It really is pathetic how some people get all upset and defensive whenever it is mentioned that soccer is gaining popularity in the US. If you ask me, the fact that they find it necessary to come onto a thread that is obviously about soccer for no other reason than to proclaim how stupid soccer is says more about their state of mind than anything else.
I hear you. I must admit over the past year or so, I’ve gotten really into soccer, especially the EPL and the Champions League and Euro 2008. Especially when the games are in High-Def, it really does make a difference.
There is an investment a fan here in the US has to make to learn about all of the teams and the players. But it’s a heck of a soap opera, especially in the off-season when you wonder who is going to transfer where. I’ve totally gotten caught up in it.
The MLS still has a ways to go. I envision the day when the MLS can incorporate into UEFA, so that MLS teams could compete in the Champions League. I think that really is the only way the MLS will take hold with the non-Hispanic crowd here in the US, and allow the MLS to compete with the other big world leagues for top-notch talent, other than people past their prime, like Beckham. Also for the US players, they are much better off playing in Europe than here to develop their talent, and make the US National team better. The MLS is banking too much on Hispanics with the “Super Liga”. But for the big money, they need to look to Europe.