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[ICKE]

America will win one of the next four world cups. It's inevitable. Huge population size, unparalleled sporting culture, a massive sports/training infrastructure, and the growing popularity of the sport. An entire generation of kids will go through school realising it's a a better route to take than conventional American sports, as even if you don't "make it" you can still make a living in a decent league anywhere in the world. That and you don't need to be over 6'5" or be willing to get concussed every week like in basketball or US football respectively.

It's not going to happen. American players simply do not and will not have enough experience from the toughest games in order to make a proper run for the cup. USA also lacks a foundations like Europe where mane countries have such an advantage considering how popular the sport is. Even small countries like Belgium are way ahead in this regard. In European countries you don't only have one proper league with big teams that compete in the Champions League but many divisions. Every town and city has its own team.

Look at Germany for example :

I: Bundesliga (18 teams with heavy hitters like Dormund and Bayern)
II: 2. Bundesliga (18 teams)
III: 3. Liga (20 teams)
IV: Regionalliga (with four divisions constituting a total of 88 teams)
V: State leagues (too many teams)
VI: Lower state leagues (EVEN MOAR TEAMS)

Below the state association league system you have another 67 divisions and close to 1000 teams.

VII: Kreisliga
VIII: Kreisklasse A
IX : Kreisklasse B
X : Kreisklasse C
XI : Kreisklasse D'

That is not to say MLS is garbage, it is a competitive league with entertaining matches. Just like the Swedish Allsvenskan is an excellent league with proper talent and great atmosphere. People should be happy to support their local teams regardless how many proper stars play in them.

 

[OuterLimits]

I like the comment about not being mobbed when going to a restaurant. Um yeah, because most Americans wouldn't recognize you or give a shit that you play soccer.

 

[xbhaskarx]

It's not going to happen. American players simply do not and will not have enough experience from the toughest games in order to make a proper run for the cup.

True that is all that matters, and the top leagues are obviously in England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France... so that explains why Spain did better than than the US at the 2014 World Cup, France did better than the US at the 2010 World Cup, and England and Italy did better than the US at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.....


2010 World Cup final standings
12. USA
13. England
26. Italy
29. France

2014 World Cup final standings
15. USA
22. Italy
23. Spain
26. England

Oh and here's 2002, back when MLS was barely surviving as a league and had recently contracted from 12 to 10 teams.

 

[hodayathink]

I like the comment about not being mobbed when going to a restaurant. Um yeah, because most Americans wouldn't recognize you or give a shit that you play soccer.

I don't think that's all it is. Even someone like Kevin Durant, while very famous in the US, probably doesn't have paparazzi outside his door or hanging on his every move, and can probably go to a high-end restaurant and eat in relative peace. That type of fame is basically reserved for entertainers and athletes that are dating entertainers.

 

[The Atticus]

True that is all that matters, and the top leagues are obviously in England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France... so that explains why Spain did better than than the US at the 2014 World Cup, France did better than the US at the 2010 World Cup, and England and Italy did better than the US at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.....


2010 World Cup final standings
2014 World Cup final standings

oh and here's 2002, back when MLS was barely surviving as a league and had recently contracted from 12 to 10 teams.

I get what you're saying, but USA's tactics in these competitions don't really lend themselves to winning the cup.

And that's fine though! It's simply a result of them not having the most experienced or technical players, areas which need greater focus if they want to become a dominant force in international football.

 

[Bold One]

read the thread

I did, I dont see anyone proteting the use of the term FC, I see the typical Football/Soccer thing, not much else

 

[Danchi]

If/when a European super league is established (i.e. when the big clubs realise they don't want to split the TV revenue with the smaller teams), I can see the U.S. having the interest to get in on the action (maybe a club in Brazil too).

In terms of how far the MLS will develop in its current form, it's all about the grass roots interest (which people here are saying is growing). We've had the ageing stars finishing their careers there before (NASL).

 

[Alex_Mexico]

As a Mexican fútbol fan I am both envious and extatic for the state of the MLS.

Envious because as our regional rivals I only see how the MLS is doing everything right with its management, marketing and long term growth. Stuff I'd like to see Mexican Fútbol adopt but will never do and thus are cursed to be stuck in mediocrity forever.

Having said that I'm excited for the MLS because a growth in US Soccer means a higher level of play for CONCACAF which means Mexico will have no other choice but step their game up to remain competitively thus growing as well thanks to MLS growth.


I won't make any ridiculous statements like "MLS will take over the NFL in 10 years" because it ain't happening. However I am going to say I totally see the MLS being one of the top 5 best soccer leagues in the world in the next 20 years and debunking NHL and the NBA as the third most popular professional team sport in the USA.

Just you wait for all those kids growing up on soccer right now and you'll see.

