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histgamer -> RE: Most Unofficial Brazil 2014 World Cup Thread (7/3/2014 3:25:54 AM)
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As uninspiring as the USA has been been over the years I will say I find it interesting despite the rather mediocre talents the US puts out it always seems to do pretty well on goalies. US national Strikers, Midfielders, and defenders with a few exceptions rarely play big roles in Europe (there are definitely a few examples) however US Goalkeepers have done very well for themselves, Howard is very well regarded, Keller was as well, and so too was Friedel. America seems to do alright putting out top quality keepers vs other positions.
I also think despite regular statements of soccer/football (whatever) not mattering in the US that's becoming less and less true. I've seen many people say people claimed soccer was the next big sport 10 years ago and it still isn't big but people who claim that rarely consider the age of current sports fans. I grew up playing Soccer/Football and most of my generation played at one point or another, my entire generation or anyone I know follows the Champions League and European soccer at least passingly and that's in a city with no team (Milwaukee)too root for, an entire street in Milwaukee was shut down for the Portugal, Germany and Belgium games with over 15,000 people packing streets and bars to watch the US. Soccer might not be peoples first choice of a sport but I do think as generations flip over you will see the US get more and more interested in the sport. It probably will never pass Football and likely not Baseball either but it may get into the #3 discussion with Basketball and I could see it passing Hockey. But none of this will be fast, it will take 20-30 years or more, people who are 50-60 are not going to change their sports viewing habits, people who are 30-40 probably won't either but the younger generations are more interested in Soccer than they have ever been and given time that will lead to a higher caliber of domestically grown soccer players within the US.
in 1995 the MLS didn't exist, in 1996 it started with 10 teams, its up to 22 teams and still expanding. Professional Soccer in the US has a long way to go but give it a few decades and you'll see improvement.
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