From the captain’s armband to mentoring the next generation, this post captures one physician’s U.S. Soccer World Cup‑level journey through the game — blending competition, perspective, and sports medicine insight into a shared experience across eras. U.S. Soccer World Cup moments are more than just wins; they reflect growth, resilience, and support that keep athletes performing at their best.
The World Cup Journey Begins
Twenty-one years ago, Costa Rica was the stage for a young player named Richard Edgar, competing with the U-17 U.S. Men’s National Team in the Concacaf Qualifiers. Like so many players at that level, the tournament represented more than just matches—it was a chance to test himself, to wear the crest, and to chase a World Cup dream alongside his teammates.
Fast forward two decades, and Dr. Edgar is back with U.S. Soccer—but in a very different role.
Today, he is helping care for the next generation of U.S. Soccer players as they embark on their own Concacaf journey, once again with qualification for the U-17 World Cup on the line. Where he once prepared for matches as a player, he now supports these young athletes behind the scenes, ensuring they are healthy, fit, and able to perform at their best on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The parallels are striking. The same competition. The same stakes. The same hope and pressure that comes with representing your country at a young age. What’s changed is perspective—and purpose. Dr. Edgar’s firsthand experience as a former U-17 international gives him a unique understanding of what these players are feeling as they step into the tournament environment. He’s lived the long days, the emotional swings, and the intensity that define Concacaf play.
Recently shared photos capture this full-circle moment perfectly: old images of a young Edgar in uniform, contrasted with present-day action shots of him working with today’s U-17s as they prepare for competition. Together, they tell a story of continuity, growth, and commitment to the game.
As this new group of players sets off with World Cup qualification in sight, they do so supported by people who have walked the same path before them. It’s a reminder that soccer is more than just the 90 minutes on the field—it’s a shared journey across generations, built on experience, mentorship, and a deep love for the game.
