3 Reasons why Soccer will never be a major sport in USA

Question

1. The flopping. It is ridiculous. There is flopping in all major sports, but none at the level we see in soccer. A player gets touched, or does not get touched, and he goes down in apparent agony fearing he may not survive. A yellow card is exposed, and amazingly the player in agony is suddenly all good and running around the field. US sports fans find such theatrics nauseating. US sports fans like tough guys that play through pain and distress... not pansy ass idiots begging for the refs to help them to win.

2. Low scoring. Plenty of running around... athletic men (and women) on display doing what few of us can do, no doubt. But damn it is painful to watch. Most US sports fans would rather watch grass grow... which is actually what is happening.

3. Ties. US sports fan are conditioned to have a loser and a winner. Ties suck. OT is interesting, but in reality both teams are usually playing to not lose during the extra time. In single elimination play, a shootout is then needed. It gets worse here... then the whole batch is decided by your goalkeeper hopefully guessing correctly.

I played soccer for years as a youth. I was a goalkeeper in Varsity HS soccer. I also refereed and coached youth soccer as a young adult. Don't tell me I don't understand the game or strategies involved. I understand all too well. I also understand the psyche of the US sports fan and the real drama that Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, and American Football has to offer. There is no comparison IMO

Soccer will not every take off as other sports have in past decades. Some think that because there seems to be growing interest in the WC that it is happening before our eyes. This is not true. The MLS is still a failure, and losing fans. People are watching the WC in the US because it is a nice distraction and something to do. People like to be social, and this is working for now. After the USA loses, it all goes back to the baseline. And the MLS will continue to struggle to draw. The real soccer fans living in the USA will continue to watch the British Premier league... that is the majors for this sport.

I hate soccer, I mean it is sooo boring and painful to watch. But I will be watching and cheering for the USA come Tuesday. I think USA is a great bet to beat Belgium... and NO I refuse to wager regulation time. I will bet them to advance.

Go USA!!

SportsFan9698 · Answer

1. The flopping. It is ridiculous. There is flopping in all major sports, but none at the level we see in soccer. A player gets touched, or does not get touched, and he goes down in apparent agony fearing he may not survive. A yellow card is exposed, and amazingly the player in agony is suddenly all good and running around the field. US sports fans find such theatrics nauseating. US sports fans like tough guys that play through pain and distress... not pansy ass idiots begging for the refs to help them to win.

2. Low scoring. Plenty of running around... athletic men (and women) on display doing what few of us can do, no doubt. But damn it is painful to watch. Most US sports fans would rather watch grass grow... which is actually what is happening.

3. Ties. US sports fan are conditioned to have a loser and a winner. Ties suck. OT is interesting, but in reality both teams are usually playing to not lose during the extra time. In single elimination play, a shootout is then needed. It gets worse here... then the whole batch is decided by your goalkeeper hopefully guessing correctly.

I played soccer for years as a youth. I was a goalkeeper in Varsity HS soccer. I also refereed and coached youth soccer as a young adult. Don't tell me I don't understand the game or strategies involved. I understand all too well. I also understand the psyche of the US sports fan and the real drama that Baseball, Hockey, Basketball, and American Football has to offer. There is no comparison IMO

Soccer will not every take off as other sports have in past decades. Some think that because there seems to be growing interest in the WC that it is happening before our eyes. This is not true. The MLS is still a failure, and losing fans. People are watching the WC in the US because it is a nice distraction and something to do. People like to be social, and this is working for now. After the USA loses, it all goes back to the baseline. And the MLS will continue to struggle to draw. The real soccer fans living in the USA will continue to watch the British Premier league... that is the majors for this sport.

I hate soccer, I mean it is sooo boring and painful to watch. But I will be watching and cheering for the USA come Tuesday. I think USA is a great bet to beat Belgium... and NO I refuse to wager regulation time. I will bet them to advance.

Go USA!!

Randisist · Answer

I say it is those fukking corporations that are to blame... FACT... PERIOD...

Getty3 · Answer

The one thing that soccer has going for it is the running clock. What a breath of fresh air to watch 90&#x2B;  minutes of sport without commercial interruption. The game would be much cooler if they eliminated the offsides infraction.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

I agree!!  If they got rid of offsides, the action would be SO MUCH BETTER.  More flow, more athleticism, and more scoring.  Why should there be an artificial moving line that restricts offense?  Same goes for hockey.

gfinger · Answer

You make some valid points and there are some things I think that FIFA can do to improve soccer. #1 being extra time at the referee's discretion. This is ridiculous. I'm an ex Div 1 soccer player as well as an IHSA ref, if a goal is scored, the clock stops. Injury or card, also the clock stops. Simple enough. Having it to where the fan doesn't know when the final whistle is going to be blown is dumb.

