16 minutes ago, KJP said:

Americans didn't used to care for soccer. It's now the third-most popular sport here.

 

 

Most sources would say 5th, behind football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.

 

 

30 minutes ago, E Rocc said:

 

Most sources would say 5th, behind football, basketball, baseball, and hockey.

 

 

Wikipedia has soccer somewhere between third and fourth by viewership  and number of Americans that play the sport depending on what metric you want to follow. It's definitely ahead of hockey and maybe ahead of baseball, if not close. These metrics are from 2010-2020. 

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_in_the_United_States

Edited November 28, 20222 yr by KFM44107

34 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

 

I know everyone is sick of hearing this... But just imagine if our best athletes played soccer.

 

They are in Lakewood High School and other schools. But until today's youth climb higher up the ladder of success/earning, start buying things that are advertised during sporting events, and move a little more of the advertising dollars from football, basketball and, to a lesser extent baseball, into soccer, young people are still going to follow the dollars into football and basketball. For now....

 

It's already starting with the suburban kids whose families can afford to get their promising young players into club programs that cost thousands of dollars. They're just starting to get some more money moving toward soccer to offer scholarships to get inner city/immigrant kids into these club programs. We're already seeing players like Pulisic, Adams, Turner and McKennie start and even excel in the top Euro leagues. At this rate, I'd give it 15 years before the USA is a dominant force in World Cub play.

1 minute ago, KJP said:

 

They are in Lakewood High School and other schools. But until today's youth climb higher up the ladder of success/earning, start buying things that are advertised during sporting events, and move a little more of the advertising dollars from football, basketball and, to a lesser extent baseball, into soccer, young people are still going to follow the dollars into football and basketball. For now....

 

It's already starting with the suburban kids whose families can afford to get their promising young players into club programs that cost thousands of dollars. They're just starting to get some more money moving toward soccer to offer scholarships to get inner city/immigrant kids into these club programs. We're already seeing players like Pulisic, Adams, Turner and McKennie start and even excel in the top Euro leagues. At this rate, I'd give it 15 years before the USA is a dominant force in World Cub play.

Look at Ignatius. We just stack national titles and state championships. Combine that with rugby which now does the same thing and football is now maybe the third most important sport at a school that used to be a powerhouse. Kids who couldn't make the football team used to play soccer and rugby when I went there, now I'm starting to think it's the other way around. 

My wife will not let our son play American football, a decision I don't disagree with -- especially considering how good he is at soccer. I'd like him to focus on it, although he also enjoys basketball. His best friend Elijah is an amazing athlete and his mother won't let him play American football either. He is terrific at soccer too. That's just two kids right there. They both dream of playing soccer at St. Ignatius and perhaps going pro someday (I realize the latter is a big longshot, especially when I see how good these teenage kids are at playing pickup futsal games at Lakewood's Madison Park and maybe one of them might end up going pro in a third-level league). Proud daddy alert: my son and Elijah play with them and the high-schoolers remarked at how good their touches are for their age (nine years).

 

Bringing it back to World Cup -- the point is they play pickup futsal (and basketball) games at Madison Park more than football. Although my son loves American football and he joins in the pickup football games too -- when they happen. Granted, Madison Park draws a decidedly international crowd of people so it's probably different than outer suburban parks, or perhaps compared to some inner-city parks. So that's where the USMNT of 2030-2034 is probably going to be found. 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

My European wife is very impressed with American soccer programs and training. She is amazed at how many kids are involved (more than other sports) and is probably correct in saying that America is going to be fielding dominant World Cup teams in the years to come. This current crop of players on the USMNT is very young and they're very good. Their strong play against England is an early indication of the USMNT's likely strength for a long time.

 

The asterisk over this is that that's what we thought about 2018 given our strong showing in 2014, and we didn't even make the World Cup in 2018, after losing to Trinidad and Tobago of all teams.

