This is a discussion carried over from another thread ( 14 Days and Counting ) so that particular thread doesn't stray too far off topic.

The basis of the conversation is...

" Why is it that America just doesn't get behind Soccer?? "

My basic premise is that there just aren't enough of the " HOLY CRAP!!! DID YOU SEE THAT??? " moments during a 90 minute soccer game.

Soccer is still somewhat new to the US, and has to compete with many popular sports. In most the countries where Soccer is huge, they do not have three or four other sports with very high followings.

All the kids play soccer in the US and still nothing. I absolutely love soccer.

The issue is lack of scoring, and it's not a problem specific to soccer. When baseball went to the juiced ball and home runs increased, attendance rose proportionally as well.

A little more violence would help as well, preferably on the field and not in the stands.

I like soccer and actually enjoy watching the games.

I concur

To be clear.

I do enjoy watching soccer at times.

I do see the beauty in the game. But watching a nil - nil game for 90 minutes can get tedious at times...lol

Hockey is very similar to Soccer, but has more fights between players.

I am not certain that the fights are the only reason Hockey is more popular. I think being on ice adds an element of uniqueness to the game.

I cant even name one soccer player

If you want to see an emotional game that will be entertaining, the US plays Mexico next week on ESPN (one of the ESPN channels). They hate each other and it's a good brand of ball. Adding intrigue is that it's a World Cup group qualifier. I think it's Wednesday night - maybe Tuesday.

i like soccer especially when the World cup comes around...

USA vs Mexico

7:00 PM; Wednesday night - 2/11; ESPN2

If you are ever going to watch, this should be the game. It's a live broadcast from Columbus, Ohio.

Good point, i never thought of that one. Although we do have some other very popular sports(we invented most of them!). (im a Brit)

Some football games can be boring. Im hardly a huge fan though, some people are just fanatical about the game and will watch any and every game they can. Though i am sure that even they will admit some games are dull.

The fact there aren't many goals proves how difficult it is to get one. It isnt through lack of skill, the players are superb athletes and are mega talented, of course. The skill involved just to pass a ball around the pitch the way they do is tremendous and if you can appreciate this you can enjoy watching without seeing goals.

Its a very artistic game because of the agility required to play it. I dont think American sports have this quite so much. Though maybe basketball might show similar elements, thinking about it.

That will be a good game!

Fights may entertain, but really it is a stupid element to a sport, unless it is a fighting sport.

It isnt unknown for fights to break out in soccer. Here is one between two of the biggest clubs in England(and the world).

Isn't it more likely for fights between the fans?

I like it myself. I think it's pretty amazing to watch the players use every part of their bodies to make or block a score all without the use of their hands.

I sometimes practice with my daughter while she plays for the Youth League, and it is hard as hell to refrain from using my hands. I don't know how they do it!

And even though the kids are young, I've seen some of the games get pretty rough just with the kicking alone, not to mention watching a kid trying to block the ball with their head and they end up with a broken nose.

I'm sure the injuries are much worse in the adult games.

American football is basically based on English Rugby League. Whereas American football consists of quarters, Rugby League is in two halfs consisting of 40 minutes each half.
Rugby was also discovered in the town of Rugby in England!

Soccer is also of two halfs. 45 minutes each way. 90 minutes in total, plus time added on for stoppages.


American football is also a lot more commercialised compared to the English games.

As an Englishman, I obviously love the game of soccer.
Although I live in Germany, I watch soccer regurlarly.
Many of my German friends say that they believe that English club soccer is the best league in the world. As in the rest of Europe, the game is played at a slower pace and many of the players could be nominated for an Oscar at times. The same can be said for some South American players.

English club soccer is a lot faster and much more physical. If proof is needed of this, you just need to watch and see the differences.
For example. The Champions league Final of last season. Manchester United v Chelsea.

Rugby is more fun to watch than American football.

Ya know. Now that I think about it...

I have watched games from different leagues, and I think that you are very accurate in that assessment. English premier League games really do seem to me more fast paced than most of the other leagues.

That still doesn't translate to more scoring, though. Which is what I think America finds lacking in Soccer.

Rugby and US football are games played by men with funny shaped balls.