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Sound Off: Is Football (Finally) on the Rise in America?

05:03 PM - June 23, 2014 by RaychelSnr

The World Cup is setting ratings records left and right, the US Men's National Team seems poised to possibly move onto the elimination round of the World Cup, and football (soccer) is on the minds of more people in America today than ever before.

Of course, this isn't the first time Americans have been excited about football. In fact, it's not even the first time we've heard that the sport is on the rise here. But perhaps, just maybe, the grand old sport of football is finally catching a break here in America.

The English Premiere league is on NBC, the MLS is drawing once thought impossible crowds, and more people are watching.

Sound off: Is this it? Is football finally on the rise in America? Will there be any maintenance at all of the momentum the sport has generated with a (thus far) fabulous World Cup?

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Member Comments

# 21 bxphenom7 @ 06/24/14 01:22 AM

I hated soccer. Thought it was a ridiculously boring sport since teams would hardly score for 90 minutes, goals mostly looked like luck, and the thought of ending games with a tie seemed ridiculous. Soon, soccer became enjoyable to play, but really I find any sport worth playing.

Then, I recently tried the FIFA 14 demo on PS4 and it has become something I have to play everyday...a demo! I never got around to buying FIFA 14 and definitely won't, but for the first time, I'm following details on FIFA 15. Also, I am watching soccer full games through for the first time. While it still bothers me that matches can end in ties, I actually have grown to appreciate watching the skill of some players. So, you could say FIFA got me into actual soccer (even though I used to play Backyard Soccer when I was a kid, then again I played all Backyard Sports games).

I definitely feel a growing interest in soccer, much more interest in the video games though. My interest is not even close to where it is for baseball and basketball though, two sports I go as crazy for as those fans who cheer for goals. And I like football (which I feel should be called soccer or American rugby). But soccer may be the fourth sport I take seriously.

What I don't get, however, is how developers are able to come up with the OVR for players in soccer games. Aside from the stars that are clearly better, I feel everyone else is a blur, like I don't understand how you can rate players who spend 80-90% of their time just running and passing the ball? This also applies to goalies somewhat since there are shots and situations no goalie can stop. Help out a new soccer fan please lol

# 22 eyeamg0dly @ 06/24/14 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bxphenom7


	What I don't get, however, is how developers are able to come up with the OVR for players in soccer games. Aside from the stars that are clearly better, I feel everyone else is a blur, like I don't understand how you can rate players who spend 80-90% of their time just running and passing the ball? This also applies to goalies somewhat since there are shots and situations no goalie can stop. Help out a new soccer fan please lol

Thats like saying how can football games rate offensive and defensive linemen since all they do block and fill gaps.

Midfielders in soccer have different roles. Some link the offense and feed the forwards, others patrol the midfield to cause turnovers. The midfielder's role changes depending on formation and overall strategy.

I think it is good that you are giving soccer a chance and watching the sport. Try to keep watching after the world cup and try to find a team that plays in a style that you like.

# 23 fugazi @ 06/24/14 01:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malky


	The fact that there are not many comments on this topic sort of shows soccer still has a long long way to go lol

You made that judgment after 14 minutes? What do you think this is, facebook?

Quote:

Originally Posted by malky


	As far as popular in the USA , I've been saying it for years , the mls has to get rid of the ties and make the rules benefit more scoring and you actually might have a shot to move up to 3 or 4 in the top major sports Other than that , most people are right now are just supporting the nation as a whole, nothing more to read into it

Don't worry, MLS doesn't need to and will not change the rules. The MLS and "American soccer culture" are doing just fine by treating the game as they should...

the idea that, in the US, soccer should be played in a completely different fashion with different rules is really so sophomoric and ridiculous it barely merits comment at all.

"supporting the nation as a whole, nothing more to read into it." laughable. really. embarrassing. not to mention as far as possible from correct as can be.

# 24 fugazi @ 06/24/14 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkcil


	The reason our other major team sports (namely the Big 4) are so popular is because the best players from all over the world come to play in this country's leagues. As Americans, we are used to watching the best talent in any given team sport. The globes best players in soccer take their talents across the pond.

That wasn't what the question was about...but that is SURELY the reason why they're so popular...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sparkdawg777


	I could be in the minority though but in my opinion most American athletes like football for the sport. We didn't play out in the yard as kids because the girls were watching, we did it because that's the game we knew and loved.

This is much more sound...seriously. Well-put.

Quote:

Originally Posted by inkcil


	And we will never buy into the Premier League because it holds no geographical significance for us.

WTH is geographical significance?

And I agree, there is NO WAY the EPL (or soccer in general) will ever have a following here...especially since no one from other countries that play soccer often live here....ever...and will never move here....

