Plush said. “Importantly, I want us to realize it’s not a one-off situation. We’re going to have the World Cup every four years; we’re going to have the Olympics every four years. There are other marquee soccer events. We can take advantage of them.”

As it expands to more markets, Plush said the NWSL must grow to fill them with the best players possible, including a relaxation of regulations on importing players. Still, when three federations have essentially bankrolled the league to this point, it’s tricky to balance the need to improve with a desire to avoid undermining them.

“We know we also have a responsibility to put a product out there that our consumers are excited to engage with. It’s an ongoing debate,” he said. “Being only in the third year, there’s still more to be done and more to learn, but those are the kinds of conversations you want to be having about players, about player development and how to make your product better.”

• MORE: Hope Solo says she entered therapy since USWNT suspension

Technical and competition committees frequently discuss impending player development practices, and Plush said, “Certain clubs are already further along that development continuum.” He said he expects new policies in that area by the end of the 2015 season.

“When you get to the point where you have young girls aspiring to play not just professionally, but play professionally in their market, that’s an exciting development and one that will really act as an accelerant toward the long-term growth of our league,” he said.

USWNT flips the script, defeats France 2-0 to capture 10th Algarve Cup title

MLS requires its teams join the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. However, only the Boston Breakers participate in the Elite Clubs National League, the equivalent youth league on the women’s side.

Including and beyond the realm of player development, though, Plush said the NWSL doesn’t want to simply imitate MLS. Despite two NWSL franchises operated by MLS teams, the Portland Thorns and Houston Dash, it won’t simply be an offshoot of the men’s league.

“We’ve got seven clubs that are not owned by MLS clubs, and we have lots of interest from expansion cities—some that are MLS and some that aren’t,” he said. “So I think we’ll probably end up charting our own path over time, but it would be one that would be borne out of a knowledge of what other people, specifically MLS, have done in front of us and how they’ve learned from that.”

• WAHL: Daily fantasy game to launch for Women's World Cup

Despite approaching the ominous three-year milestone, the NWSL won’t cling to other leagues for survival strategies. Remembering past mistakes of all soccer ventures is never a bad idea, but the new commissioner shows no fear.

Rather, his excitement and confidence give the impression of a league on the rise that will punch through the difficult moments that past attempts could not. Players taking time off, others retiring to take other, higher-paying jobs — these will soon be past problems, if Plush’s beliefs are realized.

“I’m excited about where we’re going as a league,” Plush said. “It’s all very positive, but we certainly have lots of hard work in front of us.”

GALLERY: U.S. Soccer in 2015

The Year in Photos: U.S. Soccer in 2015

U.S. U-20 vs. El Salvador, January 24

Omar Martinez/MEXSPORT/ZumaWire

Paul Arriola (7) celebrates his goal in a World Cup qualifying playoff match vs. El Salvador. The U.S. U-20s cemented their place in the World Cup with a 2-0 win. They drew host New Zealand, Ukraine and Myanmar in their summer group.

USMNT vs. Chile, January 28

Martin Bernetti/AFP/Getty Images

Bobby Wood flies high in the USA's 3-2 loss to Chile, which opened the calendar year for the national team. Brek Shea and Jozy Altidore scored in the loss.

USMNT vs. Panama, February 8

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Gyasi Zardes and Clint Dempsey celebrate after combining for a goal against Panama at StubHub Center to cap off winter training camp with a 2-0 victory.

USWNT vs. France, February 8

Jean-Francois Monier/AFP/Getty Images

Lori Chalupny (left) and the USWNT had a tough time keeping pace with Jessica Houara (center) and France in a 2-0 loss in a friendly in Lorient. The match was the first of two played without suspended goalkeeper Hope Solo.

USWNT vs. England, February 13

Matt Lewis/The FA/Getty Images

Alex Morgan celebrates scoring the lone goal in the USWNT's 1-0 win over England in a friendly at Stadium mk in Milton Keynes.

USWNT vs. Norway, March 4

Cristina Quicler/AFP/Getty Images

The USWNT opens the Algarve Cup with a 2-1 win over Norway, marking Hope Solo's return from a 30-day suspension with a come-from-behind victory. Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the Americans.