I envy you, USA. You guys are doing everything right. Soccer is going nowhere but up.

Here's to you guys getting the 2026 World Cup (provided you don't get it from Qatar in 2022 first).

 

[SneakyStephan]

Cant wait for such a beautiful sport to spread its bullshit to another continent.

Yep, it's the least sportsmanlike sport...

I remember watching the belgium mexico game in 1998 world cup.
Belgium got ahead in score (2-0 I believe) and needed the win to go on to the next round.

Only problem is that there was 40 minutes left on the clock.

The next 40 minutes they kept passing the ball around, kicking it back to defenders, playing super passively doing everything they could to buy time (not one attempt to play offensively or score another goal, not one)

They'd take their time for throws etc
Every time they'd be under threat of losing the ball or the other team going offensive they'd kick it as far away from their own goal/half of the field as they could.

This sharade went on till the end of the game, mexico got a proper attack going like 3-4 times, two of those they scored (lol), the last goal was near the end of the clock, the game ended up a tie and they didn't go through.

I only remember this match because of what a pathetic shitshow it was.
I was done with the sport then (that match was not an isolated thing, it happened all the fucking time)

When a sport becomes about playing the matchmaking instead of winning or let alone about having a good match it's no longer worth dignifying.

The constant schwalbes also make the sport into a joke.
Can't believe that people fight eachother (club violence) over this garbage.

 

[ICKE]

True that is all that matters, and the top leagues are obviously in England, Germany, Spain, Italy, France... so that explains why Spain did better than than the US at the 2014 World Cup, France did better than the US at the 2010 World Cup, and England and Italy did better than the US at both the 2010 and 2014 World Cups.....


2010 World Cup final standings
12. USA
13. England
26. Italy
29. France

2014 World Cup final standings
15. USA
22. Italy
23. Spain
26. England

Oh and here's 2002, back when MLS was barely surviving as a league and had recently contracted from 12 to 10 teams.

The United States national team usually arrives with a good mindset into these tournaments. The players are willing to work hard and the coach usually sets them with a conservative formation and the players tend to favor direct passing with fast counter attacks. That will provide satisfactory results, and such teams have even made the distance when all the starts have aligned (Greece in 2004 for example), but there is not enough tradition nor infrastructure in place to be a contender consistently.

The reality is that United States has a favorable qualification campaign and thus benefits within the ranking system. There is nothing wrong with that of course. The World Cup is structured in that manner, because FIFA wants global representation. If it was a straight qualification with all nations seeded into various groups without borders, who knows how many teams from Europe would qualify or if USA would qualify to WC at all. In 2014 countries like Sweden, Serbia, Czech Rep, Turkey, Denmark etc missed out.

I've watched MLS matches and as a league, in terms of technical and tactical ability plus tempo, and it compares well with Scandinavian leagues. People who only support the biggest teams might talk smack but people who are into football understand that the level of competition is decent and the top US teams would be able to deliver results in EUROPA League group stages for example. That being said, I would still say that comparable European divisions are more attractive for young talented footballers, because they offer a good window and road towards the big stage. As a player it is easier to get into Ajax or Club Brügge from AIK. South-American leagues are also ahead in this regard, because there is a lot of co-operation (shady in some cases) between the Spanish, Italian and Portuguese clubs.

 

[Hex]

I have enjoyed the rise of the MLS, was a fan from the early days when we had the Tampa Bay Mutiny even though that went belly up.
Have been hoping for the Tampa Bay Rowdies to pick up an expansion since they have developed a good following and games are a good time.

 

[Esch]

I think the important thing to note is that the MLS is real fun and you should start watching it if you're an American and possibly go to games because it's fun.

 

[Kimawolf]

Well I have to say, my kid loves the Sporting KC (i hate the changed the name from the Wizards to "sporting Kc" to sound more euro centric) crap but doesn't like the Chiefs. (Soccer team and football team). So it will definitely grow in popularity. Me personally, I just don't see the appeal of soccer. I'd sooner get a pro hockey team and watch their games.

 

[Esch]

what is mental is anyone finding a sideline interview mental. Not that the rest of the post makes any sense.

Honestly it drives me nuts too. During halftime that's when players and managers should be working on making tactical adjustments, prepping subs mentally, working on team morale, keeping tabs on injuries etc. Not giving facetime.

 

[DopeToast]

Keith Olbermann on How to Make Soccer Work in America

I agree with a lot of what he says here. Make American soccer American. With American sounding team names, American commentary for television, and American style logos, songs, broadcasts, etc. Don't alienate people that may otherwise watch and try to learn the sport. Also, at least for a time, assume some of the television audience might be coming to soccer for the first time or at least not be an old pro at it and teach them through the game. They sort of do this anyway with most sports commentary, but they could make a point of it. And I definitely agree with him about not copying English terms and culture. England has a great football culture, but we should create our own way of watching and rooting for our teams. If someone is following English football that's one thing, but Major League Soccer can be its own thing.