# 25 bxphenom7 @ 06/24/14 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eyeamg0dly


	Thats like saying how can football games rate offensive and defensive linemen since all they do block and fill gaps. Midfielders in soccer have different roles. Some link the offense and feed the forwards, others patrol the midfield to cause turnovers. The midfielder's role changes depending on formation and overall strategy. I think it is good that you are giving soccer a chance and watching the sport. Try to keep watching after the world cup and try to find a team that plays in a style that you like.

Definitely will, and the comparison to rating linemen in football is a good one, though I find that more understandable and tangible than soccer players. However, I see what you're getting at, I guess my issue was more with defenders. Nonetheless, makes much more sense than it did before. I would really have to watch teams at the club level play through a season in order to better differentiate player talent and skill rather than just expect to know everything from thoroughly watching the World Cup for the first time.

# 26 jdlsantos @ 06/24/14 03:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bxphenom7


	Definitely will, and the comparison to rating linemen in football is a good one, though I find that more understandable and tangible than soccer players. However, I see what you're getting at, I guess my issue was more with defenders. Nonetheless, makes much more sense than it did before. I would really have to watch teams at the club level play through a season in order to better differentiate player talent and skill rather than just expect to know everything from thoroughly watching the World Cup for the first time.

In terms of different ratings in the NFL games for different positions (CB, SS, WR, TE, OL, etc), soccer games do the same. The FIFA series doesn't do this but I can only assume it's implied but in PES 14 if you put a 90 rated Center Back in the midfield or up top his rating drops into the 50's, conversely if a Striker/Winger put in defense.

Back to the topic at hand the WC like the Olympics gains fair weather fans during their time period and some stay following but most forget about 15 minutes after it ends. I did that for the '94 and '02 Cups, but after the '06 WC I told myself I'd like to know who these guys are so I started to follow the EPL and Utd. and have been hooked since.

It felt like listening to the radio your whole life and then someone giving you all the other music out there in the world. It opened my eyes and in my opinion to how flawed the US sports dichotomy is. The constant commercials breaks, the crappy teams being rewarded (top draft picks in NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL,). These things just started to rub me the wrong way. I pretty much stopped following the NFL outside of NY Giants and marquee matchup games. Tank in the Premier League, Serie A or Bundesliga and prepare for your favorite players to leave and to see your team play in the minors.

Uninterrupted flow, relegation/promotion, cups and tourneys up the wazoo. Those were the first things that made me fall in love with the sport. The entire season is the playoffs, you win and you get the domestic glory and the chance to be king of the continent, It made me happy when baseball considered making the NPB Series champions play the MLB World Series champions.

I believe soccer is just on the cusp of exploding in the US. This country is very spoiled and really only likes winners and if the USMNT can make it out of the round of 16 or even the semis even though they wouldn't win it can gain the national momentum and support it deserves and give the nation an optimistic chance to win in '18.

The next thing and it could be a HUGE gamble for soccer in the US is to play the season August thru May like most of the world and go up against the NFL, MLB playoffs, and most of the NBA/NFL season/postseason and maybe some of those who are tired of watching commercials all the time or are looking for something to watch between the next game have a change of heart.

# 27 getemmj @ 06/24/14 08:14 AM

I'm not going to lie, this world cup has me fully hooked on soccer. Hopefully it is something that continues after the WC ends but for right now I'm just going to enjoy the ride. I have watched nearly every match possible between streaming online and watching all day at home when I have the day off. In addition I went out and got FIFA on PS4 this past weekend so I am trying to learn more about the different clubs and players. I hope I stay as excited after the US exits and the WC ends and I am even looking into going to a few local DC United matches. I guess we will see in about 3 months once American football starts to ramp up again how much my mind is on soccer.

# 28 tril @ 06/24/14 11:12 AM

yes and no. most of the interest is from foreign born residents.
Americans watch every four years, then move on. The World Cup is an event, so a brief spike in interest is going to occur. Once its over its back to the big 4 sports.

As far as kids playing soccer, it is a right of passage in America. great for team building and coordination skills. Great to get the kids out the house, great for soccer moms and dads to catch up on town gossip. Other than that most kids will stop playing by the time they reach junior high.

# 29 BigBadTom @ 06/24/14 11:46 AM

Well I think that there always is the possible growth of the sport but there are a few things that will never change: Soccer will never be the most popular sport in the US, Soccer will never be able to pay for players more than the Premier league will and as a result, the most we could ask for is a cult premier league following in the US and a mild MLS following. Also I prefer to have the NFL grow international and spread the sport because American football world super bowl would be the greatest event imaginable.

# 30 elgreazy1 @ 06/24/14 02:57 PM

It is but incrementally.

I think with the explosion in sports cable networks & online streaming in the last few years, soccer has had more of a showing for Americans. Couple that with the insane marketing and advertising campaigns that go with World Cup, Olympics, etc soccer and you find more people picking it up.