USWNT vs. Switzerland, March 6

Cristina Quicler/AFP/Getty Images

Alex Morgan celebrates her goal in the USWNT's 3-0 win over Switzerland in the Algarve Cup group stage.

USWNT vs. Iceland, March 9

Jose Manuel Ribeiro/AFP/Getty Images

Alex Morgan and the USWNT were frustrated by Iceland, held to a 0-0 draw to wrap up group play at the Algarve Cup. The result was still enough to put the Americans in the final against France.

USWNT vs. France, March 11

Francisco Leong/AFP/Getty Images

The U.S. women's national team celebrates winning the Algarve Cup after a 2-0 triumph over France. Julie Johnston and Christen Press scored, and Hope Solo saved a penalty kick.

U.S. U-17 vs. Jamaica, March 15

Roberto Maya/MEXSPORT/ZumaWire

The U.S. U-17 national team celebrates qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup after defeating Jamaica on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in a playoff match.

USMNT vs. Denmark, March 25

Lars Ronbog/FrontZoneSport/Getty Images

U.S. goalkeeper Nick Rimando expresses his frustration after one of Nicklas Bendtner's three goals in Denmark's 3-2 win over the Americans. Jozy Altidore and Aron Johannsson scored for the USA.

USMNT vs. Switzerland, March 31

Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images

Jozy Altidore watches as Brek Shea hits a perfect free kick to put the USA on the board against Switzerland. The Americans settled for a 1-1 draw.

USWNT vs. New Zealand, April 4

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

Lori Chalupny (16) celebrates her goal vs. New Zealand with Lauren Holiday at St. Louis's Busch Stadium. The goal opened the floodgates for a late outburst en route to a 4-0 U.S. victory in front of more than 35,000 fans.

USMNT vs. Mexico, April 15

John Albright/Icon SMI

Jordan Morris etched his name in U.S.-Mexico lore, as the Stanford University forward scored in his first senior national team start to break a scoreless draw against El Tri at the Alamodome.

USMNT vs. Mexico, April 15

Darren Abate/AP

Juan Agudelo collapses to the ground in celebration after his goal at the Alamodome gave the USA a familiar lead over Mexico: Dos-a-Cero.

U.S. U-23 vs. Mexico, April 22

Shaun Clark/Getty Images

Real Salt Lake's Luis Gil captains the USA to a 3-0 win over Mexico at StubHub Center in Olympic qualifying preparation for both CONCACAF favorites.

USWNT vs. Ireland, May 10

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

Abby Wambach celebrates one of her two goals vs. Ireland as the USWNT took a 3-0 win on Mother's Day at Avaya Stadium.

USWNT vs. Mexico, May 17

Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images

Sydney Leroux is congratulated by her teammates after one of her two goals in a 5-1 pre-World Cup rout of Mexico at StubHub Center.

U.S. U-20 vs. Myanmar, May 30

Hannah Peters/FIFA/Getty Images

Maki Tall celebrates his equalizer for the USA as part of a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Myanmar to open the U-20 World Cup group stage in New Zealand.

USWNT vs. South Korea, May 30

Don Emmert/AFP/Getty Images

Carli Lloyd gets off a shot through traffic in the USA's final World Cup send-off friendly, a 0-0 draw against South Korea at Red Bull Arena.

U.S. U-23 in Toulon Tournament, May-June

VI Images/Getty Images

Alonso Hernandez, left, takes on Qatar, while Julian Green, right, vies for the ball against France in the Toulon Tournament as part of Olympic qualifying preparations.

U.S. U-20 vs. New Zealand, June 2

Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images

Gedion Zelalem controls the ball against New Zealand in the USA's 4-0 win that cemented a place in the U-20 World Cup knockout stage.

U.S. U-20 vs. Ukraine, June 5

Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images

From left, Joel Soñora, Gedion Zelalem and Rubio Rubin show frustration during a 3-0 loss to Ukraine that wrapped up group play in the U-20 World Cup.

USMNT vs. Netherlands, June 5

John Thys/AFP/Getty Images

DeAndre Yedlin and Danny Williams salute each other after the latter's goal–his first international strike–brought the U.S. level with the Netherlands at 3-3 in the 89th minute.

