Soccer Scence in America on the Rise

A certain change in taking place in American media. A change that looks to threaten the steady balance of the American sporting scene that was set decades ago. Call it a fad, call it a revolution, call it whatever you want. But people are noticing that foreign game with the round ball that's played on the pitch is slowing working it's way into the American consciences.

ESPN recently signed with the English Premiere League, and Spain's La Liga, with these deals the American Broadcasting giant is bringing Europe's top talent to the States. This is breath of fresh air that American Soccer fans having been gagging for (especially since the UEFA Champions League will be seen on Fox Soccer Channel this year, a channel with little exposure in America). At first this seems like a sower trade for those in the US, trading the chance to see Europe's best in AC Milan, FC Bayren Munchen, and Inter Milan, for EPL bottom dwellers like Burnly, Wigan, and Hull City? However, once people step back they will notice that ESPN has done a savvy thing. With ESPN broadcasting at least 2 top-notch leagues(EPL, and La Liga) a week for the entire season, soccer gets more exposure that 2 UCL matches a week from Sep.-Oct. and April-May.

But putting aside the numbers, fans will notice that domestic league soccer is more entertaining, with managers not having to worry about aggregate or away goals, league matches prove to be more open and feature aggressive styles. Arsenal outscoring opponents 10-2 through 2 matches anyone? Also ESPN is making the right call bringing in the two giants to American Television, American soccer fans seems to build up loyalty towards certain English clubs, I know more Liverpool fans that I do Clippers fans. For those who are not soccer savvy, having the same league on each week will help people associate more with them, then seeing to European teams one week, then another pair from a different countries.

ESPN choosing to broadcast top-notch soccer was a great move, and the Soccer sub-culture in America will greatly appreciate it (so much that some of us will get up at 7:45 AM on a Saturday). This will feed the appetite for Soccer in this county that is one display in areas like Seattle (kudos to the Sounders) the World Football Challenge, and US National Team games. Hopefully this exposure will lead to bigger things for the worlds game in the melting pot that is America. Top-Notch Soccer, along with a nice healthy dose of MLS (know your roots!!) will bring joy to the soccer community. ........or at least make it more popular than World Series of Poker.