 

As they say in investing, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

  

9 minutes ago, KJP said:

My wife will not let our son play American football, a decision I don't disagree with -- especially considering how good he is at soccer. I'd like him to focus on it, although he also enjoys basketball. His best friend Elijah is an amazing athlete and his mother won't let him play American football either. He is terrific at soccer too. That's just two kids right there. They both dream of playing soccer at St. Ignatius and perhaps going pro someday (I realize the latter is a big longshot, especially when I see how good these teenage kids are at playing pickup futsal games at Lakewood's Madison Park and maybe one of them might end up going pro in a third-level league). Proud daddy alert: my son and Elijah play with them and the high-schoolers remarked at how good their touches are for their age (nine years).

 

Bringing it back to World Cup -- the point is they play pickup futsal (and basketball) games at Madison Park more than football. Although my son loves American football and he joins in the pickup football games too -- when they happen. Granted, Madison Park draws a decidedly international crowd of people so it's probably different than outer suburban parks, or perhaps compared to some inner-city parks. So that's where the USMNT of 2030-2034 is probably going to be found. 

 

Another data point on this: Just a few years ago, my son's Catholic K-8 school in West Akron would have been considered a feeder school for the dominant football programs at Hoban and SVSM.  Now, of ~18 boys in his grade, I only know of two that went for flag football.  Meanwhile, of those 18, 11 play soccer (and at least two also play club at Liberty FC in Medina).  Granted, a lot of people do soccer at younger ages and then switch to other sports later, but that's still starting from a huge pool, while the flag football programs are having trouble filling teams.

5 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

 

The asterisk over this is that that's what we thought about 2018 given our strong showing in 2014, and we didn't even make the World Cup in 2018, after losing to Trinidad and Tobago of all teams.

 

As they say in investing, past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

You can't turn a soccer-apathetic nation into a soccer powerhouse in four years. That's why I said it's going to take until 2030-34 until we see some of these kids start making their way into the pros and then get the attention of the USMNT. Back in 2014, how many USMNT players were starting on top Euro league teams like Chelsea, Juventus or Lille? Not very many. Most were playing for MLS teams which doesn't compare to the level of play in the Euro leagues nor will it until more young people can afford to buy more stuff being advertised during MLS games so the MLS can afford to compete for top American talent. America will become an international soccer powerhouse in the 2030s. The proficiency of talent development in the youth leagues and the number of participants in them makes it inevitable.

Please.  We've been hearing this same argument from pro-soccer people for 50+ years.  We don't hear this from any other sport that isn't very popular in the U.S. - we don't hear it from lacrosse people, hockey people, etc.  If you don't like hockey, then fine.  Hockey people don't feel the proselytize.  Soccer superfans are like vegans.  It's all about elevating themselves above "dumb" Americans.  

5 minutes ago, Lazarus said:

Please.  We've been hearing this same argument from pro-soccer people for 50+ years.  We don't hear this from any other sport that isn't very popular in the U.S. - we don't hear it from lacrosse people, hockey people, etc.  If you don't like hockey, then fine.  Hockey people don't feel the proselytize.  Soccer superfans are like vegans.  It's all about elevating themselves above "dumb" Americans.  

 

Your premise that "soccer isn't popular in the U.S." is suspect. 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

They are in Lakewood High School and other schools. But until today's youth climb higher up the ladder of success/earning, start buying things that are advertised during sporting events, and move a little more of the advertising dollars from football, basketball and, to a lesser extent baseball, into soccer, young people are still going to follow the dollars into football and basketball. For now....

 

It's already starting with the suburban kids whose families can afford to get their promising young players into club programs that cost thousands of dollars. They're just starting to get some more money moving toward soccer to offer scholarships to get inner city/immigrant kids into these club programs. We're already seeing players like Pulisic, Adams, Turner and McKennie start and even excel in the top Euro leagues. At this rate, I'd give it 15 years before the USA is a dominant force in World Cub play.

 

The native born inner city kids are largely uninterested, and they produce a disproportionate amount of our best athletes.    City and inner ring high schools often don't even have soccer programs. 

 

Only five out of eight Lake Erie League schools have programs.   Even during the 70s, seven of eight GCC schools had programs.   The fact is fewer kids are interested in school organized sports.  Soccer will be a main sport at certain schools, like wrestling is at Eds or Maple, but not all.

