U.S. Soccer Blows It
For the first time ever….I led my sportscast Sunday with soccer…yes, U.S. soccer. I never thought it would happen! But I figured with what this team has done in the last month, they demanded that lead!
After their “miracle on grass” win over Spain, (which Cory deemed the “it’s about time” on grass win) it seems like our whole country all of a sudden wanted to watch this team and this sport. We all watched on Sunday as this amazing team took the early 2-zip lead over powerhouse Brazil in the FIFA Confederations Cup Finale. Could they really pull this thing off?
Nope….they gave away a 2 goal lead…which is like giving away a 30 point lead in football. A good friend pointed out, that it would be like a no-name golfer losing a four shot lead on the back nine to Tiger Woods. Almost expected. I get it, and I agree. BUT….This was a big chance for the U.S. to gain some more support for their sport here in the states….and they blew it.
Which of course leads me to my next question….why do you think soccer is just not that big here in the US? Almost all of us played this sport growing up…everyone I know was a soccer player as a kid, and I played for 7 years growing up (although I was really never that great at it.)
I’ve had this conversation with numerous people sicne the emergence of this special U.S.A. team…and this is my conclusion…
Americans like watching things that we, as a country, are dominant at…That has not been the case in soccer. In order for the U.S. to become better in soccer, we’re going to have to keep all of the good players here, and not lose them to overseas (more prestigous) teams and leagues. And in order to do that….you have to pay them.
But here’s the catch with that….in order to pay them big bucks, soccer would need to get the big TV contracts (like the NFL.) With that being said, will soccer really ever become a dominant sport here in the states?
I know I personally would much rather watch a hard hitting football game instead…
2 Responses to ' U.S. Soccer Blows It '
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on June 30th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
JUST SAW THIS ONLINE….THOUGHT IT WAS INTERESTING…
The United States’ 3-2 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final was seen by 3.9 million people on ESPN, the most-viewed non-World Cup game for the American team on the cable network.
on July 1st, 2009 at 11:20 pm
lets go Brazil!!!
I’m sorry but I believe the U.S. Soccer team is on steriods. They honestly, parden my language, SUCK. Mexico,and Brazil I have it made with.