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Soccer still in its infancy for Americans
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Soy West Side y que | 10:02 p.m. Oct. 25, 2009
Spend a few moments outside of Alpine or Draper, Amy.
Lots of adults in my neighborhood play soccer. Of course, these adults hate the USMNT and MLS. They are fans of El Tri and the Chivas.
But their kids won't be able to play for Chivas and maybe not the Mexican national team.
Lots of adults in my neighborhood play soccer. Of course, these adults hate the USMNT and MLS. They are fans of El Tri and the Chivas.
But their kids won't be able to play for Chivas and maybe not the Mexican national team.
blah blah blah | 10:10 p.m. Oct. 25, 2009
...i got bored with your article. I've heard others with your same opinion.
I don't care. The sport is growing, it's been growing, it will
continue to grow. We don't care if everyday Americans jump on the band
wagon, we've proven that we can survive, and thrive without them.
Good work RSL, I just hope you bring that same fire against Columbus, prove to us that you deserve to be in the playoffs.
Good work RSL, I just hope you bring that same fire against Columbus, prove to us that you deserve to be in the playoffs.
Comments continue below
Amy your extrememly confused | 10:29 p.m. Oct. 25, 2009
It's simple, really. The unites states best soccer league is the mls.
It's not exactly the epl or spl. To think that this league is going to
eventually pass the NFL or NBA in popularity is insane. People recognize that
the players here would be the subs that never come off the bench in Europe. Do
me a favor and google the attendancdance Of the world soccer challenge over
the summer in the united states. They averaged about 65 thousand a game. When
the talent comes here the fans will come out. Until then it's aslow steady
growth in popularity as people begin to understand the game better.
Re blah blah blah | 10:34 p.m. Oct. 25, 2009
I couldn't agree with you more.
Anonymous | 11:16 p.m. Oct. 25, 2009
You should have written this article about 15 years ago. Seattle sounders fc
average 35k plus a game. And that's an mls team. The sport has grown
phenominally! 50 years ago I had not even heard of soccer, now I'm a
regular at Real Salt Lake games.
todd from santa ana | 12:41 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Last night he $5 online package and watcing what seemed like a relegation battle
on final day of EPL or teams going for title, was an incredible night of highs
and lows (brief) when following MLS and REAL game silumtaneously on TV.
It was exciting as heck. The DC-kc dallas-Seattle were great contests. I am proud that Kreis got this team ready for a big win, a good crowd but should have been SRO, it was worthy of that.
It does not matter now the reg season. A coach job at start of season is to make the final 8. Bottom line. It was done.
Columbus is not the Columbus 2008. Not close. They are beatable. If we believe we can do it, we will. We can win the title, which would kill all the soccer haters. I will be glued Saturday about 3 my time to Rio Tinto on FSC
It was exciting as heck. The DC-kc dallas-Seattle were great contests. I am proud that Kreis got this team ready for a big win, a good crowd but should have been SRO, it was worthy of that.
It does not matter now the reg season. A coach job at start of season is to make the final 8. Bottom line. It was done.
Columbus is not the Columbus 2008. Not close. They are beatable. If we believe we can do it, we will. We can win the title, which would kill all the soccer haters. I will be glued Saturday about 3 my time to Rio Tinto on FSC
Dave | 8:15 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
It money. The best athletes here go for basketball, football or baseball, that
is where the big bucks are. For the rest of the World it is futbol. That makes
it very hard for us to compete.
Change the diapers! | 8:58 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Infancy is a great term for it. WHAAAAA!! Fake injuries to run out the clock.
WHAAAA!! It's not sportsman like to have a winner and a loser, so
we'll end EVERY FREAKING GAME with a tie. WHAAA!! If you don't like
soccer, you're ignorant, or you have no culture.
CRY,CRY,CRY!!! Just like babies. You know why soccer fans riot? Because they should.
If football was as nancy as soccer, I'd wanna tip over cars and burn the town down, too.
CRY,CRY,CRY!!! Just like babies. You know why soccer fans riot? Because they should.
