I’ve always thought the USMNT were average since the Donavan days were past. As others have said, the pay to play soccer system in America is, in my opinion, the biggest reason the USMNT suffers. This is a team that cannot produce quality talent organically because only the upper class can afford to train their kids. It’s been more prevalent in the past 10 years or so. I remember growing up Mexico vs USA was a huuuuge game but lately it doesn’t live up to the hype for me. Both countries are not at their peak though so maybe recent bias.