I also agree on ties, these should be eliminated and there should always be a winner. It took the NHL a long time to acknowledge this.

Now in regards to offsides, hockey has it wrong, soccer has it right. A static offsides line is not the way to go, it limits the flow of the game and crowds the ice. At least with soccer it's an ever moving offsides line per se and expands the field. Dumping a puck into the offensive zone is weak.

What soccer does have going for them, a running clock, no time outs, no huddles, no commerical breaks, etc. I also really like the ability for the ref to allow a 'play on' or 'advantage' when a foul is committed. Sure a guy might have been held, but he continued his progress forward, with the ball, a clear advantage is there, let him have it. Instead of stopping the flow, a ref can allow this to go on. The NBA calls everything and stops everything. For example if a player has a clear path to the basket and a defender fouls him, the ref immediately blows the whistle and calls the flow, lame. If the offensive player is still dribbling, moving forward after that foul let him keep going. I'm sure they would rather take a dunk or layup over free throws or the ball out of bounds.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

gfingerI will agree with a few of your points... flow of game, no commercials, etc.  But we all know that nothing comes for free.  The promoters of the sport need their revenue somehow.  We don&#x27;t want to see major sports going to pay per view do we?I&#x27;m going to spar with you on the offsides.  I also have known the game my whole life.  Sounds like you have played at a higher level.  I don&#x27;t know, maybe it is impossible to imagine a significant change to a game rules that seem organic to you.Off-sides!!!  I say the game would be better with NO OFFSIDES.  I have tried to make this argument before in the NHL forum.  People are so used to it that they cannot imagine the game without it.Soccer and Hockey would both be better with no offsides.  There would be a more "free" flow of action, and more offense and more scoring.  How is any of this bad?  "But then you would have players cherry picking for goals".  Yea so what?  It is the defenses job to cover said player that is sneaking into the offensive zone.  Why is is a better game having an artificial line to restrict offense?  I have never heard any answer that holds water.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

Soccer is a hard to game to appreciate unless you've played it. I understand the posters in here played, but the average sports fan in this country has not. All of the action in the midfield, the build up to goal scoring opportunities, and the defensive battles are all for naught to the average American sports fan. They don't comprehend the skill needed in order to play at a high level, and don't appreciate the beauty of the game. Damn our instant gratification society.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

Without off-sides, soccer matches would have game totals similar to baseball... 7-10 range.  This would be far more exciting to MOST viewers... and would eliminate 90% of the ties at end of regulation - which most agree sucks.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

Watch indoor soccer then

SportsFan9698 · Answer

I will make one more point about elimination of offsides...

Years ago (yes I'm old enough to remember) Basketball went through a transformation in the game... the addition of the 3-point line.

Purists and old timers that have been around the game their whole life thought it was a travesty. It was the most horrible thing to happen to a game they loved. They were dead wrong. The 3-point line opened up the game, and ADDED more complexity and strategy overall. Fans woke up and embraced college and NBA round ball like never before in its existence. It was transformational, and for the better. Same could be said for the "legalization" of the dunk. Purists hated the idea, until they saw the result and they shut up quickly.

Same would go for elimination of off-sides for soccer (and hockey). Purists would lament about a horrible thing until it brings in about 10X the fan interest than before and they would smirk and shut up.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

I would bet the rest of the world would vehemently disagree.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

Go back and watch the first 5 minutes of the Portugal/US game. Ronaldo has the ball on the left side of the pitch and pulls off 4, nasty moves to keep possession while the US tries to defend. It happened 35 yards away from the goal, next to the sideline, and there was no threat to score. If you can't appreciate plays like that, you have no business calling yourself a soccer fan.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

If I had some big money... I would start a new soccer league in the USA, one in which there would be some significant rule changes...

1) Flops would not be tolerated. Refs could issues a yellow card to a player that clearly flops. Those that escape the live call would be fined heavily after the game by an official review. Suspensions for repeat offenders. The flops would END and the fans would be better served by doing so.

2) No offsides. Free flow of action with no artificial line to restrict the action. More scoring, more excitement, and fewer ties at regulation.

3) Allow fighting for cheap shots. Just as in NHL, let the players retaliate in terms of dirty play. It works, and the fans love it. Players have a beef, they square off and trade punches. First guy to go down, fight is over. Both go to the box. This rule change I know is a bit more controversial, and not absolutely necessary. I jut like the way NHL allows the players to police their own.

