Do We Finally Like Soccer????
Around the world they call it the “beautiful game”. Here, it’s that other football your kids play. But I think times may be a-changing for soccer in America. Not so much the popularity, but the perception.
Team USA’s run to the FIFA Confederations Cup championship game was part luck (actually, a big part luck) and part proof. This country has poured major resources in the past two decades into creating a more skilled talent pool of young players. Youth soccer and the advent of Major League Soccer have grown the game to more visible status across the country. And on the field, it’s working. Have you seen these guys??? Jozy Altidore could play football, the American kind!! Same goes for GK Tim Howard. Clint Dempsey’s goal-scoring skill is world class. These guys are good.
USA has arrived as a legitimate top 12 threat on the world scene. It’s no longer a fluke for the US side to advance out of pool play at the world cup… we can do this! When healthy, fit and confident, the American side can compete with Spain, Italy, France, Brazil, Argentina, Germany and the other top clubs around the world. Having said that, we’re not there yet. And we may not get there.
Consider in those countries I just mentioned, soccer (futbol) is the first sporting love of its citizens. Children advance their skills at a much higher level and at a much younger age. The best athletes play soccer. In America, that’s rarely the case. We’re finding better athletes to play soccer, but the competition with football, basketball, baseball, hockey and so many other choices is a bit much to overcome.
This is a much needed reminder of the work being done in the United States, and the quality of soccer being played in MLS right now. Yah, they don’t score a lot. Because it’s tough.
