You can really tell in the last few years that MLS has started to take off. Obviously there is the Cascadia rivalry, where Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver all have unreal fanbases. Then much of the rest of the league has or is working on their own purpose-built stadiums. There were several snickering articles written just a few years ago when Kansas City moved in to a minor league baseball stadium, and they now have a top-tier stadium with great support. I can really see that place becoming a fort for the national team.
Definitely ready for 2014 qualifying to start. If I'm counting right there are 16 games, 8 at home. It's kind of a bummer they play so many of those games on the east coast. (although it is understandable since most of our team plays in Europe and flying across two or three extra time zones doesn't make much sense. That and east coast venues like RFK in DC and in Columbus have worked well) Hopefully this cycle we can get one or two out here
. A roadtrip to Salt Lake or maybe KC could be a good time.There are a couple of things that suck about being a fan in the US:
a)non-soccer fans that have to try and crap on the sport. If you don't like it, no one cares. It really doesn't bug people if you don't. Most of this seems to be coming from old sportscasters, and fortunately they're a dying breed. These are the types of people who say "Soccer will never make it America!" In reality, it already is, and isn't going anywhere. MLS is averaging almost 18,000 per game, and most teams play in stadiums they operate themselves, meaning they get revenue from parking, concessions, etc. Much better off financially, compared to when teams were paying rent to play; now they're charging others to use their stadiums. Also, the league has TV deals with both ESPN and NBC starting next year, so there is a bunch more money and exposure to be had starting next year. Simply put, there is just too much fans, money and infrastructure in place for it to not work.
b)soccer fans who can be so defensive. Some people don't like the game. Who cares? Stop getting upset when people say they aren't interested. You're just going to be upset, and they still aren't going to change their minds.
