Same here. In 1976, we purchased our first home and drove to NJ to see Pele play a game. Our neighbor's son was in elementary school and played soccer. Apparently, in the mid 70s, there was a major push in the US to introduce the sport, beginning with youth. It has taken 40 years to develop a solid US fan base.
I can understand total apathy toward soccer (like I have) but don’t understand the hate.