In almost other collective sports, the States are good at. But in soccer, they are not. Why? IS there some understandable reason?
2006-06-16 06:16:47 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Football (American)
For generations they are hook to the football, where it was shown prime time on TVs..where as the very interesting soccer matches from European leagues, especially the English league were shown live from 7am to 11am time zone, when they are still in bed or busy with their marketing chores! and all because of the geographical location of the USA..There might be some other reasons, but mine`s must be one of the reasons. I hope so!
2006-06-16 07:02:31 · answer #1 · answered by sami 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The reason soccer is not as developed is because the majority of our best athletes play football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. I'm sure many great athletes in those sports, as well as track and field, wrestling, or many other sports would make good or great soccer players.
Soccer seems to be as big of a sport for kids 13 and under as any sport, but it doesnt translate well to the professional level because there is much more money to be made in the US in the 4 major sports compared to soccer. The MLS, which is the US's highest soccer league, but there is a very tight salary cap because the teams can not afford a Beckham or Ronaldhino. Also, the talent level of the top teams isn't that great.
I live in Michigan and about 5 years ago, there was a minor league soccer team close to where I lived (they played in Midland, MI). I believe they were 3 levels below the MLS. 5 years ago, this minor league team played and beat an MLS team. It doesn't really say much for the supposed highest level of soccer if they cant beat a bottom level soccer team.
2006-06-16 16:18:44 · answer #2 · answered by Mike Oxmahl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't until 1996, yes 1996 that we got a soccer pro league (MLS) in the US. The league is developing players so they can play in the National team. MLS is doing better now than ever, and it will continue to develope great players that will end up playing in European league.
At this time, we can wait and hope for MLS to continue to bring some good players to the point where we can actually have a team to challenge for the World Cup.
Side note: The US team was placed in a tough group in the World Cup. Most of the people has the US finishing 3rd out of the 4 teams.
2006-06-16 16:05:32 · answer #3 · answered by hardcoco 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Although politically older than many countries, the USA is not culturally older. Soccer has been popular in other world cultures for a long time. The USA also has many other sports which are domestically more popular. It's hard to make soccer so popular in a country that has other things to cheer. But, it's only a matter of time before it's popularity matches that of basketball or baseball or football.
2006-06-16 13:25:56 · answer #4 · answered by buxinator 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering the U.S.A. advanced to the quarterfinals in the World Cup four years ago, I think they're doing just fine. As I write this, they're coming off a 1-1 draw against Italy in one of the most horribly-officiated games in World Cup history. They aren't playing well right now, but the Americans seem to have a bright future in the sport.
But American fans likely won't embrace them for a few more generations.
2006-06-20 11:22:13 · answer #5 · answered by Screamin_Al 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The other sports in the states are invented here or close to here and are spread well. Soccer is an international sport, and was invented long before America was founded. We stick to our own sports. However, we are not BAD at soccer.
2006-06-16 13:22:19 · answer #6 · answered by bay 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The real reason is:
If Americans concentrated on soccer or Football we would dominate it. The rest of the world already has a strong distaste for our country so we dint bother. We had a meeting and decided to let the rest of the world enjoy kicking a ball around.
2006-06-16 15:24:11 · answer #7 · answered by Dennis B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it is because in the USA it is treated as a kids game. We sign our kids up for soccer mostly to get them involved in something where their lack of skill (and the lower levels) is not as obvious in other sports.
Many parents who sign their kids up for the other major sports (baseball, football, basketball and hockey) do it with the hopes of at least a college scholarship and maybe prospects of being pro. Some parents do this also to re-live their potential through their kids.
Just my theory.
2006-06-16 13:38:24 · answer #8 · answered by mn_gameboy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not a celebrated sport in America. It's big among school children now. And there have been some adult leagues popping up lately.
2006-06-16 13:31:07 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its because of the other games that Americans focus on like basketball, baseball, American football that we aren't good at soccer
2006-06-16 13:28:47 · answer #10 · answered by rajabellfan1 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