As for player development and the actual game, I'm kind of new to all this and still clueless there.

 

[Lonely1]

As a Mexican fútbol fan I am both envious and extatic for the state of the MLS.

Envious because as our regional rivals I only see how the MLS is doing everything right with its management, marketing and long term growth. Stuff I'd like to see Mexican Fútbol adopt but will never do and thus are cursed to be stuck in mediocrity forever.

Seriously, what of MLS policies you would like to be implemented in the Liga Mx? Low-end skewed Salary caps? No promotion-relegation? The adoption and promotion of aging super-stars like Ronaldinho?

The reality is that United States has a favorable qualification campaign and thus benefits within the ranking system. There is nothing wrong with that of course. The World Cup is structured in that manner, because FIFA wants global representation. If it was a straight qualification with all nations seeded into various groups without borders, who knows how many teams from Europe would qualify or if USA would qualify to WC at all. In 2014 countries like Sweden, Serbia, Czech Rep, Turkey, Denmark etc missed out.

Except, not every European team that does qualifies does fabulous at the WC...

 

[Frustrated_me]

Keith Olbermann on How to Make Soccer Work in America

I agree with a lot of what he says here. Make American soccer American. With American sounding team names, American commentary for television, and American style logos, songs, broadcasts, etc..

Fuck no. That is terrible as is.
Football (soccer) has a worldwide appeal, look and feel to it. Why make it 'american'?,that will alienate potential international viewers base.

 

[NYCmetsfan]

Keith Olbermann on How to Make Soccer Work in America

I agree with a lot of what he says here. Make American soccer American. With American sounding team names, American commentary for television, and American style logos, songs, broadcasts, etc. Don't alienate people that may otherwise watch and try to learn the sport. Also, at least for a time, assume some of the television audience might be coming to soccer for the first time or at least not be an old pro at it and teach them through the game. They sort of do this anyway with most sports commentary, but they could make a point of it. And I definitely agree with him about not copying English terms and culture. England has a great football culture, but we should create our own way of watching and rooting for our teams. If someone is following English football that's one thing, but Major League Soccer can be its own thing.

As for player development and the actual game, I'm kind of new to all this and still clueless there.

The hand wringing about us adopting another sports culture is annoying and were not just "copying england" we have aspects of our imigrant culture, people from Brazil here in Orlando, Mexican influence in LA/Texas, etc. Again, the sport isn't the English's. International soccer is extremely popular in the US and driving support for the sport. People aren't going to come because we change the logo. It also misses the rise of millenials who are much more international in their outlook. The MLS isn't going to get a lot of 50+ year olds. It doesn't need to.

It doesn't need to be americanized because it already has unique american aspects (salary caps, the tailgates are very american)

 

[Nesotenso]

I did, I dont see anyone proteting the use of the term FC, I see the typical Football/Soccer thing, not much else

in this very thread people are protesting the use of FC. Read again.

Point is, not everyone is fucking happy with the naming conventions in MLS. No matter how they name their teams, someone takes exception to it.

Once the Montreal Impacts are worth watching, I'll believe you LA Times. Gave them 5 chances, and each time I witnessed some of the worst soccer playing I have ever seen. I swear my high school team played better and that's not an exaggeration.

no that is definitely an exaggeration.

 

[smokeandmirrors]

Keith Olbermann on How to Make Soccer Work in America

I agree with a lot of what he says here. Make American soccer American. With American sounding team names, American commentary for television, and American style logos, songs, broadcasts, etc..

They did just that at the beginning of the league. Team names, logos, rules. And it failed. Miserably. League literally losing money hand over fist, teams contracting.

Also the naming conventions aren't solely english either. Plenty of clubs/teams use the FC (or some variant of in their language) moniker around the world

 

[Esch]

The naming thing is such a red herring because let's be honest; even if the names were coded to the satisfaction of people who whine about them, it's not like it would actually get you to watch MLS now would it?

If you're an englishman scoffing at the Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders you're not tuning in even if it was Portland & Providence FC vs. Seattle FC. Likewise if you're an American who follows just EPL and probably owns Spain jerseys and watches shit like Men in Blazers you're not going to tune into DC United and Real Salt Lake going at it under different monikers either.

The reality of the situation is that 'MLS culture' can't satisfy everyone and nor should it really aim to at this point. The big focus should be the product, the actual soccer being played, the talent cultivated at home and imported. And the league seems to be doing alright with that despite having just turned 20.