But I will say this: it will never be big in the US until pros start making big money in the US. The draw for kids to play football, basketball, baseball, etc is rooted in celebrity and riches from it. Oddly enough, soccer players (internationally) make far more money than NFL, NBA, MLB,+ players, but that payload hasn't reached our shores yet; one could even make the statement soccer players are much better known internationally, as well. Until that happens, our best, young athletes will mostly be pushed towards and groomed towards other sports.

# 31 UK0wnag3 @ 06/24/14 03:52 PM

First question: Why do you Americans hate draws so much? What's wrong with sometimes just saying "It was a closely fought game, fair play" and shaking hands?

Back on point, yes. Every time I go stateside (as I am right now, though flying home today) I notice how much soccer has grown from the year before. As an outsider it really is noticeable. There's been a huge football maturation.

# 32 BigBoi23 @ 06/24/14 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UK0wnag3


	First question: Why do you Americans hate draws so much? What's wrong with sometimes just saying "It was a closely fought game, fair play" and shaking hands? Back on point, yes. Every time I go stateside (as I am right now, though flying home today) I notice how much soccer has grown from the year before. As an outsider it really is noticeable. There's been a huge football maturation.

I've tried to figure that out myself and I'm not really sure. Americans like their results cut-and-dry.

# 33 elgreazy1 @ 06/24/14 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UK0wnag3


	First question: Why do you Americans hate draws so much? What's wrong with sometimes just saying "It was a closely fought game, fair play" and shaking hands?

It's not how the country or this continent was founded: it was win/thrive or lose/die. That sentiment has been engrained in American culture from day one and I don't see it ever changing.

# 34 Suntan Superman @ 06/24/14 04:27 PM

It really comes down to that psych profile of typical American males, Soccer doesn't fill enough criteria to fulfill the inner needs for masculinity, mostly because of previous connotations associated with it, combined with the fact the US doesn't dominate, nor does it appear to be close to dominating, so its hard for them to get behind.

# 35 fugazi @ 06/24/14 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigBadTom


	Also I prefer to have the NFL grow international and spread the sport because American football world super bowl would be the greatest event imaginable.

IN 50 years, American Football has spread virtually nowhere.

I'm not saying there aren't leagues elsewhere...there are...but I don't think it will ever come about.

There are lots of soccer leagues in the world that do not have B/EPL money, and they enjoy MUCH MUCH more than a cult following.

I don't expect it to happen, necessarily, but saying soccer will never be the #1 sport in the US...is presumptuous. But it doesn't need to be the #1 sport.

# 36 Jakeness23 @ 06/24/14 05:48 PM

It may be on the rise, but I never see it passing over the big 3 sports here, unless the NFL folds (which it looks like it may do eventually).

# 37 eyeamg0dly @ 06/24/14 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fugazi


	IN 50 years, American Football has spread virtually nowhere. I'm not saying there aren't leagues elsewhere...there are...but I don't think it will ever come about. There are lots of soccer leagues in the world that do not have B/EPL money, and they enjoy MUCH MUCH more than a cult following. I don't expect it to happen, necessarily, but saying soccer will never be the #1 sport in the US...is presumptuous. But it doesn't need to be the #1 sport.

I think it has the potential to be our #1 sport, but the shift has to start at the middle to high school level when kids start growing physically and start playing other sports.

As far as american sports played internationally, I am a bit more surprised that baseball hasn't gained popularity in Europe.

# 38 eyeamg0dly @ 06/24/14 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakeness23


	It may be on the rise, but I never see it passing over the big 3 sports here, unless the NFL folds (which it looks like it may do eventually).

I don't see that ever happening. Our football is more than just a cult like following, it is part of our culture like soccer is to most of the world. The NFL is designed not to tank because of how it shares its profits among all the teams. the only way the NFL can go on the decline is if America itself stops existing.

# 39 UK0wnag3 @ 06/24/14 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elgreazy1


	It's not how the country or this continent was founded: it was win/thrive or lose/die. That sentiment has been engrained in American culture from day one and I don't see it ever changing.

Hey, I'm from the country that conquered the world. But it's 2014. I can't say I fully believe that's the reason.

# 40 eyeamg0dly @ 06/24/14 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UK0wnag3


	Hey, I'm from the country that conquered the world. But it's 2014. I can't say I fully believe that's the reason.

I think having draws brings the mentality of "hey we don't really need to win if it gets too hard". It is kind of like settling for less without having a realistic or high risk of losing. I think when you lose that "winning" mentality or swag it completely changes the way you play the game.

I don't want to sound bad but sometimes I question the mental toughness of most European athletes. I think you guys work as a team better than we do here in the states but lack that individual mental toughness to fight back after things have gone bad. I am not saying that all Europeans lack this or that only Americans have it, but from just from a general perspective this is what I see.

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