If football was as nancy as soccer, I'd wanna tip over cars and burn the town down, too.
RE: change the diapers | 9:04 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
yeah you tough football guys work for a whole 6 seconds then need a break
already. Not to mention the oxygen, ivs, massages, and other nonmentionables
that happen on the sidelines.
Born in a Soccer Land | 9:13 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
To the many absurd comments you are making in this article, about the referee
and the clock, about fans killing goalkeepers, I think you google certain
individual circunstances. Yes, the game is in its beginning in America, but you
know, American football (handball) is not the most popular game in the world,
especially hard to be there for the many stops and lack of continuity.
I do not share your comment about soccer is in its infancy, what happen is that many of the Sports journalists are not ready and know very little about the game, its rules, and teams. In fact, like in many other subjects, JOURNALISTS ARE IN SOCCER INFANCY!
GO REAL, ALL THE WAY NOW!
I do not share your comment about soccer is in its infancy, what happen is that many of the Sports journalists are not ready and know very little about the game, its rules, and teams. In fact, like in many other subjects, JOURNALISTS ARE IN SOCCER INFANCY!
GO REAL, ALL THE WAY NOW!
Anonymous | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
To: Soy west side
If you listened to X96 on Monday mornings, you would probably understand that Amy lives outside of Draper/Alpine. Please don't assume that people who live in a certain neighborhood or area or are a certain nationality are or aren't then only ones who participate in an activity. I live near downtown and have adult pick-up games regularly with people from everywhere and anywhere.
If you listened to X96 on Monday mornings, you would probably understand that Amy lives outside of Draper/Alpine. Please don't assume that people who live in a certain neighborhood or area or are a certain nationality are or aren't then only ones who participate in an activity. I live near downtown and have adult pick-up games regularly with people from everywhere and anywhere.
Ivan | 9:51 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Soccer and MSL is slowly but surely growing in popularity. There is a whole new
generation of Americans who grew up playing the game, and add to that the
demographic changes.
I can see soccer surpassing NBA and NHL in popularity within the next 20 years or so. Heck, MLS has a higher average attendance than both those sports.
I can see soccer surpassing NBA and NHL in popularity within the next 20 years or so. Heck, MLS has a higher average attendance than both those sports.
Anonymous | 10:20 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Soccer rocks! I grew up playing it, my kids are growing up playing it. We were
offered tickets to the BYU/TCU game and tickets to the RSL/Waterboys game. As
an avid BYU fan and graduate there was no choice to really be made. I loved
watching the Waterboys get their tail smacked by RSL. Give me soccer over any
of the American sports any day! Go RSL, BEAT THE CREW!
Anonymous | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I have always played and watched soccer. Mostly followed the national team in
the past. As the MLS gets better and gets better players, I am enjoying the
MLS.
The flow of the game is so much better than football, basketball, or baseball. Ties can be frustrating but taken in context it is a great part of the game. 1 point for a tie, 3 for a win, and 0 for a loss.
My son is thinking of quitting baseball to play soccer more - can't wait. No more watching kids pick dandylions for 2 hours.
The flow of the game is so much better than football, basketball, or baseball. Ties can be frustrating but taken in context it is a great part of the game. 1 point for a tie, 3 for a win, and 0 for a loss.
My son is thinking of quitting baseball to play soccer more - can't wait. No more watching kids pick dandylions for 2 hours.
Hey West Side | 11:08 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Amy plays soccer and knows who Cruz Azul is.
38 | 11:24 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I am almost 40 yrs old and grew up in the time when soccer was played by
little kids and then you eventually grew out of it. I was the same. I played for
a season or two, but no one followed soccer, it was all about BYU football and
BYU/Jazz basketball.
A stint over in Germany changed all that. The WC was played in Italy that year and Germany won the cup. Just to be around that atmosphere and celebration made me realize that soccer was for real. At first soccer broadcasts were pretty hard to find and MLS teams were almost painfull to watch because they played on american football fields and had zero crowd support. I wanted packed stadiums with singing, chanting, standing or jumping fans.
