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I am an American and I have been a fan of "world" football since the 2006 World Cup. While there are a multitude of theories as to why Americans don't like the sport, I honestly think there is one, simple reason:
Exposure
I was born in 1987. Back then, there was no Internet available to the public, no highly-specialized television channels (like Fox Soccer), and the sports that you were exposed to where what you could either watch in your hometown, what was shown on TV and what was broadcasted on the radio. The sports that Americans grow up watching are the sports that they will most likely follow throughout their lives. Association football was almost never broadcasted, especially the foreign leagues. Since there were no outlets to watch it, it didn't become ingrained in our culture.
As technology advanced, so has the sport's exposure. MLS now has a contract with NBC, you can watch European and Aussie matches on Fox Soccer, ESPN shows Premier League and MLS matches, and you can even watch games online. All these outlets are why the sport's popularity and fanbase are increasing.
EDIT: To put it perspective, there's a British Pub here in Vegas called Crown and Anchor. They show all the matches and even Rugby and Cricket at times. Every time I would go for a big Premier League or UEFA match it would be packed, but I noticed that the demographic of the people tended to be much younger than at other sports bars. I think that shows how the younger generation, as a result to greater exposure to the sport, are becoming bigger fans of the sport.
Last edited by Gatsby1925; 03-13-2012 at 02:31 PM..
Reason: Want to add something
San Jose Earthquakes season ticket holder, Traveled to Portland, Seattle, LA and Salt Lake for away games. And trust me we get crazy during these games. (I'm American)
San Jose Earthquakes season ticket holder, Traveled to Portland, Seattle, LA and Salt Lake for away games. And trust me we get crazy during these games. (I'm American)
Because it sounds as if you're denigrating MLS. Granted, it's not on par with the better European domestic leagues, but I can't fault an American for supporting their domestic league and want to see it grow in prominence.
What do you think the thread title meant as World Football ? It said World Football which relates to Football and not American Football which Americans just call Football.
So in regards to the thread title, MLS is World Football.
What do you think the thread title meant as World Football ? It said World Football which relates to Football and not American Football which Americans just call Football.
So in regards to the thread title, MLS is World Football.
.... or you could just call it soccer?
(I mean, it's a dead horse, but c'mon).
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Don't think the OP was going after that..it's more of a general curiosity rather than who is wrong or right.