Hailed as the World's Game, Soccer has a profound impact on almost every nation, except for America.
To those of you reading this, you might be thinking, "what is he talking about, soccer is huge in America, we have the MLS, and a promising national team." While you are right, the level of devotion and skill level in relation to those platforms is severely lacking when compared to their European counterparts.
Let me explain why soccer will never fully break through.
1. America craves instant action.
With the major sports in America, like football, basketball, and baseball having quick plays and high-scoring affairs, soccer can have some duds. 0-0 or 1-0 is a very common scoreline in the modern game, which can turn off viewers wanting a climatic showdown. Even baseball is losing viewership, with many complaining that the games are too slow and not enough action happens. Americans want hard hits, and slam dunks; they do not care for the intricacies that go into the build up of a goal.
2. Americans simply do not understand the game.
America, since its inception, wanted to be different, and the same goes for its sports. Americans have now fully immersed themselves in the big three (football, basketball and baseball), and they hate when soccer is tried to be forced down their throats. Americans question the different formations and positions, they ask about the size of the field and offsides (for some reason, Americans just don't get this rule). Since the common populous does not understand, and they don't wish to understand, they simply do not watch or become interested in the sport, only leaving the niche of die-hard fans to remain ostracized.
3. Americans lack the dedication and passion that Europeans have.
Now don't get me wrong here, there are plenty of soccer fans around the nation that will give all for their team, either domestically or abroad, but in most cases, fans of the sport are fair-weather. If the team is succeeding, that person will show pride in their team's success and share their achievements on social media. If they are on a losing streak, or have run afoul with their fans, people will simply cease to support them, and either find another team, or just refuse to watch. In Europe, you are born supporting a team, and betraying your loyalties to that club is met with cruel hostility (figuratively, of course). Where do we find that in America?
Unfortunately, this is the truth that American soccer fans must accept; soccer will always be the least viewed major professional sport (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS), and the passion for the game will not attract as many people as you'd like. A glimmer of hope is the World Cup. Remember when America made it to the Round of 16 in the 2014 World Cup? I had never seen this country more united than when we faced Belgium in that heartbreaking loss. Think back to the aftermath, did the people tuning into that game continue to follow soccer, whether that be the MLS or abroad?
No, they went back to following the sports that they already know they love.
Take a chance, give soccer a try, and find out why it is called, "The Beautiful Game."
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