In that regard MLS has come a long way. It isn't perfect yet, but I like how there are no super teams in MLS, they all have a chance to win it all. Now it is no problem finding a game to watch. I agree with previous posters though, until the money is there it will not fully take off.
A stint over in Germany changed all that. The WC was played in Italy that year and Germany won the cup. Just to be around that atmosphere and celebration made me realize that soccer was for real. At first soccer broadcasts were pretty hard to find and MLS teams were almost painfull to watch because they played on american football fields and had zero crowd support. I wanted packed stadiums with singing, chanting, standing or jumping fans.
In that regard MLS has come a long way. It isn't perfect yet, but I like how there are no super teams in MLS, they all have a chance to win it all. Now it is no problem finding a game to watch. I agree with previous posters though, until the money is there it will not fully take off.
Juice Box Guy | 11:24 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Soccer was in its infancy in the USA back in the 80's when the USA didnt
qualify for the World Cup, the World Cup could only be seen in Spanish TV
channels and the NASL folded and we didnt yet have the MLS. I would say now
Soccer in America is more like a tempamental teenager......
Old Course | 11:28 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
BYU Women's soccer is the best sports show in the state. Better than the
World Series and Super Bowl combined. And that's a fact.
STEVE-O | 11:59 a.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Amy I couldn't disagree more with your opening statement. RSL's
record wasn't great, but they earned every point to get into the playoffs
with hard work.
How about the NBA's Eastern Conference, who regularly sends teams with under .500 records to the playoffs.
Or
The NFL's Arizona Cardinals that finished the season 8-8, yet almost won the Super Bowl!!!
RSL making the playoffs is great. The season starts over for them now. They earned a spot, and now the records are wiped out. Nobody "gave" them anything!
How about the NBA's Eastern Conference, who regularly sends teams with under .500 records to the playoffs.
Or
The NFL's Arizona Cardinals that finished the season 8-8, yet almost won the Super Bowl!!!
RSL making the playoffs is great. The season starts over for them now. They earned a spot, and now the records are wiped out. Nobody "gave" them anything!
re: old course | 12:06 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
hahahahahhahahahahaha
Bill D. | 12:15 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Soccer has been growing in the USA since about 1975. It is the game of the
children and immigrant communities. It is now the fastest growing professional
sport in North America. We have what we needed - stadiums and the rest is
falling into place. This article wasn't too savvy. Its pretty easy to
understand why some 16/18 y/os leave the game - the league is growing and ESPN
and alot of people in popular culture have VERY old ways of thinking. Soccer in
not just THE World's Game, it IS America's Game!
I don't buy it. | 12:40 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I have been hearing for years that soccer is the "fastest growing
sport" and the "next big thing." And to argue the point, everyone
always points to the large numbers of kids playing the sport. Well, that's
easy to explain: kids are easily entertained (just look at Spongebob.) When they
grow up they demand a more exciting sport, like that provided by the Big 4 (NFL,
NBA, MLB, and NASCAR.) Soccer will always remain on the fringe because it
appeals to a small segment of hardcore fans. This isn't meant as a slam,
it's just the way things are.
Re: I don't buy it. | 12:40 p.m. | 1:01 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
'a more exciting sport' describing MLB is an oxymoron. You might not
think soccer is exciting because you don't understand the game but please
don't tell me major league baseball (or baseball at any level) is exciting.
Uh huh ... baseball ... it's pretty heart pounding stuff ... very fast
paced stuff. hahahahahahahaha
re: Old Course | 11:28 a.m. | 1:05 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I might be inclined to agree with you if BYU had a decent head coach. The team
wins 'in spite of' not 'because of' their head coach.
Unlike other sports, BYU has access to some of the very best womens soccer
talent in the nation but finds ways to misuse or drive away that talent every
year.
