American Soccer

A lot of people think the idea of American Soccer being a main stream sport in this country is laughable. I think it all depends on events and characters. For example, if the U.S. had a Michael Jordan of soccer and started winning World Cups in impressive fashion- well then we'd have something we could all be proud of and embrace.

You might think that's impossible- and for good reason. However, if I have my way, then I would...hmmm....well I guess I just would. Where do you stand on the issue of American Soccer?

Comments welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Paris E. Tompkins on August 7, 2008 at 3:12pm: I am a sports enthusiat...watcher. I enjoy watching all sports from football (avid 49er fan, baseball (Giants), basketball (Celtics), The Olympics, boxing, etc., etc.
However, I have not gotten into soccer, yet. I think you're right about us not having a hero to entice us to watch. My brother-in-law, who is from Nigeria, was a soccer champ when he was young. I watched a little more than now, but was not a true fan of soccer. I was primarily supporting him. Americans crave anything new and different, and perhaps with a world's championship, we will jump on the bandwagon of soccer. Until then... Paris; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nascent Dynamics ( ) on August 12, 2008 at 7:46pm: Oh yeah. I'm a big fan of sports performance at the highest levels- whatever sport it is. I see elements in soccer from each of the sports you listed. I think Americans have a taste for presentation on some of these I'd like to incorporate into soccer. The international addiction to the sport has been built on a lot of heros and media promotion in the spotlight. I think that context has a lot of diffulty translating over to our culture and other sports interests. However, I get the feeling we are about to turn the corner on that. I think the next 10 to 15 years are going to yield some impressive characters, events, and media support to the game. Like the Olympics, I think the sport is a world unifier. Once we get ourselves into the game, I think Americans are going to enjoy the international passion/ competition. It is definately a world sport and America has yet to find an identity for.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nascent Dynamics ( ) on April 27, 2009 at 2:13pm: http://american-soccer-news.com/?p=2100 Just noticed this catchy article from the American Soccer News RSS. Kind of a funny tongue in cheek. Worth a gander.

By the way, I am using this forum thread as an extention of my Area Light group, American Soccer. I'm still refining the concept for the group, and may reserve it to a theme of activity where using an off group forum is best for general soccer related discussions.

In this case, the article is sort of representative of the unspoken rivalry between Soccer and Baseball industries. the interesting thing is knowing the success of baseball is hardly comparable to soccer. It's basically no contest for now. Baseball outclasses in terms of success. Regardless, the recent connection made by baseball to soccer brings up the issue, puts the power of the baseball media spotlight onto the soccer industry, and gives soceer an opportunity to suggest it "deserves" comparison...if not for the success of the industry, then for having a product that people can enjoy without the extraordinarily rising costs associated with baseball league games. Even baseball people are complaining, especially at a time when the country could use national sports and affordable recreation.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nascent Dynamics ( ) on June 17, 2009 at 3:36pm: I highly recommend reading the current interview with the U.S. men's team coach and Donovan regarding their Italy match and upcoming Brazil match tomorrow. See www.ussoccer.com feed at top of main Welcome page here on Area Light.

I actually think the coach and player have the right ideas in mind. I just think they need a slight adjustment to the mindset and how they use these concepts of play to help the U.S. reach its full potential. First of all, where's the U.S.A. mojo? We need more confidence. Not to say we need a bunch of prissy ego's running around arguing with eachother. I just think we need some attitude. The U.S. features technical and tactical...the scientific aspect of the game. I make my thoughts known on that on my blog Centerplay. However, what they are missing is that killer instinct as a whole. I thought I saw some of it from Donovan and a couple other players though. They need to focus that in and really own what they are doing with some confidence. Maybe what we need is a Dale Earnhardt type guy to go in and become known as "The Intimidator", lol! Don't bore me with these growing pains. If you're a professional and get paid to play this sport so many people love, then you should have every intention of being the best, and commit yourself to being ready to do just that by the time you step on the feild.

Overall, they have my interest and support for what they have shown so far. I'm looking forward to the Brazil match to see if they can deliver a better result. If they get a win, then they are definately still in it.

Anthony; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nascent Dynamics ( ) on June 21, 2009 at 1:48pm: Just a follow up,

The U.S. lost to Brazil badly and I was telling my boy they were out of the CONCACAF Cup. However, I learned wathing the U.S. Egypt match that there was a mathematical possibility if the U.S. won by 3 and the Brazilians beat Italy by 3. Well, that's exactly what happened! The U.S. found enough of that mojo and attitude to pull out the win. Now they advance to play against the world's current best team...Spain.

This is terrific for U.S. soccer. We have not cut it against the world-class competition, but as far as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, we've taken it to the next level. So I wonder what will happen, you never know!

Best,

Anthony; ▶ Reply to This