 

1 hour ago, Lazarus said:

Please.  We've been hearing this same argument from pro-soccer people for 50+ years.  We don't hear this from any other sport that isn't very popular in the U.S. - we don't hear it from lacrosse people, hockey people, etc.  If you don't like hockey, then fine.  Hockey people don't feel the proselytize.  Soccer superfans are like vegans.  It's all about elevating themselves above "dumb" Americans.  

 

The flip side of this is we like being different from the rest of the world.  Telling Americans we should do or like something because the rest of the world does is a good way to generate a contrarian reaction.   We also see this with the metric system.

3 hours ago, KJP said:

 

They are in Lakewood High School and other schools.

 

I'd respectfully disagree, Ken. Ignatius has been the country's premier high school soccer program since 2001, and even it's best athletes aren't playing soccer. I hope you're right, though. As someone who never played it competitively, I think it's a beautiful sport and a great option. I just don't think we're anywhere near it taking over football or basketball anytime soon. 

2 hours ago, E Rocc said:

 

The native born inner city kids are largely uninterested, and they produce a disproportionate amount of our best athletes.    City and inner ring high schools often don't even have soccer programs. 

 

Only five out of eight Lake Erie League schools have programs.   Even during the 70s, seven of eight GCC schools had programs.   The fact is fewer kids are interested in school organized sports.  Soccer will be a main sport at certain schools, like wrestling is at Eds or Maple, but not all.

 

Keep your eye on that trend, then.  It'll be interesting to see whether those schools in the Lake Erie League that don't currently have soccer programs begin them over the next five years or so.

31 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

 

Keep your eye on that trend, then.  It'll be interesting to see whether those schools in the Lake Erie League that don't currently have soccer programs begin them over the next five years or so.

 

Correction, five of seven schools.   Maple Heights and Shaw do not have teams.   Maple was the one school in the old GCC which did not either.

3 hours ago, E Rocc said:

 

The flip side of this is we like being different from the rest of the world.  Telling Americans we should do or like something because the rest of the world does is a good way to generate a contrarian reaction.   We also see this with the metric system.

 

Almost every other country is pretty small compared to China, India, and the United States, as are their national accomplishments.  These people have their identities tied up in this sport because they didn't invent the airplane, computer, nuclear weapons, send a man to the moon, or have the world's largest navy patrolling the globe's seas.  Movies, rock & roll, blue jeans and many other fashion items, etc., all came from the United States.  Most of the world's countries are much more ethnically homogenous than is the United States (Brazil and the other South American and Central American countries are an exception).  The former colony countries love beating up the former colonizers.  

 

The U.S. doesn't care when small countries (WALES!) embarrass our soccer team.  Neither do China or India.  

   

 

 

10 minutes ago, Lazarus said:

 

Almost every other country is pretty small compared to China, India, and the United States, as are their national accomplishments.  These people have their identities tied up in this sport because they didn't invent the airplane, computer, nuclear weapons, send a man to the moon, or have the world's largest navy patrolling the globe's seas.  Movies, rock & roll, blue jeans and many other fashion items, etc., all came from the United States.  Most of the world's countries are much more ethnically homogenous than is the United States (Brazil and the other South American and Central American countries are an exception).  The former colony countries love beating up the former colonizers.  

 

The U.S. doesn't care when small countries (WALES!) embarrass our soccer team.  Neither do China or India. 

 

I'm not sure what kind of connection(s) you're trying to make here.  What does the size of our navy or all those other technological accomplishments have to do with soccer?  It's not like we don't like sports, after all; we're obsessed with them.  We just happen to have glommed on to different ones.  In part, we've built identities around homegrown sports: baseball, basketball, football, NASCAR.  But sports do spread, and they wax and wane, too.  Somehow Japan and Latin America both became baseball-crazy even though those sports didn't originate there, yet Europe never did.  Somehow Lithuania became a basketball power despite having a smaller population than most individual U.S. states.  So some American sports really have spread--and meanwhile, the largest international sport is also spreading here. 

