Around the globe soccer, or more often futbol, is the national game. In America however, it is overshadowed by the big three; American football, basketball and baseball. As the sport of soccer gains momentum in the United States, will it become as popular as the big three? This is unclear because Americans often jump on the band wagon for major events like the FIFA World Cup and then fall off once Premier League and MLS seasons start. Many analyses point to European disdain and the American identity as key factors in the failure of soccer in the US. There are many factors that contribute positively to soccer's place in the American popular culture as well. The MLS helps to support and expand American soccer through league play. The World Cup increases the popularity of soccer in America through well known popular athletes and large companies advertising campaigns. By understanding the origins and the original failure of American soccer and then exploring today's American professional league and fan participation in the FIFA World Cup, a clearer image of the people's love or hate for the game can be painted.
Why Hasn't American Soccer made it?
Sports are nothing new to the American cultural scene.
English: American Frankie Hejduk playing for the M...
English: map of MLS stadiums
English: Juan Cano is a retired Columbian-American...Just ask anyone around. The USA has some of the largest economical and influential athletic associations on earth. They can proudly claim the invention of both baseball and football and the establishment and popularity of basketball (Thorn, NBA.com). With professional and college level sports being granted large amounts of air time and corporate sponsorships and thousands of Americans buying tickets to events everyday it is a shock that soccer, the sport of the world, has not taken its rightful place in the hierarchy of American sports. What is it about soccer or fútbol that has American's uninterested?...