This is not a topic which really interests me that much, but it seems to be a topic some want to debate in the World Cup thread on the football board, so I'm giving a forum for that debate...
When the US is consistently better than everyone else (not going to happen) it can become big here.I've been hearing about this supposed 'explosion' is soccer's popularity for over two decades.
Still waiting to be awestruck by its popularity.
Actually, in 1996 the Los Angeles Galaxy had over 69k in attendance for a game, 13 years prior to Seattle's individual record.Seattle set the attendance record at 67,000 fans.
FIFY.When the US is overrun by soccer loving foreigners, it can become big here.
It's grown, no doubt, but when someone says 'exploding', I picture it challenging the big five (MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NASCAR) - which it's not close to doing.When the US is consistently better than everyone else (not going to happen) it can become big here.
Actually, soccer carries its own concussion danger. The repeated blows to the head while doing headers accumulate just as in American football. The headers actually pose a greater threat to the neck than football. The next time you see teams take the field, look at the players as they file out. There'll generally be one or more jerking his head to the side, trying to remove the crick...The other reason I can see soccer growing in the US is due to the concern with head injuries from football. More parents may pull their kids from football and push them toward soccer.
Add to that the possibility of head to head contact without a helmet.Actually, soccer carries its own concussion danger. The repeated blows to the head while doing headers accumulate just as in American football. The headers actually pose a greater threat to the neck than football. The next time you see teams take the field, look at the players as they file out. There'll generally be one or more jerking his head to the side, trying to remove the crick...