Open Mic: Why the U.S. and Soccer Don't Mix

The U.S. and soccer just don't mix, and it's time for those soccer-loving Americans to come to grips with it. Will there ever be a year where the U.S. soccer team dominates and makes a World Cup run?

Probably, but it's not likely.

The argument is often made that "the U.S. does not push soccer enough" or "It's not a highly televised sport so kids lose interest in the sport." Really?

If that's the case why does every park in every suburban town in America have a soccer field? Why is soccer the first sport kids are actually allowed to play in local town recreation leagues? Why are there three-year-old boys and girls outside public schools right now playing in a town soccer league?

Yeah, well that's just in elementary school the critics will say. Well, the majority of high schools across America still offer soccer as a team sport. Some of the biggest and most prominent colleges across the country offer soccer scholarships.

We have professional soccer leagues, dedicated soccer channels and
nationally televised games. The issue is not the popularity of soccer in America. The issue is we're not as good at it and have no real desire to get better.

Now there are certain individuals that do. In fact, women's soccer, I would argue, revolutionized women's professional sports. But as a mainstream sport, soccer will never take off in America because it's not in our blood. Baseball is our national pastime. Football is major part of our culture. Basketball is a game any kid, in any town, across the country can play and practice by himself.

Soccer is a global sport. There's no denying it's the most popular sport in the world, but it will never be as popular in America.

One of the reasons is you don't use your hands. I know that may sound ridiculous, but we're a country founded on getting your hands dirty, and there's something not natural about a sport where you can't use your hands.

Plus, as Americans we need action. We love scoring. Home runs, touchdowns, and slam dunks are all symbolic of our thirst for action. A soccer game has a back and forth, artistic form to it that we Americans don't have the patience for unless it's our kids playing.

Lastly, Americans need a winner. We love the underdog, but we'll jump on the band wagon of champions as well. We like winning. We like having a winner. A tie is just un-American, but it's probably the most common result of a soccer match.

It's not that we don't have the athletes to compete. We obviously do. It's an issue that soccer is just not an American game. It never was. It never will be.

Now who wants to talk fantasy football?