 

[Cystm]

Keith Olbermann on How to Make Soccer Work in America

I agree with a lot of what he says here. Make American soccer American. With American sounding team names, American commentary for television, and American style logos, songs, broadcasts, etc.

I loathe the logic in every point of your post and Olbermann's segment.

Keith Olbermann died in 1997. He is essentially a Fox News/MSNBC level caricature of an actual human.

If you name your clubs in a similar fashion to euro clubs, you become "England Jr?" If you hear the name Real Salt Lake and your immediate reaction is negative because you do not deem it as Murican, you are a cunt. "This sounds European! WHY!? NEW THINGS SCARE ME!" "I JUST WANT THINGS TO STAY THE SAME FOREVER "

Soccer is not just about America. We do not need to "make it our own." At least in the sense that we need to dress the players in New York in pinstripes and call them "The Soccer Yankess" all to make it familiar to some jerk off too lazy to step outside what they are accustomed to. If Dipshit Mahone somewhere in Texas thinks FC Dallas is too Euro sounding, thank fucking god he/she is to busy following "The Boys" to come out to a game and appreciate the actual game. "I thought this was Murica!?" "Call them something like the Dallas Outlaws or Armadillos!" "We don't need none of that European sounding snobbery." "We'll make it our own!"

We participate in a game that belongs to no one. We don't need to make it our own. We can still be American and a proud one at that, all while wearing a jersey that says FC Barcelona Messi or FC Dallas Perez. Or insert Anglo sounding last name here if you like. You should not need that packaged in a similar fashion to what has been the established norm in American sports culture in order to take the sport seriously.

So, no, people should not have to feel obligated to not call their local club Inter Miami because it is not a traditional American sports sounding team name. Particularly to people whose barrier to entry is their own ignorance.

As for the "Don't be Elitist" point of Olbermanns. This is a sport that has been mocked and disregarded by popular culture in America for such a long time, not only that, but in his very own segment he drones on about how the sports needs to be altered to fit the needs of Americans too elitist themselves to give the sport an honest look, because "The name don't sound too Murican to me!"

Don't alienate people that may otherwise watch and try to learn the sport. Also, at least for a time, assume some of the television audience might be coming to soccer for the first time or at least not be an old pro at it and teach them through the game. They sort of do this anyway with most sports commentary, but they could make a point of it.

Hi, you don't know how soccer works? Watch the game and figure it out for fucks sake. Imagine how much more NFL games would crawl if you had Joe Buck telling you that "and the players are going now into the "huddle" and they do this because..." or explaining how "if you grab a face mask they throw a flag, and you see flags are used to..."

 

[faridmon]

Mock me if you want, but if there is one thing I respect the MLS for doing is having a wage cap.

If only we had a wage cap here in UK

Spoiler

Everton would have a chance not to get mixed up with relegation

 

[faridmon]

The United States national team usually arrives with a good mindset into these tournaments. The players are willing to work hard and the coach usually sets them with a conservative formation and the players tend to favor direct passing with fast counter attacks. That will provide satisfactory results, and such teams have even made the distance when all the starts have aligned (Greece in 2004 for example), but there is not enough tradition nor infrastructure in place to be a contender consistently.

The reality is that United States has a favorable qualification campaign and thus benefits within the ranking system. There is nothing wrong with that of course. The World Cup is structured in that manner, because FIFA wants global representation. If it was a straight qualification with all nations seeded into various groups without borders, who knows how many teams from Europe would qualify or if USA would qualify to WC at all. In 2014 countries like Sweden, Serbia, Czech Rep, Turkey, Denmark etc missed out.

I've watched MLS matches and as a league, in terms of technical and tactical ability plus tempo, and it compares well with Scandinavian leagues. People who only support the biggest teams might talk smack but people who are into football understand that the level of competition is decent and the top US teams would be able to deliver results in EUROPA League group stages for example. That being said, I would still say that comparable European divisions are more attractive for young talented footballers, because they offer a good window and road towards the big stage. As a player it is easier to get into Ajax or Club Brügge from AIK. South-American leagues are also ahead in this regard, because there is a lot of co-operation (shady in some cases) between the Spanish, Italian and Portuguese clubs.

Oh dear, I hope you guys hold it above the Scandinavian League, because since the demise of Rosenborg, the Scandinavian League have all been a shitfest as of late.

 

[DopeToast]

I guess I disagree with a lot of you in this thread, and that's fine. But a lot of people with money who love to attend, follow closely, and spend money and drink at and around sporting events for multiple sports, for one reason or another, are either confused or completely turned off by American soccer. Yes, it's an international game and in no way do I think that the style of play or rules should be altered, but why can't the aesthetics or culture that surrounds it be different? I honestly just don't understand that.

