This may be the very opening that could result in soccer--like it or not!--to become much more prominent in the American sports scene. With the increasing influence of the Latino community (just about all of whom are diehard soccer fans), the fact a college soccer program is very cheap to run (no need for expensive protective gear) and the fact today's American football stadiums only need minor changes to have a FIFA-certified soccer field, you'll see within the next 15 years a huge surge in popularity of the sport.
Indeed, why do you think the American sports networks are bidding top dollar for soccer broadcasts. Comcast getting the English Premier League to be broadcast on NBC and NBC Sports Channel wasn't a cheap buy, considering that this is easily the most recognized soccer league in the world.
In 1971, Chuck Hughes, who played for the Detroit Lions died of a heart attack during the game in between plays. In baseball, beanballs have caused severe and permanent injury to several players and the death of Ray Chapman of the Cleveland Indians.