Editorial Soccer’s niche

Four years ago, it was easy for Americans, and particularly Irish Americans, to get excited about the World Cup. For one thing, it was held right here in the U.S. – and in or near cities with large Irish populations. For another, the Irish and American teams were participants.

This year, however, France is the venue. And despite the larger field, Ireland did not qualify. The U.S. team is a natural to cheer for, of course, but the Americans’ poor performance against Germany on Monday suggests their days as a title hopeful may be numbered. The question therefore arises, can, under these circumstances, the world’s largest sporting event outside the summer Olympics hold the attention of sports fans spoon fed baseball, basketball and football?

The answer is, possibly, but probably not. But that’s really not the issue. Soccer may never match the big three – or four, if you include hockey – in the U.S. sports pantheon. But then again it may. Those who love the sport are confident that its growth and popularity here will come over time – and is coming, steadily, relentlessly.

They have reason to be optimistic. The game’s profile has risen dramatically in the U.S. since USA ’94. Youth leagues are everywhere and, with indoor facilities all the rage, kids are now playing year-round. Major League Soccer, too, seems to have carved itself a small but durable niche, especially in mid-size cities that can’t afford other professional franchises. And the expansion of cable TV means soccer from somewhere can be seen every night of the week.

The argument that goal-happy American fans will never embrace a game where 2-1 scores are the norm has proven to be a specious one. Introduced to the game’s artistry, its flow, its subtle give and take, people, especially the young, are responding. Indeed, soccer’s success in the U.S. isn’t currently being measured in Nielson ratings but on playing pitches across the country.