After years of relying almost exclusively on systems featuring four-man back-lines, the U.S. national team has enjoyed success with three in the back
ORLANDO, Fla. — The four-man defense has been the key staple of the U.S. national team for so long that it seemed unlikely that we would ever see a shift to a three-man back line, even in specific situations. It took the return of a former coach and the evolution of the player pool to make it a viable option in big matches for the first time in 15 years.
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that back then, at the 2002 World Cup, it was also Bruce Arena who enjoyed success playing with three central defenders.