USMNT vs. Netherlands, June 5

Koen van Weel/AFP/Getty Images

Bobby Wood puts the finishing touch on an epic comeback, with his 90th-minute strike capping a wild 4-3 win for the USA over the Netherlands. The USA trailed 3-1 in the 71st minute.

U.S. U-23 vs. England, June 7

Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP/Getty Images

USA defender Boyd Okwuonu makes a tackle on England's Duncan Watmore in the Toulon Tournament third-place game. The U.S. U-23s won 2-1, sealing their best finish in the tournament.

USWNT vs. Australia, June 8, WWC

Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images

Megan Rapinoe lets out a yell after her second goal, which sealed the USA's 3-1 win over Australia to open Group D play in the Women's World Cup.

U.S. U-20 vs. Colombia, June 10

Alex Grimm/FIFA/Getty Images

Rubio Rubin celebrates the goal that gives the USA a 1-0 win over Colombia in the FIFA U-20 World Cup round of 16. Zack Steffen's late penalty save preserved the win, as the Americans reached the quarterfinals for the first time since 2007.

USMNT vs. Germany, June 10

Simon Hofmann/Bongarts/Getty Images

Michael Bradley was everywhere against World Cup champion Germany, assisting on Mix Diskerud's equalizer and commanding the midfield in a 2-1 win in Cologne.

USMNT vs. Germany, June 10

Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images

For the second straight game, Bobby Wood came off the bench and scored a stunning winner. He watches his long-range blast beat Ron-Robert Zieler in a 2-1 win over world No. 1 Germany.

USWNT vs. Sweden, June 12

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Julie Johnston wins the header in a dominant showing on the U.S. back line, helping the Americans preserve a 0-0 draw against Sweden in the second game of the Women's World Cup group stage.

U.S. U-20 vs. Serbia, June 13

Alex Livesey/FIFA/Getty Images

U.S. players' emotions say it all after a gut-wrenching loss to Serbia in penalty kicks at the U-20 World Cup. After a 0-0 draw, the Americans fell 6-5 in PKs, despite Zack Steffen's two saves in sudden death.

USWNT vs. Nigeria, June 16

Rich Lam/Getty Images

Abby Wambach leaps for joy after scoring in the 45th minute off Megan Rapinoe's corner kick, which delivered a 1-0 win to the USA and first place in Group D of the Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Colombia, June 22

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Alex Morgan's goal broke a 0-0 draw, provided relief after Abby Wambach's PK miss and helped the U.S. women to the World Cup quarterfinals after a 2-0 win over Colombia in the round of 16.

USWNT vs. China, June 26

Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images

While Carli Lloyd (10) celebrates her goal in the distance, stalwart center backs Julie Johnston and Becky Sauerbrunn rejoice in the goal that put the USA into the semifinals of the Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Germany, June 30

Steve Bardens/FIFA/Getty Images

Carli Lloyd yells in celebration after scoring the penalty that put the USA up over Germany en route to a 2-0 victory in the Women's World Cup semifinals.

USMNT vs. Guatemala, July 3

Mark Humphrey/AP

DeAndre Yedlin and Jozy Altidore, wearing special jerseys with stars-and-stripes numbers for July 4, celebrate after a Guatemala own goal gifts the USA a 1-0 lead during a 4-0 win in Nashville, Tennessee, prior to the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Simon Bruty for Sports Illustrated

Carli Lloyd sets the tone with a third-minute goal in the Women's World Cup final against Japan, the first of her three strikes within 16 minutes that lifted the USA to a 5-2 win and its first title in 16 years.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Simon Bruty for Sports Illustrated

U.S. players rush the field after the final whistle, which sealed their 5-2 triumph over Japan and a record third World Cup title.

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Simon Bruty for Sports Illustrated

USWNT vs. Japan, July 5

Simon Bruty for Sports Illustrated

Victorious, the U.S. women's national team raises the World Cup trophy for the third time, but the first in 16 years, after completing a 5-2 win over Japan in the final at Vancouver's BC Place.

USMNT vs. Honduras, July 7

Andrew Dieb/Icon SMI

Clint Dempsey leaps in celebration of his second goal in the USA's Gold Cup opener against Honduras. The Americans won 2-1, fending off a late Honduras surge to collect all three points in the start of their title defense.

