The United States will host Panama on Friday night in what has turned out to be a crucial World Cup qualifier.
Should the U.S. fail to win the game, there's a considerable chance the national team will not qualify for Russia next year and will miss out on the sport's marquee event for the first time since 1986.
Despite long-held optimism, there are several reasons for the U.S. team's struggles over the past two years. Weigh in with your take below.
The U.S. is currently fourth in the CONCACAF standings, with only the top three teams qualifying automatically for the World Cup. The team that finishes in fourth place will face either Syria or Australia in a playoff, with the winner also qualifying.