What Soccer Needs To Do To Succeed In America: Step 1 Fix The MLS

Every time there is a big soccer match, the question always pops up, will soccer ever be successful in America?

The answer is Yes.

I used to feel differently. I used to think the lack of scoring, the lack of stats, the time zones, and the lack of exposure means soccer will never make it big here in the ol' US of A. 

Now, I see it clearly, soccer can succeed here. How?

We will start this series of articles by focusing on the MLS. That is an acronym for Major League Soccer for those who don't know.

For beginners the MLS needs to take a year off. Not because it doesn't make enough money, but to get on schedule with the rest of the world. The bulk of the MLS schedule takes place during the spring and summer. The bulk of the schedule overseas takes place in the winter and spring. If the MLS can get on schedule with the major European leagues, it opens doors for a better transfer market and the possibility of scheduling tournaments with the European leagues.

Next, the MLS needs to expand. Yes, expand. 

I know what you're thinking, aren't they already expanding?

Yes.

Don't you think that's enough?

No.

Why?

Relegation.

Huh?

Relegation needs to make its way over here to America. I once asked a friend of mine who doesn't follow soccer, "What do you think is the coolest part of European soccer?" Without hesitation he replied, "Relegation."

He's right, relegation is really cool. It would help keep fans coming to the stadium even if their team was not in contention. It would help tv ratings, of two non-contenders.

Imagine the Royals playing the Orioles in October on Sunday Night Baseball. ESPN would rather show an XFL rerun rather than that game. 

Now, imagine if the Royals were a half-game back of the Orioles and were in threat of being relegated to the lower tier of Major League Baseball. America would be glued to the TV. 

If the MLS can sign an agreement with the USL (United Soccer League) and create one whole big soccer association, relegation becomes a possibility. The USL already has a relegation system in place. But, it lacks the exposure and funding of the MLS. 

An 18 team MLS, with two lower divisions will not only increase interest from casual fans, it will also help expand the game to places it can't go at the moment. 

After fixing the schedule and expanding, the MLS needs to do two more important things, that is get rid of the playoff system and work with other leagues to get MLS teams into major tournaments. No major European league uses a play-off. The team with the best record is the winner of the league, no questions asked. The top team wins, then the other top performers qualify for various tournaments.

Which brings me to my next point.

I know there is the CONCACAF Super League (our hemisphere's version of the Champions League) but, I am talking of maybe sending a few teams to play in the actual Champions League. I know travel will be an issue but there must be ways around that. 

If the MLS can figure out a way to enter their top teams in tournaments the MLS will reach new heights. This is the hardest step to accomplish but will reap the most rewards. Every professional footballer wants to play in the top leagues and play Champions League Football. If the MLS can give them that, we could see some of the top players in the world slowly start to head over seas. 

The MLS has been around now for over a dozen years, it has survived, now it needs to start working toward a new goal. Making soccer matter here in America. It will need help, and that will be part two of this series.

What the media can do to help make soccer matter.