Soccer Fans?

[Nick Williams]

The biggest problem I see isn't the support, it's what Americans are and what they like to watch. Take MLB for example, you go to a game and you sit there. You sit and sit and sit, you order a beer, get a bag of peanuts, get another beer, and just keep sitting all the while. Before NFL games you tailgate. At NASCAR, you get hammered. And so on and so forth. Soccer games are completely different. While you may go get a beer, its not like baseball. It's an energy packed arena with outrageously loud fans and not much in the way of comfort.

They go to baseball games because it's a past time and they're lazy and want to just watch. They go to NASCAR because - well who knows why.

Soccer just isn't an "American" sport. While figures may show differently, they still only show a very small % compared to other professional sports. Don't take this message as soccer will never be a HUGE deal. But compare it to 10 and 20 years ago, US soccer is big deal now. While we aren't one of the bigger contenders in the WC, I do think we have the ability to challenge those who are and create some upsets. And while the MLS isn't the biggest deal yet, it is definitely on it's way. And finally, while we aren't putting out very many top athletes, I played with some absolutely mind blowing players in college and have see some younger generations who just have ridiculously ridiculous raw skill. WE ARE WELL ON OUR WAY THERE!

[stlfisher]

Dang I fall asleep at the wheel and I missed 4 pages of dedicated soccer talk. It is easy to be pessimistic about soccer in the US...it has failed before, but this time feels different...at least to me.

STL needs a venue...that is going to be an issue...and the venue cannot be in STL City...the taxes will kill them like it does the Blues. Gotta look west.

Attended both the Real Madrid game and the Chelsea game with my brother. Seriously had a great time.

Soccer would do great in STL. I would buy season tickets.

[Flysmallie]

I'd rather watch soccer, at any level, than to sit through another baseball game or Nascar race.

Yes the NFL and MLB and NBA may be watched and followed by many more people. But when I was in school there wasn't a soccer team, there weren't any soccer players getting recruited to play at college. I don't even pay attention to it still to this day but I know kids that are at college on soccer scholarships. It's just going to take time.

[On The Fly 6]

Whether you think soccer is established in our country or not, it's good to see that this post has produced some responses.

The US has players in nearly every major competitive league in the world and continues to produce quality players. That shows that players are developing talents and skills (here in the USA) to play with the best in the world. Most of them get scouted while playing in the MLS. I also see more renowned players wanting to play in the MLS in the future because of the growing fan base and salary cap increases.

The USMNT will participate in another World Cup in 2014 and the USWNT continues to be the best in the world.

The sport will only gain momentum as time goes on.

Premiere league starts next week! Super excited! I hope Liverpool sell off

Suarez or keep him benched and I hope Bale goes to Real Madrid for an inflated price and Barcelona still take la liga and do better in the Champions League!

[stlfisher]

USA storms back with a 4-3 road win over Bosnia-Herzegovinia in Sarejevo. Altidore with the hat trick.

[On The Fly 6]

Jozy played like a madman! I hope his form keeps up. I think Sunderland got a good deal on him!

[ollie]

I may have to pick him up on my fantasy team! he is on fire.

[On The Fly 6]

Woohoo! Premiere League started off right with a Liverpool goal! Hoping they hold out and get the W!! ⚽⚽

[joeD]

Exactly. Your fantasy teams are in EUROPE! My brother in laws' team is TOTTINGHAM. Tottingham. Yeah, that name will instill fear. May has well be named "Arnold." Sorry Arnold.

[ollie]

Hotspurs are my team as well joe, gee thanks. I also play a fantasy league of the MLS as well. It's all for fun and I don't expect to win anything because I normally don't. I get it Joe, your still not convinced. In the mean time look at how many pages this topic has gone. Lot's of responses. Looks like some people are interested in the sport.