 

[Electric_ Cthulhu]

I have only read the first two pages of this thread so far, but many of you said that football is in decline due to safety issues. Really? Those players are like walking safety cushions. What would american parents say to Rugby?

Anyway, I totally approve of the USA learning to love soccer. I would support your league by watching games, if only they'd be shown here in Germany. Over here the MLS is still viewed as a kind of pre-retirement refuge for older players that are far beyond their career peak. But I think that the MLS will attract more and more young talented players, not only domestic but also from Europe.

 

[B-Dubs]

I guess I disagree with a lot of you in this thread, and that's fine. But a lot of people with money who love to attend, follow closely, and spend money and drink at and around sporting events for multiple sports, for one reason or another, are either confused or completely turned off by American soccer. Yes, it's an international game and in no way do I think that the style of play or rules should be altered, but why can't the aesthetics or culture that surrounds it be different? I honestly just don't understand that.

Because in their eyes it's foreign and anything foreign is either, bad, wrong or both. It's that simple. That view colors their perception of the sport. The reason it's popular with the younger generation is that they're more willing to look outwards, are more open to new ideas and don't see something not from America as inherently bad.

I have only read the first two pages of this thread so far, but many of you said that football is in decline due to safety issues. Really? Those players are like walking safety cushions. What would american parents say to Rugby?

While this is true, but there are a lot of issues with concussion and brain damage in american football players. Players can retire with massive brain damage that leads to all kinds of problems down the line and the younger kids playing are just as vulnerable. With all the issues it leads to, a lot of parents aren't willing to let their kids play the game these days and that's gonna cause a problem 20-25 years from now and beyond.

American parents would shit their pants at the thought of rugby, especially if it led to the kinds of brain injuries football players get.

 

[Skellig Gra]

It's not going to happen. American players simply do not and will not have enough experience from the toughest games in order to make a proper run for the cup.

Ok, but no one playing right now will be playing 4 World Cups from now. It's naive to expect the status quo to remain for decades. Of course that doesn't mean it will happen or is even likely but you can't rule it out.

 

[DopeToast]

Because in their eyes it's foreign and anything foreign is either, bad, wrong or both. It's that simple. That view colors their perception of the sport. The reason it's popular with the younger generation is that they're more willing to look outwards, are more open to new ideas and don't see something not from America as inherently bad.

I think that's simply an unfair statement. Soccer isn't more popular in the US because people are anymore open-minded to foreign sports, it's because it's not a foreign sport anymore. Kids and young adults have grown up with the MLS. Maybe there is no hope for people who haven't grown up with it, but I don't think so.

 

[faridmon]

Ok, but no one playing right now will be playing 4 World Cups from now. It's naive to expect the status quo to remain for decades. Of course that doesn't mean it will happen or is even likely but you can't rule it out.

When there is at least 10 teams who have the talent, the history, the experience and the money to actually goo for the title, I don't think USA have a chance in that regards.

They have as big of a chance as Danmark winning the World Cup.

 

[Danchi]

Can't MLS teams hold a fan vote for what to call the teams? Occasionally you get similar things with changing a club's badge/crest in England.

 

[John Dunbar]

When there is at least 10 teams who have the talent, the history, the experience and the money to actually goo for the title, I don't think USA have a chance in that regards.

They have as big of a chance as Danmark winning the World Cup.

i certainly wouldn't put any money on usa, or denmark for that matter, but you still have to remember that the format of the cup is that you just need to win four games in a row after the group stage. of course there is so many top dogs one of them is a safe bet making it through, but when it's one match and you're out instead of a series, there's always a chance an underdog team will go on a tear and get lucky at important moments.

 

[Sol..]

I have only read the first two pages of this thread so far, but many of you said that football is in decline due to safety issues. Really? Those players are like walking safety cushions. What would american parents say to Rugby?

Aw man, if they discover that CTE is prevalent in NFL players you guys are gonna freak out. If a bunch of pansies covered in pillows are getting it, Rugby players must have ultra CTE with a side of brain cancer and will die any second now.

 

[Mesousa]

America will win one of the next four world cups. It's inevitable. Huge population size, unparalleled sporting culture, a massive sports/training infrastructure, and the growing popularity of the sport. An entire generation of kids will go through school realising it's a a better route to take than conventional American sports, as even if you don't "make it" you can still make a living in a decent league anywhere in the world. That and you don't need to be over 6'5" or be willing to get concussed every week like in basketball or US football respectively.

Lol, no.

Be happy with gold cups during mexico's off years.

 

[Atricio]

Anyway, I totally approve of the USA learning to love soccer. I would support your league by watching games, if only they'd be shown here in Germany.

Eurosport has bought the television rights for the MLS! They show some games from friday to sunday.