RSL Ulty fan | 1:06 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I was once a huge baseball player until my friends got me playing soccer in
middle school. Thereafter, I quit baseball and played soccer because it is a
much more physcially challenging game and more fun to watch in my opinion. I
don't see soccer surpassing NBA or NFL, but I do forsee it surpassing other
leagues. The U.S. has talent in soccer, but they don't know how to develop
the young talent into professional stars. Until we improve the quality (not
quantity of games) of games played at the youth level, which is a result of
better development, our world level will increase significantly.
It was awesome to see that large of a crowd at the game considering BYU and Utah had games that day. Soccer isn't for everyone, but those that understand the game know how great it is to watch and play. Go RSL, it took a lot of luck, but I don't care. Take it to Columbus.
It was awesome to see that large of a crowd at the game considering BYU and Utah had games that day. Soccer isn't for everyone, but those that understand the game know how great it is to watch and play. Go RSL, it took a lot of luck, but I don't care. Take it to Columbus.
re: i dont buy it | 1:16 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
NASCAR??? are you serious? just because they can get a couple hundred thousand
rednecks out to watch a bunch of guys take nothing but left turns?
Soccer is a sport? | 1:22 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I am just kidding. Go RSL!
The most popular students in the school I teach at are the soccer kids so I can see a little change in the attitude of our school. (Of course our football team is garbage this year)
The most popular students in the school I teach at are the soccer kids so I can see a little change in the attitude of our school. (Of course our football team is garbage this year)
Emotional connection to a team | 1:57 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
To be a fan of any sports team, you need to feel an emotional connection to a
team. I attended BYU and went to the BYU football games as a student, so I
eventually became a BYU fan.
This summer I made an emotional connection with the US National soccer team, so now I'm a fan of the US soccer team. But, I've played soccer for more than 2 decades - I did not become a fan until I felt emotionally invested in the US soccer team.
For most fans, it's not about which sport you find more entertaining, but to which team you're connected.
This summer I made an emotional connection with the US National soccer team, so now I'm a fan of the US soccer team. But, I've played soccer for more than 2 decades - I did not become a fan until I felt emotionally invested in the US soccer team.
For most fans, it's not about which sport you find more entertaining, but to which team you're connected.
re: I don't buy it. | 2:57 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
> I have been hearing for years that soccer is the "fastest growing
sport" and the "next big thing." And to argue the point, everyone
always points to the large numbers of kids playing the sport. Well, that's
easy to explain: kids are easily entertained (just look at Spongebob.) When they
grow up they demand a more exciting sport, like that provided by the Big 4 (NFL,
NBA, MLB, and NASCAR.) Soccer will always remain on the fringe because it
appeals to a small segment of hardcore fans. This isn't meant as a slam,
it's just the way things are.
-------------------
It's not true anymore that kids give up soccer as they get older. Soccer participation in High School Varsity level has risen 50% in the years that MLS has existed (an extra 100,000 high school boys playing). At current growth rates, soccer will pass baseball at the high school level.
-------------------
It's not true anymore that kids give up soccer as they get older. Soccer participation in High School Varsity level has risen 50% in the years that MLS has existed (an extra 100,000 high school boys playing). At current growth rates, soccer will pass baseball at the high school level.
RINGO DELGADO | 3:26 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
THE FACE OF USA IS DIFFERENT NOW: PEAPLO EMIGRATE FROM INGLAND AND GERMANY AN
PUT THEIR BEST SPORT ASIDE, THE REAL FOOTBALL WITH ROUND BALL AND NOT A HAND
BALL[THESE IS FOR REAL... SOCCER THE WAY YUO CALL IT IS HERE TO STAY,SO GET USED
TO... I LOVE NBA SPECIALTY OUR TEAM [JAZZ] BUT WE NEED A CHAMP SO.. GO RSL AN
GIVES A SURPRISE>>
Mike | 3:59 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
"The success of men's leagues shouldn't diminish what women are
accomplishing."
WHAT?! What does that have to do with anything?
Does Amy think that Real Salt Lake is Women's soccer?
WHAT?! What does that have to do with anything?
Does Amy think that Real Salt Lake is Women's soccer?