^the Soviet Union was never into soccer so America's never gotten amped for an international game.  Maybe hockey back in the 80s.   Did people get fired up over those U.S.-China ping pong matches in the 70s?  

 

I just logged into espn.com and they've got a story on the 1998 US-Iran soccer match running above the fold.  I didn't even know it happened.  I remember living in the dorms that year and the international students were irritated by their inability to watch the world cup.  If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have even known it was happening.  I certainly have no recollection of any stories running over the US losing to Iran.    

2 hours ago, Lazarus said:

^the Soviet Union was never into soccer so....

 

What!!!???? 

Lazarus my man, you certainly have a unique perspective.

16 hours ago, Lazarus said:

 

I just logged into espn.com and they've got a story on the 1998 US-Iran soccer match running above the fold.  I didn't even know it happened.  I remember living in the dorms that year and the international students were irritated by their inability to watch the world cup.  If it weren't for them, I wouldn't have even known it was happening.  I certainly have no recollection of any stories running over the US losing to Iran.

I remember that game. After the 94 Cup where the US did surprisingly well, it made soccer worth watching so I was excited to see how they would build on the 94 performance in 98. It was such a disappointment. The ESPN article was great at what went wrong. Poor coaching and scheme plus the whole issue with John Harkes, the captain and one of the best players for the US getting left off the roster for sleeping with Eric Wynalda's wife. There was a lot of chaos going on at that time. 

 

The 2002 World Cup would have been great to watch as the US did very well there, but it was in Korea so most of the games took place overnight or very odd hours. 

 

It is just exciting to see how US Soccer is growing. I am not a big soccer fan on the whole, but do enjoy being competitive in the world cup. 

Soccers trajectory is on the up.  This is a very young team, if Berhalter evolves as a coach and/or he gets sacked (if they lose today, he will get sacked) and they get a good coach, the US can absolutely contend in 2026 on home soil.  I, like others on this thread, will not have my kids playing American football.  You can already see an improvement in the athletic ability from guys like Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Jozy Altidoere, Dempsey, Tim Howard from the 90's and early 2000's.  There were some really dodgy players on those teams.  

 

In my opinion, Landon Donovan has been the single biggest influence to soccer in this country.  he not only elevated the 2002 and 2010 WC teams (and all in between), but he showed athletes that they can find glory in soccer.  

Edited November 29, 20222 yr by BelievelandD1

20 hours ago, YABO713 said:

 

I'd respectfully disagree, Ken. Ignatius has been the country's premier high school soccer program since 2001, and even it's best athletes aren't playing soccer. I hope you're right, though. As someone who never played it competitively, I think it's a beautiful sport and a great option. I just don't think we're anywhere near it taking over football or basketball anytime soon. 

 

My perspective is admittedly narrow, which is to say it is hyper-focused on my son, his teammates and the Lakewood soccer program. But I also have the advantage of an international perspective with my wife who compares our soccer programs to those in Eastern Europe. She marvels at the structure, support and abilities of young people playing the sport in Lakewood. She says it is far more advanced than anything she has seen in Eastern Europe. I don't think the sport is near to taking over football or basketball, but I do think it is near to taking over baseball if it hasn't already. 

13 hours ago, TBideon said:

Lazarus my man, you certainly have a unique perspective.

 

His entire perspective seems to be "If I don't like something then I refuse to believe other people do." lol

I'm worried for the Iranian team. It's alleged their families will be imprisoned or tortured if the players show any further protests vs. the regime.  

 

Iran-US World Cup clash rife with political tension

By JON GAMBRELL

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history. This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the U.S. and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar.

 

Iran’s nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics. No matter the outcome, tensions are likely only to worsen in the coming months.

 

When relations soured between the U.S. and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi’s power. Americans remember the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and 444-day hostage crisis during the Iranian Revolution.

 

https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-iran-sports-soccer-qatar-37f747e3b10c9d326e9bcd1e3b893732

4 minutes ago, surfohio said:

I'm worried for the Iranian team. It's alleged their families will be imprisoned or tortured if the players show any further protests vs. the regime.  