This league would compete to dismantle the current MLS league, and it would do just that. I think a revamped professional soccer league could and would do very well in the USA with these changes.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

That is kind of the point... I&#x27;m NOT a big fan of soccer for the reasons I cite.I did not see that action where Renaldo broke some ankles... but sure I love that display of talent.  I think most fans do.I have noticed that you have NOT given any argument to my central thesis... why is soccer a better game with off-sides?  I have never heard a credible response to this.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

You say you understand the game, but statements like this prove you don&#39;t. Parking a forward right next to the opponents goalie completely undermines all the hard work it takes to get the ball in front of the opposing teams goal. That hardwork I mention, is the beauty of the game. It&#39;s clear you don&#39;t get it, and don&#39;t want to get it.

gold6185 · Answer

I&#x27;ll watch soccer-but I don&#x27;t enjoy it that much. I simply like the more confined action of  hockey &amp; basketball &amp; football. To me-the back &amp; forth mid-field action of soccer is dull &amp; boring. I&#x27;ve never been a huge fan of the sport.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

That is your opinion.  And a bad one at that.I know exactly what I am talking about.  Nobody would "park" and offensive player next to the goalie - same as nobody on a basketball team just stays at the offensive end while the action is in the other end of the court.Again, you have NOT given any credible argument as to WHY soccer is a better game with off-sides rule.  Instead you choose to deflect and try to insult me.  Not working.  IF you have a credible reason as to why the game is better with off-sides, let&#x27;s hear it.  No spin, no insults.  Give the reason.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

An American wants to change the rules to a game that the rest of the world lives and dies for, because there is not enough action. Imagine that....

Never tried to insult you. Just pointing out that you do no appreciate the game as much as you think you do. It's clear I can't change your mind, so I'm done with your contention.

Maybe take up watching tennis or volleyball. There is a point scored on every possession.

ClubDirt · Answer

to each his own but tyhe two things i hate about watching "american" sports are not issues in soccer. for the nfl, for the three hour broadcast, the ratio of real action to commercials and dead time is terrible. i have a hard time watching an nfl game live. it's much better to dvr it and fast forward through the endless commercials.

basketball is the worst. the end of the game is stalled by excessive timeouts and fouls. it should be the best part of a game to see the ending of a close game but it's painful to watch the end of a close basketball game because it's timeout after timeout and foul after foul. how can a sport be good to watch when what is supposed to be the most exciting part of the game is the most slowed down and broken up with delays.

i still like football the most because of dvr but other than that, give me soccer over basketball and baseball. the nhl playoffs are great too.

gfinger · Answer

Refs can and do give out yellow cards for flops. Personally I give them out every now and then during a game. And they players do stop flopping. So yes, refs need to address this more often.As for offsides, it&#x27;s pretty simple. If there were no offsides each team would simply park a player down by their opponent&#x27;s goalie and try to cherry pick a score. Same reason why they don&#x27;t allow this in hockey.

gfinger · Answer

Oh and the score is irrelevant. For example I've seen an NFL game that ended 14-7. Which was just 3 scores, no different than a 2-1 soccer game and 3 scores. Perhaps you would like to value a goal at 7 points?

BusinessTime · Answer

Arguing/Having a discussion with people like you is fu.cking torture. Just answer the question d-bag and stop being so passive aggressive.

Jose_Reyes · Answer

I&#x27;ve been saying it the whole time, d-bag.  The beauty in soccer is the buildup to scoring opportunities, the back and forth in the midfield, and the skill required to defend.  Getting rid of the offside penalty would undermine all of this.  Again, I said this above.  Why do you think people go absolutely nuts when goals are scored?  Because it is difficult to do, and requires an entire team effort.  Changing the rules to make goal scoring easier waters down the game, and takes away the passion.Like I said before, if you&#x27;ve never played the game, it&#x27;s difficult to appreciate.  I was actually agreeing with the OP that soccer would never be a top 3 sport in this country because of the reasons I mentioned, d-bag.

SportsFan9698 · Answer

And I totally disagree.  It just does not work that easily... strategies would totally be different.  When is the last time you saw a basketball player just wait on the other end for somebody to throw it their way?  Maybe on a fast break play, but not camp there.This would not happen for a couple reasons.  First off, their team would be a man down on the defensive end.  We all know over time that would be catostrophic,  Besides that, the other team would defend that person wanting to cherry pick.  It simply would not play out like you think it would.It is the job of the defenders to defend their goal, not an arbitrary line.I still have not heard a reasonable explanation as to why soccer is better with offsides than without it.

canovsp · Answer

I definitely wouldn&#x27;t choose soccer over the three main sports in the U.S. but I have been watching it and it has been exciting to me.The main reason American fans don&#x27;t like soccer is the low scoring. Take football for instance, most fans want to see a 42-40 game instead of a 9-6 (LSU vs Bama 2011).I was happy LSU won that night. I didn&#x27;t care about the score. Everyday fans of football said it was the most boring game they had ever seen in their lives.I think that is the same mentality Americans have with soccer, and to a lesser extent, baseball.

3 Reasons why Soccer will never be a major sport in USA

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