Re: Mike | 6:13 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
I agree its like amy somehow thinks that everyone else is thinking about womens
sports as much as she is.. AMY WAKE UP!
Also listening to her on the radio this morning.. SHE CAN'T EVEN PRONOUNCE REAL SALT LAKE CORRECTLY! ReAl is spanish not enlgish.....
Sorry but this article really angered me, not because soccer is not a huge sport in america but because it was so poorly written...
I still dont understand how she brought gender into the topic!?
Also listening to her on the radio this morning.. SHE CAN'T EVEN PRONOUNCE REAL SALT LAKE CORRECTLY! ReAl is spanish not enlgish.....
Sorry but this article really angered me, not because soccer is not a huge sport in america but because it was so poorly written...
I still dont understand how she brought gender into the topic!?
Howard S. | 9:03 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
The best young athletes graduate from youth soccer to play football, baseball,
and basketball.
Soccer is just not a cool sport.
Soccer is just not a cool sport.
Rob | 9:38 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Howy, that's 3rd grade smack talk.. Even you can do better than that!
My senior year in highschool i tried out for football because my friends told me to do it just to see if i could make it. Me and 2 other soccer players made the team! The other two opted not to play but i decided it would be fun so i gave it a shot and by the end of the season(due to some injuries, but still)started!
Playing gave me a better respect for the game, and i still play(intramural) football(as well as soccer) today.
The same could not happen to football players trying out for soccer.
My senior year in highschool i tried out for football because my friends told me to do it just to see if i could make it. Me and 2 other soccer players made the team! The other two opted not to play but i decided it would be fun so i gave it a shot and by the end of the season(due to some injuries, but still)started!
Playing gave me a better respect for the game, and i still play(intramural) football(as well as soccer) today.
The same could not happen to football players trying out for soccer.
georg | 10:08 p.m. Oct. 26, 2009
Howard are you afraid that if soccer is cool, you won't be???
That's sure. . . | 6:52 a.m. Oct. 27, 2009
. . . what it sounds like.
Connie | 9:10 a.m. Oct. 27, 2009
MLS and soccer is already a top 4 sport in the US based on attendance. MLS is a
healthy league, w/ core following in Seattle, DC, Toronto, Houston, Salt Lake,
LA.
ESPN is showing English and Spanish leagues, as well as MLS games. Wait until the World Cup madness hits next summer. I hope both US and Mexico do well.
MLS will surpass in popularity NBA in a decade or so. MLB is next!!!
ESPN is showing English and Spanish leagues, as well as MLS games. Wait until the World Cup madness hits next summer. I hope both US and Mexico do well.
MLS will surpass in popularity NBA in a decade or so. MLB is next!!!
Chadders | 3:47 p.m. Oct. 27, 2009
Can some of us give it a rest with the pronunciation guides? If we want to say
our name in Spanish it would be ReAl (rolling the r) de lAgo salAdo. I have yet
to hear someone call it that so saying it real instead of reAl is perfectly
fine. Besides technically our name should be Royal Salt Lake in English.
Someone already said this but they are right, soccer is in its teens. It is still exploring and trying to find itself.
Final thought can anyone please explain to me how/why one of RSL's nicknames is the Lakers? It's bad enough we are named after I team I hate more than anyone else (Real Madrid) but to share a nickname with the Fakers? Gross!
RSL has a great opportunity, they really can play the no one believed in us thing if we can move on past Colombus. I am going to be cheering my brains out on Haloween for them. I can't wait!
Someone already said this but they are right, soccer is in its teens. It is still exploring and trying to find itself.
Final thought can anyone please explain to me how/why one of RSL's nicknames is the Lakers? It's bad enough we are named after I team I hate more than anyone else (Real Madrid) but to share a nickname with the Fakers? Gross!
RSL has a great opportunity, they really can play the no one believed in us thing if we can move on past Colombus. I am going to be cheering my brains out on Haloween for them. I can't wait!
Never heard that | 8:20 p.m. Oct. 27, 2009
I've never heard us called the lakers...
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