 

Iran-US World Cup clash rife with political tension

By JON GAMBRELL

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history. This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the U.S. and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar.

 

Iran’s nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics. No matter the outcome, tensions are likely only to worsen in the coming months.

 

When relations soured between the U.S. and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi’s power. Americans remember the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and 444-day hostage crisis during the Iranian Revolution.

 

https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-iran-sports-soccer-qatar-37f747e3b10c9d326e9bcd1e3b893732

 

Yep - it's sad. 

 

I do have to say, though, the question and admonition to Tyler Adams yesterday by the Iranian reporter made me pretty angry. It's ironic that he used his momentary press freedom to scold a US player and question his pride in a country still struggling with racial issues. 

 

Nonetheless, I think Adams handled it about as well as he could've. 

4 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

 

Yep - it's sad. 

 

I do have to say, though, the question and admonition to Tyler Adams yesterday by the Iranian reporter made me pretty angry. It's ironic that he used his momentary press freedom to scold a US player and question his pride in a country still struggling with racial issues. 

 

Nonetheless, I think Adams handled it about as well as he could've. 

it was a phenomenal response from a 22 year old

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

My perspective is admittedly narrow, which is to say it is hyper-focused on my son, his teammates and the Lakewood soccer program. But I also have the advantage of an international perspective with my wife who compares our soccer programs to those in Eastern Europe. She marvels at the structure, support and abilities of young people playing the sport in Lakewood. She says it is far more advanced than anything she has seen in Eastern Europe. I don't think the sport is near to taking over football or basketball, but I do think it is near to taking over baseball if it hasn't already. 

From a structure standpoint, the US has stepped up and is doing a much better job developing talent than in the past. They have a much better infrastructure to compete. If you look at the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga (spelling), Italy, etc, you now have American athletes playing in those top leagues whereas 30 years ago, that was unheard of.  Top players on team USA are playing in Europe now whereas in the past the best we could hope for were top MLS players. The US should be commended for maximizing the talent with their resources.

 

However, the biggest setback for soccer is that the US still does not have the top athletes in the game. US kids still prefer basketball, football and even baseball to soccer. While soccer leagues excel here on developing talent at higher levels, more recreational level teams struggle. Kids who may not be players at the highest or higher levels (even in high school) lose interest and follow other sports for their casual fandom. This is is one area where soccer in the US struggles still

2 hours ago, surfohio said:

I'm worried for the Iranian team. It's alleged their families will be imprisoned or tortured if the players show any further protests vs. the regime.  

 

Iran-US World Cup clash rife with political tension

By JON GAMBRELL

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — The last World Cup clash between the United States and Iran 24 years ago is considered one of the most politically charged matches in soccer history. This time, the political overtones are just as strong and relations perhaps even more fraught as the U.S. and Iran face off once again on Tuesday in Qatar.

 

Iran’s nationwide protests, its expanding nuclear program and regional and international attacks linked back to Tehran have pushed the match beyond the stadium and into geopolitics. No matter the outcome, tensions are likely only to worsen in the coming months.

 

When relations soured between the U.S. and Iran depends on who you ask. Iranians point to the 1953 CIA-backed coup that cemented Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi’s power. Americans remember the 1979 U.S. Embassy takeover and 444-day hostage crisis during the Iranian Revolution.

 

https://apnews.com/article/world-cup-iran-sports-soccer-qatar-37f747e3b10c9d326e9bcd1e3b893732

Reminds me of Uday Hussein forcing Iraqi players to kick a cement ball when they lost, and that was the least of their punishments.

 

Really, Iran should be banished from the World Cup.

^^for whatever it's worth, my high school probably wouldn't even have a soccer team if not for the fact that about 99.9% of the players (no, make that probably 100%) are of Mexican background--

2 hours ago, Brutus_buckeye said:

 

However, the biggest setback for soccer is that the US still does not have the top athletes in the game

 

In the U.S., soccer is a yuppie game.  Poor people don't play it or follow it.  It functions as a class marker for white Americans who wish to disassociate themselves from the white working class.  

