Reflection 5: Get on the Pitch—Can America Come to Love Football—er, Soccer? (Pathway 2 Assignment Only)

 

In 1994, nationally-recognized sports marketer Nye Lavalle boldly predicted that “there is no chance [Major League Soccer] will survive. Absolutely no chance whatsoever.” His prediction was grim, but also off the mark. Thirty years later, American professional soccer, both male and female,  has not only survived, but steadily grown its base. Still, no one today can argue that soccer enjoys big-league popularity in America. In fact, of the five major US men's sports leagues, MLS has the lowest attendance and brings in the least amount of sponsorship dollars, especially compared to the "Holy Trinity of American Sports": baseball, basketball, and football. Thus far, men's pro soccer has failed to seep into the country's consciousness the way other sports have. As for women's soccer, the USWNT's 2022 match against the Netherlands had the highest-ever English language viewership of a group stage match in Women’s World Cup history, but the NWSL still struggles to gain a national foothold. Of course, all of this stands in stark contrast to the rest of the world, where soccer—or football, as it's known—is a maniacal obsession. Young kids in England, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and a number of other countries, are routinely given soccer balls even before they can walk. Why has soccer failed to firmly take root in America? What is behind many Americans' resistance to the sport? And will soccer always be relegated to second-class status in the United States?

Cite at least two of the following to include in your discussion:

• "Soccer’s Growth in the US Driven by Young, Diverse Audiences" (SportsBuisnessJournal)
• "Reddit/r/ussoccer: I Don't Understand Why Americans Love to Hate on Soccer" (Reddit)
• "Soccer in the US - Statistics & Facts" (Statista)
• "Soccer Has Been Historically Less Popular in the US. This Professor Knows Why." (UniveristyofVirgina)
• "American Sports Fans Hate Fakers, Floppers, and Crybabies" (SaltLakeTribune)
  

Requirements: 

• Approx. 500 words

Due: Wed 5.1 (via Packback) 

NOTE: This assignment is only for students opting for Pathway 2, which allows for the opportunity for a grade higher than a mid-B (Pathway 1). If you have completed all assignments thus far, and are satisfied with a B for you final grade, DO NOT do this assignment. See syllabus for further details.