USA vs. Haiti, July 10

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Clint Dempsey (8) is congratulated by his teammates after a 47th-minute goal gave the USA a 1-0 win over Haiti in the Gold Cup. Gyasi Zardes, second from left, came on at halftime and assisted, and the win clinched first place in Group A.

USMNT vs Panama, July 13

Colin E. Braley/AP

Clint Dempsey, left, and Michael Bradley, right, celebrate after the latter's goal in the USA's 1-1 draw vs. Panama, which wrapped up group play in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

USMNT vs. Cuba, July 18

Rob Carr-Getty Images/Matthew Ashton-AMA-Getty Images/Patrick Semansky-AP

The U.S. men put on a clinic against an overmatched Cuba in the Gold Cup quarterfinals, with Clint Dempsey's hat trick leading the way in a 6-0 rout. Gyasi Zardes, Aron Johannsson and Omar Gonzalez also scored.

USMNT vs. Jamaica, July 22

Matthew Ashton-AMA/Getty Images

A downtrodden Clint Dempsey and Jurgen Klinsmann walk off the field as Jamaica celebrates a stunning 2-1 win over the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinals.

USMNT vs. Panama, July 25

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

Michael Bradley walks away in dismay after having a penalty saved in a PK shootout in the USA's loss to Panama in the Gold Cup third-place game. After a 1-1 draw, Panama prevailed 3-2 in PKs, the USA's first shootout in 10 years.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica, August 16

Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon SMI

Meghan Klingenberg waves a Terrible Towel in her hometown of Pittsburgh after scoring one of the USA's many goals in an 8-0 rout of Costa Rica in its first game since winning the 2015 Women's World Cup.

USWNT vs. Costa Rica, August 19

Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images

Alex Morgan and Kelley O'Hara celebrate during a second rout of Costa Rica in three days, this one a 7-2 win in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

USA U-23 vs. England U-21, Sept. 3

Dave Thompson/Getty Images

U.S. U-23 goalkeeper Zack Steffen looks on in disappointment as England U-21 forward James Wilson celebrates with Duncan Watmore after scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 friendly win in England.

USMNT vs. Peru, Sept. 4

Icon Sportswire/AP

Jozy Altidore, right, is congratulated after one of his two goals that sparked the USA's come-from-behind win over Peru at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

USA U-23 vs. Qatar, Sept. 8

Alex Morton/Action Images/ZUMA Press

Gedion Zelalem made his U-23 debut off the bench in the USA's 2-0 win over Qatar in England in the final tune-up before Olympic qualifying

USMNT vs. Brazil, Sept. 8

Billie Weiss/Getty Images

Neymar and Marcelo celebrate while DeAndre Yedlin and Ventura Alvarado look away in disgust during Brazil's 4-1 rout of the USA at Gillette Stadium.

USWNT vs. Haiti, Sept. 17, 20

Kevin C. Cox/Duane Burleson/Getty Images

Carli Lloyd scored hat tricks in both games and NWSL Golden Boot winner Crystal Dunn scored her first international goals as the USWNT beat Haiti 5-0 and 8-0 in a pair of friendlies in Detroit and Birmingham, Alabama. Haiti replaced on-strike Australia as a last-minute opponent.

USA U-23 vs. Canada, October 1

Colin E. Braley/AP

Jerome Kiesewetter, left, and Emerson Hyndman, right, sandwich Jordan Morris after his first-minute goal in the USA's 3-1 win over Canada in their Olympic qualifying opener.

USA U-23 vs. Cuba, October 3

Charlie Riedel/AP

Cameron Carter-Vickers gets congratulated by Jerome Kiesewetter and Emerson Hyndman after opening the scoring in a 6-1 rout of Cuba in their Olympic qualifying match. The USA cemented its place in the semifinal round with the win.

USA U-23 vs. Panama, October 6

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

There was plenty of credit to go around, as the Americans finished off a perfect group run in Olympic qualifying with a 4-0 win over Panama. Jordan Morris and Jerome Kiesewetter came on at halftime and provided the spark needed to seize the three points.