3 hours ago, BelievelandD1 said:

it was a phenomenal response from a 22 year old

 

Tyler Adams is a treasure. 

😂 Listening to the USA fans chanting behind the TV talking heads as the Iran game is about to start: “IT’S CALLED SOC-CER (clap clap clapclapclap)”

 

Most American World Cup cheer ever. 😁😆 ⚽️ 

36 minutes ago, Lazarus said:

 

In the U.S., soccer is a yuppie game.  Poor people don't play it or follow it.  It functions as a class marker for white Americans who wish to disassociate themselves from the white working class.  

 

Jake, did you really come back to UO just to try to stir up sh*t about soccer? You're so far out of your element on this discussion. We all know you hate soccer. Relax.

Oh, I must learn more about soccer being a sport for the bourgeoisie. 

1 hour ago, surfohio said:

 

Tyler Adams is a treasure. 

 

He's world class in his position. Such a joy to watch. I think it's going to be difficult for Leeds to hold on to him much longer.

1 hour ago, Lazarus said:

 

In the U.S., soccer is a yuppie game.  Poor people don't play it or follow it.  It functions as a class marker for white Americans who wish to disassociate themselves from the white working class.  

 

Partially true, though also immigrants and the children of immigrants.

5 hours ago, KJP said:

 

My perspective is admittedly narrow, which is to say it is hyper-focused on my son, his teammates and the Lakewood soccer program. But I also have the advantage of an international perspective with my wife who compares our soccer programs to those in Eastern Europe. She marvels at the structure, support and abilities of young people playing the sport in Lakewood. She says it is far more advanced than anything she has seen in Eastern Europe. I don't think the sport is near to taking over football or basketball, but I do think it is near to taking over baseball if it hasn't already. 

 

Major league baseball has a program called RBI (Reviving Baseball in the Inner cities).   I know that Maple Heights has restarted its "Boys League" after some time, I am not sure if it's affiliated with international little league and/or RBI.

 

My niece played real football (flag, then CYO against boys) and my daughter's not inclined to team sports so my exposure to youth soccer is limited, but the games I've seen appeared to feature about half the kids wandering semi-aimlessly.   Perfect for helicopter parents who want their kids on a team, but don't care so much beyond that.

 

Indoor soccer had a vogue some time ago, it seemed like a much more American style version.  Smaller teams, faster play, more scoring.   It was also playable in the winter, when the main competitors for kids' attention have small teams (basketball) or expensive equipment.

Edited November 29, 20222 yr by E Rocc

1 hour ago, Gramarye said:

😂 Listening to the USA fans chanting behind the TV talking heads as the Iran game is about to start: “IT’S CALLED SOC-CER (clap clap clapclapclap)”

 

There were a ton of commercials promoting that slogan as well.   I don't think we have to call it "football" like the rest of the world, but it's not exactly a promotion of US freedoms to go around telling the rest of the world that it should be called "soccer" because the US (and only the US) says so.

Just now, Foraker said:

 

There were a ton of commercials promoting that slogan as well.   I don't think we have to call it "football" like the rest of the world, but it's not exactly a promotion of US freedoms to go around telling the rest of the world that it should be called "soccer" because the US (and only the US) says so.

 

Trying to get Americans to call it "football" can only harm it's popularity.

My heart. Someone send the paramedics, thanks. 😱 😮‍💨 

40 minutes ago, Foraker said:

 

There were a ton of commercials promoting that slogan as well.   I don't think we have to call it "football" like the rest of the world, but it's not exactly a promotion of US freedoms to go around telling the rest of the world that it should be called "soccer" because the US (and only the US) says so.

Oh, our freedoms aren’t all we promote worldwide.  Those are important principles, yes. 
 

But there’s also the important principle of “we’re right and you’re wrong.”

 

I know it’s a lot to keep track of, but you get the hang of it pretty quickly. 😎🤓🤩😇😁 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 🇺🇸 

1 hour ago, E Rocc said:

 

Indoor soccer had a vogue some time ago, it seemed like a much more American style version.  Smaller teams, faster play, more scoring.   It was also playable in the winter, when the main competitors for kids' attention have small teams (basketball) or expensive equipment.