 

[Danchi]

i certainly wouldn't put any money on usa, or denmark for that matter, but you still have to remember that the format of the cup is that you just need to win four games in a row after the group stage. of course there is so many top dogs one of them is a safe bet making it through, but when it's one match and you're out instead of a series, there's always a chance an underdog team will go on a tear and get lucky at important moments.

It's never happened though (okay, maybe West Germany when they were unseeded in 1954).

 

[Rest]

Just found out my city is probably not getting an expansion team. Here's hoping Beckham can't get his stadium built, because I want that team, dammit.

 

[John Dunbar]

It's never happened though (okay, maybe West Germany when they were unseeded in 1954).

i know, but there have been only like 20 world cups so far, which is such a laughably low number that a word like "never" is meaningless.

also, funnily enough since they were used as an example before, denmark did win the euro cup in 1992, beating france, netherlands and germany on its way to the title.

 

[xbhaskarx]

The reality is that United States has a favorable qualification campaign and thus benefits within the ranking system. There is nothing wrong with that of course. The World Cup is structured in that manner, because FIFA wants global representation. If it was a straight qualification with all nations seeded into various groups without borders, who knows how many teams from Europe would qualify or if USA would qualify to WC at all. In 2014 countries like Sweden, Serbia, Czech Rep, Turkey, Denmark etc missed out.

This is hilarious. The US has never been a top 8 seed, which is the only thing the rankings matter for. After that the pots are based on confederations, and if the US is in such a weak one relative to Europe that only means they can't face those weak teams in the group stage. You claim Europe is so amazing, but the US has two European teams in their group every time, yet got out of their group in three of the last four World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014). In two of those four they had to face the eventual champions in the group stage, what an easy road! CONCACAF is so weak that three of the four teams got out of their groups in 2014...

 

[xbhaskarx]

Just found out my city is probably not getting an expansion team. Here's hoping Beckham can't get his stadium built, because I want that team, dammit.

Sacramento will get in eventually. If not in 2018, a few years after that. MLS won't stop expanding at 24 teams. This isn't England or Spain, there are still way too many untapped large markets.

 

[hodayathink]

Oh, and I forgot to mention the biggest reason that I think the US winning the World Cup in the next 20 years is ridiculous. A lot of people have cited the kids that are growing up playing soccer right now, and I think that's going to be very good in terms of future viewership (kids will know and have fond memories of the sport from their youth as adults), but in terms of getting actual players, they're still going to have a problem when it comes to keeping those kids playing soccer as they get older. A lot of the kids, once they get older, are going to get into multiple sports, and many of them are just going to end up picking one of the other major sports to focus on instead of soccer. Lebron may have played football as a teenager (and been good at it), but he still chose basketball when it came to it. Joe Mauer was a very good high school quarterback, but he had to make a choice and he chose baseball. And there's a history of NFL quarterbacks being good enough at baseball to get drafted (Russell Wilson recently, and historically people like John Elway). And there's countless other examples, especially when we're talking about the transition from high school to college. Unless there's a boom in MLS revenue in the next 10 years or so, when kids reach that point, they're going to go with the sports with the bigger presence domestically.

 

[Alex_Mexico]

Oh, and I forgot to mention the biggest reason that I think the US winning the World Cup in the next 20 years is ridiculous. A lot of people have cited the kids that are growing up playing soccer right now, and I think that's going to be very good in terms of future viewership (kids will know and have fond memories of the sport from their youth as adults), but in terms of getting actual players, they're still going to have a problem when it comes to keeping those kids playing soccer as they get older. A lot of the kids, once they get older, are going to get into multiple sports, and many of them are just going to end up picking one of the other major sports to focus on instead of soccer. Lebron may have played football as a teenager (and been good at it), but he still chose basketball when it came to it. Joe Mauer was a very good high school quarterback, but he had to make a choice and he chose baseball. And there's a history of NFL quarterbacks being good enough at baseball to get drafted (Russell Wilson recently, and historically people like John Elway). And there's countless other examples, especially when we're talking about the transition from high school to college. Unless there's a boom in MLS revenue in the next 10 years or so, when kids reach that point, they're going to go with the sports with the bigger presence domestically.

I agree that so much potential soccer superstars turn down the sport in favor of the bigger american sports but do you honestly don't think further significant growth for the MLS is possible in the medium-term? 22 million Americans watched USA ever so close of beating Portugal in 2014, you don't think the increasing World Cup craze won't influence more than one kid to choose soccer over everything else?

By 2022 the MLS wants to be one of the top leagues in the world. I think that's too soon but I can see by 2030 the MLS as being a respected top-5 worldwide league and it's only going up. Certainly surpassing NHL and possibly NBA in the next decade in popularity.

