Let’s cut through the fluff: the U.S. soccer team gearing up to regain momentum against Bosnia and Herzegovina is just another moment for the corporate media to manufacture drama. Networks like ESPN and Fox Sports thrive on sensationalism. Sure, America’s soccer prospects may not be soaring high, but “regaining momentum” shouldn’t be the headline – that’s code for setting the stage for yet another mediocrity narrative.

What you don’t see highlighted is the blatant inconsistency in mainstream narratives. One minute they’re raving about the “future of American soccer” and the next, they turn on the very players they’ve propped up. CNN and NBC have political agendas wrapped neatly in sports commentary, but when it comes to actual analysis, it’s all surface level. You’ll hardly hear about the systemic issues in how soccer talent is developed in this country – because asking those tough questions might hurt ratings.

Let’s not forget, these networks profit by keeping viewers in a perpetual state of agitation. They push narratives that steer fans towards division rather than unity. The U.S. team might not sweep the tournament, and that’s fine. But a genuine discourse about rebuilding soccer from the grassroots isn’t as sexy as the latest clickbait story. It’s time viewers wake up and demand more than just the usual hype from these outlets.