 

The "expensive equipment" is a parent with a car and seemingly unlimited free time to drive you around to all of the practices and camps and games.  Also, unlimited money to pay for hotels.  Expensive restaurant food. Tens of thousands of dollars of crisscrossing the USA in your mom's minivan Nissan Rogue to maybe get a college scholarship (although not in men's soccer, thanks to Title IX).  

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 hour ago, E Rocc said:

 

Trying to get Americans to call it "football" can only harm it's popularity.

 

I played soccer for 8 years.  I never heard the field referred to a "pitch" until well after I had stopped playing, around 2003 or so.  I remember everyone in the newsroom laughing when our resident soccer nerd insisted on calling the field the pitch in his coverage.  

2 hours ago, E Rocc said:

 

Partially true, though also immigrants and the children of immigrants.

 

Case in point: Darlington Nagbe (Born in Liberia and grew up in Lakewood, OH) 

3 hours ago, Lazarus said:

 

I played soccer for 8 years.  I never heard the field referred to a "pitch" until well after I had stopped playing, around 2003 or so.  I remember everyone in the newsroom laughing when our resident soccer nerd insisted on calling the field the pitch in his coverage.  

 

It was about 2005 when the European (especially British) parlance became popular in the U.S. Pitch, club, FC, match etc.

13 hours ago, Lazarus said:

 

The "expensive equipment" is a parent with a car and seemingly unlimited free time to drive you around to all of the practices and camps and games.  Also, unlimited money to pay for hotels.  Expensive restaurant food. Tens of thousands of dollars of crisscrossing the USA in your mom's minivan Nissan Rogue to maybe get a college scholarship (although not in men's soccer, thanks to Title IX).  

 

 

The competitor I meant was hockey, which has all those plus gear.

11 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

 

It was about 2005 when the European (especially British) parlance became popular in the U.S. Pitch, club, FC, match etc.

Anyone who says the score is "Nil-Nil" is nothing more than a gol-durn Communist

15 hours ago, Lazarus said:

 

I played soccer for 8 years.  I never heard the field referred to a "pitch" until well after I had stopped playing, around 2003 or so.  I remember everyone in the newsroom laughing when our resident soccer nerd insisted on calling the field the pitch in his coverage.  

11 hours ago, GCrites80s said:

 

It was about 2005 when the European (especially British) parlance became popular in the U.S. Pitch, club, FC, match etc.

I think some of those terms have become more prevalent than others.  My son and I are season ticket holders at ACFC (Football Club) but the merch tent still says "team apparel" and no one would know what you were talking about if you called a team a "side," as I've heard some English-speaking Europeans do.  And his local rec league team plays games on a field, not matches on a pitch.

 

Meanwhile, I think club has been around for decades in the U.S., at least at the youth level.  Club was "what you played the other 3 seasons when the OHSAA season wasn't in session" if you were going to play year-round.

8 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

I think some of those terms have become more prevalent than others.  My son and I are season ticket holders at ACFC (Football Club) but the merch tent still says "team apparel" and no one would know what you were talking about if you called a team a "side," as I've heard some English-speaking Europeans do.  And his local rec league team plays games on a field, not matches on a pitch.

 

Meanwhile, I think club has been around for decades in the U.S., at least at the youth level.  Club was "what you played the other 3 seasons when the OHSAA season wasn't in session" if you were going to play year-round.

 

As long as we don't develop "firms".   :)

 

I once rebutted someone crying about violent shows and video games by pointing out that fan violence is much more common at soccer games than football.

1 hour ago, bjk said:

Anyone who says the score is "Nil-Nil" is nothing more than a gol-durn Communist

 

The late Robert Geiser used to call soccer "that communist sport" when he was athletic director at Maple Heights.   I doubt that attitude continued when he was at Willoughby South.   

 

On that note, I know it won't happen but the USA winning the Cup would be a diss on a level of 1980 Olympic hockey, except on the whole world not just one empire.