Why Do Americans Hate Soccer

What do Americans have against soccer? Is it because we suck at it? It's almost like we have the feeling since we can't beat the world at it why try. Better to act like we don't care, and lose than get excited for a worldwide event such as the World Cup and get embarrassed by going 0-2-1 and only scoring 1 goal.

Shortly before the start of the World Cup I probably felt the same as 99% of Americans. Below is a response to an email from a friend about watching the World Cup.

"As far as the World Cup I don't know how much I'll watch. I guess I'd probably watch the US if they're on while I'm home, and there are no Brewers, Red Sox, reruns of the Office, NASCAR, Golf, or episodes of American Chopper on. I'm not going to re-arrange my schedule to watch any games. I sure as S not going to watch Togo vs.. Kerblackastan just for the heck of it. I may end up watching Championship game as well, again only if the above programs are not on at the same time."

Well my feelings have since changed. They changed in the split second US Midfielder Clint Dempsey fired shot past the Ghana goaltender. All of my beliefs that Soccer was a slow boring sport were erased. The end result wasn't in the US's favor, but I decided then and there that we needed to become a World power in Soccer.

What is our largest obstacle?

Soccer is a game played by thousands and thousands of Americas youth. However if you're a good athlete in America you're going to be pushed towards sports such as basketball, and football because they're viewed as the high profile/big money making sports. American's need to realize there is money to be made in soccer you just need to go overseas. The Forbes list of the most Powerful celebrities David Beckham ranks in at #43 ahead of American heros LeBron James, Alex Rodriguez, and Tom Brady.

Maybe America will never be a Soccer Power, but a guy can dream.

Soccer Terms Part 1

Volley - When a player kicks a ball while it is still in the air. Part of the reason that soccer is considered the "Beautiful Game". I like to use Volley to refer to any and every sweet play, it makes you sound smart to soccer fans nearby.

Sweet Volley - A really great Volley. Feel free to use this with any goal.

Set Piece - Also referred to as a set play. Often done at a free kick where a play has been planned by the Coach. David Beckham is a master of the Set Piece.

Striker - A teams best a most aggressive offensive threat.

Springer - The goalie is a Springer when he dives to save a shot. Refers to the springing action of his legs. I made this one up, so don't use it if you want to sound smart around your Soccer friends.

Own Goal - When a player accidentally directs the ball into his own teams goal. Against Italy this was the only way we could get on the board.

Ice Breaker

Hello world of Blogging, my name is Bob! I'm what you might call the typical Mid-West Sports fan. I live and die with my teams, the Packer, Badgers, and Brewers. Within the last 5 years I've also kind of become a NASCAR fan, this was fueled by the success of local driver Matt Kenseth. This site was started at the suggestion of some friends. They are soccer fans, probably the only too in Wisconsin and they somehow talked me into watching some of the World Cup. Well to summarize I didn't know many of the terms they were throwing around so I came up with own interpretation of the worlds as well as inventing some of my own. My first idea was to write a book "Soccer for the Football Fan". I decided to take the easy route would be to post my wisdom on a blog for the world to see. Upcoming posts will include bits and pieces of vast knowledge of Soccer, now that the World Cup is into the Quarter Finals the games are really getting exciting :)