Do or Die for USA Soccer

Coming back at ya from the same exact spot we blogged for the Stanely Cup. Different sport on (Phillies up 2-1 in the 6th, wife out celebrating end of school year, so quiet in the house), and different drink in hand (vodka on the rocks with olives, an LB staple). How are we doing today, everyone? Really? I ask, are you over 60? Are you mar... nevermind. Yeah, boys, I know I edited the age, just seems more appropriate nowadays. Today our unofficial sponsor is the Houston Astros, favorite team of ZWR's special lady, who is visiting with her beautiful daughter this weekend. Can't wait to meet her, and thanks to ZWR for all his fatherhood emails. Check him and his ever-expanding universe of Koresh-like followers at www.zoowithroy.com. Hope I get to see ya, buddy.

Was home in the D a couple weeks back, and went out with my brother to check some World Cup action one afternoon. My brother knows a million times more about soccer than all of us combined. He coaches four club teams, played in college, and was an honorable mention All-America in his division. So yeah, he knows his "football." I told him I thought soccer could be popular in the U.S., could easily get past hockey. He completely disagreed, noting the low scoring and the fact that you gotta know the game to be able to see a "good" 1-0 nothing game. Ironically, we went out to watch a promising Uruguay v. France first round matchup. France decided about 50 minutes into the game they weren't going to attack... ever. But while my brother and I could see what was going on, and understand the strategy, he was right... most people watching that game would have said, "typical 0-0 boring soccer," and probably turned it off before halftime.

By the way, my brother picked the bar, said it was a good place to watch soccer, lots of fans there, etc. Said him and his boys watched a lot of games there, especially the bigger games in Europe. And it was true, lots of people watching for a Friday at 2. Oh, and Bells Two Hearted Ale and Oberon both on tap? Yeah, LB was good to go. Anyways, after about the third person came up to my bro and asked him if they would be there for the USA/England game, including a random Irish-looking dude and our barkeep, I looked at him kinda laughing and he just smiled and said quite simply, "we watch a lot of games here." No s**t, really? Haha, definitely gonna hit that again next time I'm in town, though. Gotta expose the new niece to soccer now, right, bro?

Here's the thing about USA fans, though. We are bigger bandwagon jumpers than the people selling out Citizens Bank Park every night here in Philly. If this team wins games, people will get on board, and get on board FAST. That's why the game tomorrow against Algeria is so important for USA soccer. They lose this, the game will never, and I mean never, take off in this country until we have a team in the semis of the World Cup. This team has talent, and a few recognizable faces. If they can get into the quarters, soccer in the U.S. has a shot. Consider the following... and man, did I miss my lists.

1. Soccer is one of the most, if not the most popular sport that parents put their kids in. I have a few friends with kids in that 4-5 age range where they start playing organized sports, and every one of them started with soccer. Soccer is also one of the most popular rec sports for kids and adults both. Bunch of my friends back home played indoor, and I've been playing for about a year and a half now after about a 22 year break from the game. Soccer is one of the most fun sports to play, though admittedly tougher to watch. But we can all relate to soccer, it's not like lacrosse or non-sport NASCAR that not many of us actually get to experience.

2. The MLS sucks. Don't watch it on TV, it sucks, it's bad soccer. Watch Fox Soccer Channel and catch the European leagues, that's good stuff. However, while MLS soccer is subpar, it is wildly popular in the cities that have it. Here in Philly, the Union are a huge draw. The tailgates are fab, energy in the stadiums is great, and families can actually bring their kids there without getting vomited on. (Sorry, Phils fans, couldn't resist). Places like Salt Lake, Seattle, Philly, and Boston love their teams. Lots of people in Boston went to games as a cheap alternative to going to Pats, Red Sox, etc. And in case you just read your first newspaper, money drives the world. Cheap, fun entertainment = chance to thrive in the U.S.

3. Winning always breeds popularity here. Right after Michael Phelps set the gold medal records, swimming was all the sudden all over the networks. If swimming get be temporarily mainstream, so can soccer. The best part is that the infastructure to expose the country to more soccer quick is already there, e.g., established league not about to fail/lock out its players, television contract that PAYS the league (see that, Bettman? Side note, best part of the Stanley Cup Finals, after the awesome hockey we saw all week... Philly fans booing the crap out of Bettman before he even got onto the carpet to present the Cup. Freaking awesome, and would expect nothing less from Flyer fans), and even a few recognizable stars, even if they are a bit elderly in sports speak, e.g, Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and soon to be Thierry Henry to the New York Red Bulls. In other words, win games, and we'll pay attention. This is the best damned and most damned patriotic country in the world. Give us a reason to rally, and we're there.

Soccer oughta be more popular here. I think my brother has it right as to why it's not. Even if the win the World Cup (which they won't, I had Brazil before the tourney, bro can back that up), it's not going to get to NHL levels yet. But sustained winning for the next four years, with the momentum of a good World Cup showing could get it close.

On the other hand, they lose tomorrow, and we can do a eulogy post here on Thursday. So go get 'em, boys. Random subplot to that game, FYI... heard an interesting take on how Algeria basically hates the U.S., and that for them, this game is as much political as athletic. In other words, the Algerians would love nothing more than to take us out of the tournament. Not that many people here would care for long, but it would pretty much make their decade. Now, if I may take my leave of you, I'm off to start my 24 hour U! S! A! chant. I told you the wife wasn't home. And I'm not going back to edit this, so ta ta.