The biggest boost soccer could get is if the U.S. gets the 2026 World Cup (or they take away 2022 from lolQatarlol) so I raise my beer in hopes that that can happen. And after the shitstorm that's brewing over the whole Qatar fiasco FIFA couldn't go safer for a host that will bring the less controversy and bad press as the USA. You guys deserve it.

 

[Danchi]

i know, but there have been only like 20 world cups so far, which is such a laughably low number that a word like "never" is meaningless.

also, funnily enough since they were used as an example before, denmark did win the euro cup in 1992, beating france, netherlands and germany on its way to the title.

It was a shorter tournament though (due to change in 2016). One more game is significant when we're talking about 6/7 game competitions.

People like to say that the Euros have a higher standard of teams. That may be true overall, but while it lacks a New Zealand or Trinidad and Tobago it's also missing a Brazil and Argentina (and it's those teams you have to play in the latter stages).

 

[Mully]

Keith Olbermann on How to Make Soccer Work in America

I agree with a lot of what he says here. Make American soccer American. With American sounding team names, American commentary for television, and American style logos, songs, broadcasts, etc. Don't alienate people that may otherwise watch and try to learn the sport. Also, at least for a time, assume some of the television audience might be coming to soccer for the first time or at least not be an old pro at it and teach them through the game. They sort of do this anyway with most sports commentary, but they could make a point of it. And I definitely agree with him about not copying English terms and culture. England has a great football culture, but we should create our own way of watching and rooting for our teams. If someone is following English football that's one thing, but Major League Soccer can be its own thing.

As for player development and the actual game, I'm kind of new to all this and still clueless there.

What the old guard in sports media doesn't get is that the MLS and soccer in general don't have to appeal to these types of people. The MLS tried appealing to the Keith Olbermanns of the world 20 years ago and it nearly killed the league.

 

[xbhaskarx]

The same old arguments....

Oh, and I forgot to mention the biggest reason that I think the US winning the World Cup in the next 20 years is ridiculous. A lot of people have cited the kids that are growing up playing soccer right now, and I think that's going to be very good in terms of future viewership (kids will know and have fond memories of the sport from their youth as adults), but in terms of getting actual players, they're still going to have a problem when it comes to keeping those kids playing soccer as they get older. A lot of the kids, once they get older, are going to get into multiple sports, and many of them are just going to end up picking one of the other major sports to focus on instead of soccer.

Unless there's a boom in MLS revenue in the next 10 years or so, when kids reach that point, they're going to go with the sports with the bigger presence domestically.

American kids don't have to only dream of playing in MLS, though. There are a hundred soccer leagues out there. Kids have access to televisions and the internet, they are aware of Ronaldo and Messi.

Here is the roster for the current US U-17 team that just qualified for the U-17 World Cup yesterday... most of these kids are already attached to professional teams, and just as many to ones outside the US as from MLS:

Bold = non-US (7)
Underline = MLS (6)

PLAYER POS. HT. WT. BIRTHDATE HOMETOWN CLUB
Tyler Adams D 5-9 146 2/14/99 Wappingers Falls, N.Y. New York Red Bulls Academy
Hugo Arellano D 6-0 162 3/5/98 Norwalk, Calif. LA Galaxy Academy
Daniel Barbir D 6-3 175 1/31/98 Allentown, Pa. West Bromwich Albion (England)
Eric Calvillo M 5-7 138 1/2/98 Palmdale, Calif. Real So Cal
Pierre Da Silva F 5-9 145 7/28/98 Port Chester, N.Y. Orlando City SC Academy
Luca De La Torre M 5-9 140 5/23/98 San Diego, Calif. Fulham (England)
Tanner Dieterich D 6-1 164 5/4/98 Nashville, Tenn. Real Salt Lake Academy
McKinze Gaines F 5-11 158 3/2/98 Austin, Texas Lonestar S.C.
Joe Gallardo F 5-8 140 1/1/98 San Diego, Calif. Monterrey (Mexico)
Thomas McCabe M 5-10 161 4/4/98 South Orange, N.J. Players Development Academy
John Nelson D 5-9 153 7/11/98 Medina, Ohio Internationals
Matthew Olosunde D 6-1 158 3/7/98 Trenton, N.J. New York Red Bulls Academy
Josh Perez F 5-5 138 1/21/98 La Habra, Calif. Fiorentina (Italy)
Christian Pulisic M 5-8 140 9/18/98 Hershey, Pa. Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
William Pulisic GK 5-11 170 4/16/98 Mechanicsville, Va. Richmond United
Kevin Silva GK 6-1 181 1/5/98 Bethlehem, Pa. Players Development Academy
Brandon Vazquez F 6-3 175 10/14/98 Chula Vista, Calif. Club Tijuana (Mexico)
Alexis Velela D 5-8 155 4/17/98 San Diego, Calif. San Diego Surf
Haji Wright F 6-2 160 3/27/98 Los Angeles, Calif. Schalke 04 (Germany)
Alejandro Zendejas M 5-5 142 2/7/98 El Paso, Texas FC Dallas

Some 16 year old kid at Borussia Dortmund isn't quitting soccer to go play college football at Penn State... hell the kid in the LA Galaxy academy isn't either.
Also the US has a large population relative to many current soccer powers, there are plenty of kids available to stock the rosters for every sport.