USA U-23 vs. Honduras, October 10

Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images

Wil Trapp's reaction says it all, as the USA failed to secure an automatic berth to the 2016 Olympics after falling to Honduras 2-0 in the semifinals of CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying tournament at Real Salt Lake's Rio Tinto Stadium.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

Captain Michael Bradley leads the USA out onto the field ahead of the Americans' CONCACAF Cup playoff vs. Mexico at the Rose Bowl.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

Geoff Cameron beats Rafa Marquez to the spot and heads home a 15th-minute equalizer off a free kick from Michael Bradley, negating a Chicharito goal five minutes earlier in the CONCACAF Cup playoff between USA and Mexico.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Shaun Clark/Getty Images

U.S. forward Bobby Wood celebrates his 108th-minute goal vs. Mexico that brought the Americans level at 2-2 after Oribe Peralta had given El Tri the lead in extra time. That reprieve would only last for 10 minutes, though.

USMNT vs. Mexico, October 10

Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images

Jermaine Jones falls to his knees in disappointment as Mexico celebrates after Paul Aguilar's sensational volley in extra time captured the CONCACAF Cup for El Tri and sends the U.S. rival to the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup.

USA U-23 vs. Canada, October 13

Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images

Marc Pelosi (15) celebrates after his goal breaks the deadlock and sends the U.S. U-23s on their way to a 2-0 win over Canada in CONCACAF's Olympic qualifying third-place game. The U.S. still has a chance to reach Rio, but it'll have to go through Colombia in a playoff.

USMNT vs. Costa Rica, October 13

Julio Cortez/AP

Tim Howard can't watch as Costa Rica players celebrate Joel Campbell's goal in a 1-0 friendly win at Red Bull Arena. The match marked Howard's return to the U.S. goal for the first time since the 2014 World Cup round of 16.

USA U-17 vs. Nigeria, October 17

Martin Rose/FIFA/Getty Images

Victor Osimhen scores for Nigeria in a 2-0 win over the USA in the teams' FIFA Under-17 World Cup opener in Chile.

USA U-17 vs. Croatia, October 20

Tom Dulat/FIFA/Getty Images

USA U-17 midfielder Christian Pulisic watches his opening goal find the back of the net in the Americans' 2-2 draw with Croatia at the World Cup. The U.S. led 2-0 on Pulisic's goal and assist to Brandon Vazquez, but the European side mounted a furious rally to salvage a point.

USWNT vs. Brazil, October 21

Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images

Shannon Boxx, right, passes off the captain's armband to Carli Lloyd in her final act as a player, riding into retirement in the first half of a 1-1 draw against Brazil in Seattle.

USA U-17 vs. Chile, October 23

Martin Rose/FIFA/Getty Images

USA U-17 captain Hugo Arellano sits dejected after a 4-1 loss to host Chile eliminated the Americans from the World Cup in the group stage.

USWNT vs. Brazil, October 25

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

The USA said goodbye to two more veterans, with Lauren Holiday, left, and Lori Chalupny ending their careers during a 2-1 win over Brazil in Orlando. The team improved to 5-0-1 on its World Cup victory tour with the win.

USWNT at the White House, October 27

Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images

President Barack Obama welcomes the World Cup-champion USWNT to the White House, honoring their triumph in Canada.

USMNT vs. St. Vincent and the Grenadines, November 13

Icon Sportswire/AP

Jozy Altidore watches one of his shots head toward goal in the USA's 6-1 win over St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the opening of 2018 World Cup qualifying. Altidore scored twice, as the USA overcame a shocking early deficit and won at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

USMNT vs. Trinidad and Tobago, November 17

Ashley Allen/Getty Images

Gyasi Zardes and the U.S. men were held to a 0-0 draw by Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain, closing the year with a World Cup qualifying and sitting atop Group C in the semifinal round via goal differential tiebreaker.

USWNT vs. Trinidad & Tobago, December 10

Icon Sportswire/AP

Christen Press triumphantly raises her hand after a goal during her hat trick in a 6-0 rout of Trinidad & Tobago at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

USWNT vs. China, December 13

Ralph Freso/AP

Crystal Dunn leaves her feet to settle a pass in the USA's 2-0 win over China at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Dunn and Christen Press scored the goals.

USWNT vs. China, December 16

Gerald Herbert/AP

Abby Wambach is introduced in the U.S. lineup for the last time at the Superdome in New Orleans, playing in her final match before retiring. She ends her U.S. career with 255 appearances and an international-record 184 goals.