Why Americans Are Starting To Love Soccer?

American Soccer Supporters, credits to the source

While soccer is considered as the world’s most popular sporting event, it has always been thought that Americans are not very fond of it. But that is obviously changing, as more and more fans from the United States are showing their support in recent years. So, why the big shift?

Why many think America hate soccer
One of the most common reasons many point as to why Americans dislike soccer is that it supposedly is not for the big boys. As this article aptly points out, a lot of the top soccer players around the world, like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, barely reach the six-foot mark. Contrast that with sports like American football and basketball, where the game is often dominated by huge guys, and you can get a picture of why Americans seem to shy away from soccer.

Another popular argument thrown in as to why Americans are not enamoured with soccer is the idea of tied matches. As observers explain, Americans tend to want a decisive result in the games they follow. But with more than 30 percent of soccer matches ending in a draw, it isn’t that easy. And this can be very frustrating to many American viewers.

So, what will Americans love here then?
Just like any sports-viewing nation, America loves to see the drama unfold in any competition. And soccer certainly has lots of it. Just a single match can lead many to tears. And the World Cup is certainly something to look forward, as teams and spectators go all out in this once-every-four- years event.

Another thing that will surely get even American spectators all hyped is the action. Sure, the score might be just 1-0 after the end of the match, but the intense gameplay, as players from both teams dash to make that elusive point, is more than enough to get anyone onto the edge of their seats. And one should not forget the amazing display of athleticism shown by such players as Ronaldinho as they do amazing kicks.
The American soccer fan emerges

Many wrongly thought that with the growth soccer’s popularity, hooligan culture is undoubtedly soon to follow. However, even if hooliganism has sadly become a visible aspect of the soccer fandom, American fans like Danny Beerseed are happy to report that this is not the case with American soccer aficionados. Beerseed said that, while theirs isn’t all that sanitized, they are not that rowdy either. “We rather share beer than fist fights,” he says.

Beerseed also stressed that joining others in rooting for their favourite teams is what’s important to them. He shares that they regularly organize caravans to follow their teams to every match. This, he says, is what sets American fans apart from the rest of the soccer fandom.

Sources:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/793444-5-reasons-why-americans-should-like-soccer/page/3
http://www.sbnation.com/longform/2012/11/16/3650028/lionel-messi-european-soccer
http://www.thefreebeermovement.com/blog/entry/why-american-soccer-supporters-supporting-supporters/
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/793444-5-reasons-why-americans-should-like-soccer/page/3