 

[Danchi]

I'm curious about if people think that American kids having more choices when it comes to sports will be beneficial to them.

I would say this was popular in pre-war era Europe (António Jesus Correia switching mid-career from a very successful Sporting Clube de Kansas Portugal team to become a full-time roller hockey player), but I don't know how prevalent it is now (I would be curious what people from mainland Europe think about this)?

How late in their development are they making these decisions? I'm not so sure playing American Football is really beneficial to a player's soccer future, for instance. They would be better athletes (stamina, speed, etc.), but England generally do pretty well at U21-level because of similar skills. It's later on when technicality and tactical awareness become the key attributes. The only way you can get those abilities is through practice and experience (the Ajax Youth Academy is training players through specific systems from the ages of 7-18, for example).

It seems like a potential detriment in comparison to the way kids are trained from a young age in countries like the Netherlands or Spain.

 

[AcademicSaucer]

Geography 101

Washington dc is closer the Moscow than it is to Buenos Aires

not having to cross Time zones makes all the difference tho

 

[Mully]

The same old arguments....



American kids don't have to only dream of playing in MLS, though. There are a hundred soccer leagues out there. Kids have access to televisions and the internet, they are aware of Ronaldo and Messi.

Here is the roster for the current US U-17 team that just qualified for the U-17 World Cup yesterday... most of these kids are already attached to professional teams, and just as many to ones outside the US as from MLS:

Bold = non-US (7)
Underline = MLS (6)

Some 16 year old kid at Borussia Dortmund isn't quitting soccer to go play college football at Penn State... hell the kid in the LA Galaxy academy isn't either.
Also the US has a large population relative to many current soccer powers, there are plenty of kids available to stock the rosters for every sport.

To piggy back on the academy comment, things have changed drastically for the better when it comes to youth soccer and academies in the US.

When I was playing('97-'11), academies were not affiliated with teams, and if they were, they were small regional teams (LI Rough Riders, HOTA). These academies were places for talented youth players who had parents with a lot of money to play for a few years before they went to college. The point of these academies was to develop these players' skills before sending them off to college soccer for a very handsome fee.

These new academies are not interested in cultivating a player into a soccer player with a college scholarship. They're interested in creating a professional soccer player with a large contract. This new focus will be the lifeblood of the league in 10 years. For years, the MLS lived on the Superdraft bringing in new talent annually. The SuperDraft is an afterthought now. Most players drafted barely see the field, and usually move on to NASL teams before returning to the MLS or moving on to second division leagues in Europe.

Team sponsored academies will cultivate talent for the USNT and the MLS on a scale that has never been seen in the US. These academies will be the reason why the MLS will be regarded as a top league in 20 years.

 

[Unknown Soldier]

I like the comment about not being mobbed when going to a restaurant. Um yeah, because most Americans wouldn't recognize you or give a shit that you play soccer.

Uhm, in general American celebrities don't have paparazzi following them around the second they leave their homes for the entire day. This includes prominent athletes, it's not an American cultural thing to shove a camera up every famous athlete's ass 24/7 when they aren't at home. With the possible exception of Michael Jordan, in general most pro athletes in the US are able to have pleasant lives without constant harassment from the media even if they are LeBron James or Peyton Manning.

 

[hodayathink]

The same old arguments....



American kids don't have to only dream of playing in MLS, though. There are a hundred soccer leagues out there. Kids have access to televisions and the internet, they are aware of Ronaldo and Messi.

Here is the roster for the current US U-17 team that just qualified for the U-17 World Cup yesterday... most of these kids are already attached to professional teams, and just as many to ones outside the US as from MLS:

Bold = non-US (7)
Underline = MLS (6)

Some 16 year old kid at Borussia Dortmund isn't quitting soccer to go play college football at Penn State... hell the kid in the LA Galaxy academy isn't either.
Also the US has a large population relative to many current soccer powers, there are plenty of kids available to stock the rosters for every sport.

The existence of players who have made the choice to play soccer doesn't negate the point. All I'm saying is that the US is more likely to lose a young soccer player to another sport than most other countries in the world, which does put it at a disadvantage (which, in theory, they may be able to overcome by the size of the population). Sure, there's enough kids to play every sport, but that doesn't mean that all of those kids are the same quality of athlete/prospect.