Why Soccer is Just As Good (or Better) Than Your Favorite Sport

By Kate Mueller on June 14, 2014

via Flickr

When we talk about the most popular sport in America, football has taken the crown for the last 30 years. Yet on a world scale, American football takes the 10th seed. Even table tennis, ranked 7 in the world, is higher than any of our “Big 5” sports in the United States.  Baseball’s worldwide fans, 500 million, are just a mere fraction of the world’s most popular sport; soccer has an estimated 3.5 billion fans.

I’d be willing to bet that everyone on campus can name at least  one of the reigning major league champions whether it’s from the Stanley Cup, Super Bowl, World Series or NBA Finals.  But how many could tell me who won the MLS Cup or the last World Cup?  The American national soccer team is respected in much of the world; we’re even ranked 13 in this year’s FIFA World Cup.  Yet, why isn’t soccer itself respected in America? Let’s take a look at America’s “big 5” sports with the help of some of the best goals in World Cup history:

5. Hockey

Hockey has a very similar concept to soccer.  Put the ball/puck into the net.  Sure, they’re on skates, but hockey players’ footwork can’t come near to those of a soccer player’s.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uih4HDChjk - Some impressive footwork skills from Ronaldo

4. Basketball

Basketball is loved for its high scoring and fast paced style of game.  Something is constantly happening.  Lots of skill and agility is needed to play and passing and assists are important to the game.  If you think about it, soccer is the same thing, but it’s just harder to score.  However, basketball relies heavily on the star player to make things happen.  One player can do it all.  Sure soccer can have its star moments, but no one player can do it all on their own.  The goalie, defenders, midfield and strikers all have their role on the team and work together to get the goal and defend theirs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5W6vBI3mGE - A fine example of great passing in soccer

3. Auto Racing

I know there are some people out there that don’t think auto racing is a true “sport,” yet somehow it’s the third most popular sport in the U.S.  Yes, my mind is blown too. Just for arguments sake, let’s ALL think of it as a sport for a brief moment.  Soccer forwards rely on speed, just as the racer relies on the speed of his car.  Both can make quick maneuvers to get around their opponent and make it to the finish line or goal.  Sure there is some strategy in auto racing, and your car needs endurance and speed. But soccer has the true athletes. I think this video is all you need to see to prove what I mean.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8w89sl7Grc - Players racing across the pitch

2. Baseball

Both sports can be tough to watch sometimes, especially on TV, as they can seem to be slow. Besides that, comparing the two is like comparing oranges and apples. Baseball is on a slow decline, while soccer is on the rise.  Eventually there may be a shift in the “Big 5.” Yes, a run scored is praise worthy, clap worthy, maybe even worth a couple cheers, but doesn’t this seem more exciting?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wVho3I0NtU#t=36 - one of the best goal celebrations ever

1. Football

When someone who doesn’t know soccer attempts to play soccer, they treat it as kickball.  Just kick the ball and run, then get mad when they don’t have success.  There may not be set plays in soccer, but there are set strategies – with each pass and run being carefully thought out.  Football and soccer share the same amount of players on the field – 11.  Yet, football players get rest because they don’t need to play offense and defense.  Imagine having to play cornerback and wide receiver.  It sounds like a tough job, right?  Soccer players, mid-fielders specifically, must do both constantly. Soccer is a marathon and a race. Not convinced? Football players get timeouts, TV timeouts, huddles and sideline breaks when it’s a change in possession.  Soccer players go 45 minutes of straight action, with throw-ins, penalty kicks and injuries being their only “breaks” until halftime.  Substitutions are used sparingly since the player cannot return to the game after being taken out.  Then it’s another 45 minute half.  According to stats, soccer players run an average of 7 miles per game.  As for football, the players are only active for 11 minutes which leaves players only running about 1.25 miles per game.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5HbmeNKino - An example of players switching back and forth from defense to offense

American football is everything that’s good about sports, so it’s no surprise or coincidence that it’s our favorite sport. Star athletes, big money, exciting plays and hard hits. Football even has some of the most dedicated fans; I mean, look at me, I’m a Bengals fan even though they haven’t won a playoff game in my lifetime. But look at the diehard soccer fans in Brazil, England and Spain.  Clearly they see something in soccer that much of America is missing.

2014 FIFA World Cup

via Flickr

There are plenty of reasons why we are fans of certain sports, certain teams, but maybe we need to take a better look at soccer and learn to give it a little more respect in the U.S. The World Cup is the most exciting soccer event, so sure, hop on the bandwagon this year. Use it as an excuse to go to the bar and get a beer at 3 in the afternoon. Pretty soon, you’ll enjoy it without even trying.

No, we don’t have a team full of the world’s star soccer players, but we do have a great team with great leaders. As interest grows, the passion grows and the talent grows. It will take time for our country to be the best of the best, but it is possible. Hopefully with some success in the World Cup, people will realize that and respect American soccer. Don’t miss our first game as we take on Ghana  June 30th at 6 p.m.

Some videos to get you excited about the World Cup:

Nike World Cup Commercial

ESPN World Cup Commercial

Once the World Cup is over, don’t be sad –  you have the MLS Cup coming up in the late fall. Oh, in case you were wondering Sporting KC won the 2013 MLS Cup. Here’s what you missed.

 

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