Soccer Will Never be a Dominant Sport in America

I'm pretty sure this argument doesn't make any sense. Your first point is that because you haven't paid attention to soccer (specifically the MLS which is a second rate league), the average Joe won't pay attention to soccer in the future. Also, simply because the MLS is a second rate league compared to other European leagues doesn't mean it will always be. Case in point the NFL. Football was played primarily at a collegiate level for approximately 30 years before the NFL started to grow. This was primarily because of Baseball's dominance and there was little room for football to go. However, in the 40s the NFL and football took off. boom roasted. Further, the MLS is not valiantly trying to reach the big time. Financially, many teams are struggling because of a lack of attendance. The league is trying ensure its long term viability before trying to become another major sport, which in the current economic conditions, is probably a good thing. Further, the NASL, that 70s league that featured aged stars like Pele, Beckenbauer, and George Best, fell through because it tried to get too big too quickly.

Point two, soccer falls by the wayside in the name of other sports. For some yes, but for others no. Youth soccer, before it reaches the scholastic level is mass participation. Kids play just to play. When they go and try to play for their high school, if it's available, some of those kids don't make the team. The same is true for basketball, football, and baseball. You fail to acknowledge that there is attrition in those other sports as well.

Also, have you noticed the ratings for the olympics? Not really great. Simply because you're a fan doesn't mean that everyone is as big a fan as you. Further you claim to be a huge track and field fan. I'm going to safely assume that you ran track in high school. Yes I'm right. You know why? Because no one watches track and field unless they participated in the past or has a loved one who participates. Hold on a second, if I'm right, then it should follow that every person who played soccer as a child should be interested in top level soccer. Is this true? See world cup ratings 2010 vs Olympics ratings 2008 and 2010 (though the winter Olympics shouldn't count because no one really watches them). It also helps that ESPN/ABC actually broadcast games live whereas NBC has their highlight shows in Primetime.

Comparing the World Cup to the Olympics is also a largely unfair comparison because Olympic events aren't televised outside of the three weeks that the Olympics occur and don't play in large stadiums during that time the way that soccer is.

Getting back to your longing for more televised track. Track is huge in countries like Jamaica because their best athletes run track and there is not enough money to sustain other sports or keep the athletes that choose those sports domestically. This is also part of the reason why soccer isn't bigger in America. The MLS doesn't have the money to keep top players domestic.

Further, everyone is talking about Donovan's goal. It has entered our national consciousness and probably won't leave any time soon. That one moment, will probably keep some people interested long term, searching for the drama of that moment. But again, the only thing you got right in this piece is that everyone has there preferences. But the fact that you are addressing it means that it is kind of a big deal.

Martin you do not watch soccer does not mean that soccer will not be popular. Hopefully, I have not noticed that your kids (if you have) are paying much attension than you have predicted.Good luck with your politics commentary but not to sports

“God Wants World Cup not False Prophets.” My “journey” My “quest.” Just not my Country! Yet another chance to prove that America is the most dominating “sports figures” on this planet. We get yet another “FACE” for American Futbol, American Soccer. There is no MY in TEAM or COUNTRY. There is no MY JOURNEY, in America's hope to win the next “STAR.” There is no “great' FACE in the Futbol in America. Just great STARS! We lost because we can't find a face to deliver the cup. There is no MY JOURNEY in America's “quest” for the CUP, just TEAM! Just America! See ya in 2014