The United States men’s national soccer team’s transformation in recent years has been closely linked to key financial and strategic support provided by businessman Scott Goodwin and hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who played instrumental roles in securing the hiring of head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The USMNT faced a low point on June 27, 2024, following a 2-1 loss to Panama in Copa América, a match marked by a controversial red card to forward Tim Weah. The disappointing performance and broader concerns about the team’s direction under then-coach Gregg Berhalter prompted Goodwin, a former high school soccer player turned successful entrepreneur from Darien, Connecticut, to initiate a coalition aimed at revamping the national program. He reached out to former players and soccer insiders Kyle Martino, Alecko Eskandarian, and Sean Feeney to explore options for new leadership.
Goodwin quickly emerged as a key financial backer after proposing to personally fund the salary of a top-tier coach the U.S. Soccer Federation could not otherwise afford. While the team initially eyed European manager Jürgen Klopp, his salary demands proved prohibitive. Goodwin shifted his focus to Mauricio Pochettino, whom he identified as the ideal candidate. On July 10, 2024, Goodwin recommended Pochettino to his network, setting in motion discussions with U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson, who shared a long-term vision aimed at unifying the youth system and building a culture of leadership within the team.
About a month after a pivotal meeting in New York, Goodwin was involved in finalizing the agreement with Pochettino, who was officially hired in September 2024. His contract reportedly offers a $6 million annual salary, making him the highest-paid coach in U.S. soccer history. However, Goodwin’s financial support extended beyond just the head coach’s compensation to include other staff such as assistant coaches, trainers, and analysts.
The team’s progression under Pochettino has seen its share of challenges, with some of his tactical decisions and results met with scrutiny. Yet, the USMNT reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, facing Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara for a spot in the knockout stages—a milestone not achieved since 2002.
Adapting to American sports culture presented another hurdle for Pochettino. Goodwin recounted an incident after a 5-1 friendly victory over Uruguay in November 2025. Pochettino was puzzled by reporters’ focus on absent star players rather than the team’s strong performance with a depleted roster. To address this, Goodwin introduced Pochettino to the mindset epitomized in the film “Miracle,” about the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team’s unlikely triumph, emphasizing teamwork and unity over individual star power.
This cultural shift helped Pochettino foster a more disciplined, player-driven environment. According to Goodwin, the coach now commands respect without alienating players and has instilled a renewed sense of pride, exemplified by team moments like Pochettino joining players in singing “Country Roads” post-match. Such developments reflect the broader transformation of the USMNT, driven in part by the strategic vision and financial backing of individuals committed to elevating American soccer on the global stage.