American Soccer Nation - by Mark C Franek (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive recounting of the beautiful game on American soil . . . and a look at soccer's boundless potential in the USA

Soccer is the most popular game in the world, but does it truly belong in the heart of American sports culture? The answer is a resounding yes--and the 150-year journey of elite men's soccer in the US is filled with drama, surprises, reversals, and triumphs that rival any world-class match.

With meticulous research and lifelong passion, Mark C Franek delivers a fast-paced, foundational soccer book that also serves as a celebration of American soccer. This book is a must-have for all fans, players, parents, coaches, and professionals across the sport.

In brisk, punchy prose that moves in a confident tiki-taka style, Franek explores:

The soccer-like games played by Native Americans long before the arrival of Europeans How organized soccer predates gridiron football, started in American colleges, and was carried forward by immigrant communities Why soccer has always been more inclusive and immigrant-friendly than other professional sports The rise and fall of the original ASL and the Golden Age of American soccer America's Olympic and World Cup highs and lows dating back to the early 20th century Soccer's growing popularity today, from MLS and USL to elite youth academies The accordion-like journey of the USMNT over the past 40 years, leading to the USA's co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup A roadmap for how the US can go from good to great on the international stage--based on firsthand accounts from professional athletes and experts in the sport

With forewords by Cavan Sullivan and Tim Howard, American Soccer Nation is the definitive text affirming that the US really is a soccer nation.

Review Quotes

"An essential text for any fan who wants to take a journey into the U.S. game's roots and ambitions. It reads like history but feels like a full-field press into our optimistic soccer future."
--Gregg Berhalter, director of football and head coach, Chicago Fire; former U.S. Men's National Team head coach

"This book captures the heart, struggle, and progress of the men's game. The chapters offer a sharp, honest look at how elite men's soccer evolved across the nation, and what it will take to impress on the international stage."
--Cobi Jones, 164 U.S. Men's National Team Caps (all-time leader), three World Cups, @cobijones13, @cjfc13

"American Soccer Nation tells the full, dramatic story of how the world's most popular sport took root in the USA. Discover the academies and blueprints that are finally producing elite American talent, and why the nation is now poised for a spectacular performance at the 2026 World Cup."
--Mark McKenzie, current pro, Toulouse FC, Ligue 1, France

"This book is like a hopeful cross into the hearts of American soccer fans. A well-told history about our gritty past and our potential future."
--John Harkes, 90 Caps, two World Cups, technical director, McLean Youth Soccer, U.S. Youth National Team Coach

"This book explores the historical roots of the country's rise, and illuminates the emergence of a new era of power and influence for the sport."
--Brenden Aaronson, current pro, Leeds United, EPL, England

"Mark Franek's perspective from inside Philadelphia Union makes this book feel genuine, informed, and important. A great read for fans and players who care about the future of the American game."
--Auston Trusty, current pro, Celtic FC, Scottish Premiership

"A rare combination of rigorous reporting and compelling storytelling. And, if that's not enough, it's rooted in the DNA of America's up-and-coming soccer stars!"
--Jim Curtin, former head coach, Philadelphia Union, MLS

"American Soccer Nation captures something I've always believed: our game in the U.S. has a story worth celebrating. This book showcases the resilience, ambition, and passion that has carried American soccer to this moment--not by accident, but through decades of real investment and belief. Growing up in this system and now living it at the highest level, I know the future isn't just promising--it's already taking shape around us."
--Quinn Sullivan, current pro, Philadelphia Union, MLS

"Mark Franek's American Soccer Nation is an engaging introduction to soccer's long history in the United States. A timely and entertaining starting point for deeper discussion of the myriad topics associated with American soccer's path toward its explosive growth today, this book is sure to become a classroom staple."
--Ed Farnsworth, American soccer historian, writer, and editor, former board member and current communications director at the Society for American Soccer History (SASH)

"A refreshing, in-depth book just in time for the 2026 World Cup, with insights from some top players and thought leaders. A must-read for fans ready to embrace the growing game of American soccer!"
--Jack McGlynn, current pro, Houston Dynamo FC, MLS

"This book rewrites the way American fans will understand their own soccer story. It's bold, thoughtful, and deeply inspiring."
--Alejandro Bedoya, 66 Caps, one World Cup, current captain of Philadelphia Union, MLS

"This book will be well received by those of us who grew up with the game of soccer in America. Coaches, players, and fans will find that it captures the unique history of our journey to establish the passion, culture, and outcomes needed to compete internationally."
--Michael Curry, veteran American soccer coach, administrator and advocate, including leadership roles with the United Soccer Coaches, YSC Academy, and the United Soccer Coaches Foundation, Inc.

"As a former player and current content creator engaged in growing the sport of soccer in America, this book is a representation of the American soccer development system. And a reminder of our history, and what's to come."
--Raheem Taylor-Parkes, soccer content creator and media personality, GOAL USA, @Raheemovic_

"A beautifully written history of elite men's soccer on American soil. Written from somebody who has a front-row seat, and everyday interaction with some of the upcoming talents and next generation of the U.S. Soccer Federation. I'm recommending it with full confidence to all my teammates, and all soccer fans across the globe!"
--Paxten Aaronson, current pro, Colorado Rapids, MLS

"Mark Franek is a gifted writer and educator who loves soccer! He brings these qualities to bear in American Soccer Nation, a beautifully woven story of the evolution of the beautiful game in America. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
--Eddie Mensah, former CEO, Right To Dream Football Academy, Ghana; former director of programs, Steppingstone Scholars Inc., US

About the Author

Mark C Franek is an American sports writer, former attorney, and educator. Franek (JD and EdD) has published over 75 opinion-editorials on a variety of educational and human interest topics, and has taught writing pedagogy and sportswriting electives at the University of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University, and Cabrini College. He currently teaches English classes and a series of electives, including a History of US Soccer course, at YSC Academy, an independent, college-preparatory school embedded completely within Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union franchise. The Academy, established in 2013 by Richie Graham, a minority owner of the Philadelphia Union, sits on a 15,000-square-foot campus adjacent to the stadium and integrates rigorous academics with professional-level soccer training. Franek also served as an English teacher and dean of students at the William Penn Charter (Quaker) School, one of the oldest independent schools in the nation. Over nearly three decades, Franek has had the privilege of teaching dozens of student-athletes who went on to play professional soccer in MLS and Europe. His former students include Olympic and World Cup players. Others, after hanging up their boots, graduated to become coaches, technical directors, and general managers of professional teams. Their DNA and dreams are in this book.