Not Understanding Soccer

[Ouch]

Soccer is a much more fluid game and the majority of Americans have not figured out how to adjust to that. Sure, there are moments in games (more so in playoffs) where we as American fans are rocking the house, but we aren't accustomed to doing it for an entire game. I have been a fan for a LOOONG time. I have traveled and watched soccer games (both world cup and local professional leagues) in different countries. The atmosphere at a European game is unbelievable. We just don't provide that type of atmosphere here for soccer (or most other sports). I recommend you watch Seattle Sounders play an MLS game on TV when they are at home. That the closest I've seen to european atmosphere. I honestly want to go and sit in the stands with those people and cheer the entire time. When I go to european games, the ONLY time I sat down was half time. Otherwise the entire stadium was chanting, singing, dancing, cheering, what have you. It was awesome. There is nothing like that here. Not for an entire game anyways. Why do you think those stadiums oversees look so shaky?

This.

The following is not meant to be offensive, as it applies to me as much as anyone: soccer lacks the "immediate gratification" the casual American sports fan is accustomed to. (Most of us aren't 12 hour tailgaters, so I'd call us casual fans.) Whether that's attributable to low scores, slow pace of play, or the general flawed opinion that "anyone can kick a ball" varies from group to group. Regardless, I've come to realize that some folks just don't / won't / can't appreciate it, and that's OK.

I've played soccer since I was 4, the last 34 years or so. I enjoy a match or two on the tube, but I WILL NOT watch Mexican league matches, and I avoid most MLS airings. Seattle is a different story.

[elkbowhunter]

This.

The following is not meant to be offensive, as it applies to me as much as anyone: soccer lacks the "immediate gratification" the casual American sports fan is accustomed to. (Most of us aren't 12 hour tailgaters, so I'd call us casual fans.) Whether that's attributable to low scores, slow pace of play, or the general flawed opinion that "anyone can kick a ball" varies from group to group. Regardless, I've come to realize that some folks just don't / won't / can't appreciate it, and that's OK.

I've played soccer since I was 4, the last 34 years or so. I enjoy a match or two on the tube, but I WILL NOT watch Mexican league matches, and I avoid most MLS airings. Seattle is a different story.

well that was what I was watching. Mexican soccer. So I should watch Seattle? what league is that and when is it on?

[TXDean23]

I disagree. In football ('merican) there is a role for people of every size and shape. In soccer, how many different body sizes/shapes do you see? Basically one. Yes, anyone can PLAY but not everyone can be competitive.

Last night, I watched a 5'5" guy make two of the biggest plays in an NFL football game. Another guy who was just 5'8" made even more.

Again, I played soccer (very competitively, but I don't know how you play "select" soccer for 16 years. ha, ha) from the age of 5 until semi-pro adult indoor and outdoor leagues at 17. Fun game to play, but I realize now that I would have had a college scholarship in any other sport.

John

My apologies, it was supposed to say 13- not 16. I began playing soccer at 4 and tried out for my first select team when I was 6 years old, club was United in the Houston area at the time. They have since merged with a few other organizations including Alliance, an independent select club named Club America, Texas Heat and Quest- I believe, and I am not sure what their name is anymore. I played with them until the age of 13 when I switched to the Houstonians until 17 and spent my last two years of "Premier Division 1" soccer with the Houston Rush based out of the Woodlands. After that I went to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville (which I generalized into my *13* years of "select" soccer) until I tore my MCL and my ACL and couldn't play anymore (it wasn't my first knee injury). Didn't mean to confuse you or make a joke there (judging from your "ha, ha") just mis-typed.

[deer99hunter]

Stan, go watch the Houston Dynamo MLS team play a home game. It is a game that can be better appreciated when watched live.

[TXDean23]

well that was what I was watching. Mexican soccer. So I should watch Seattle? what league is that and when is it on?

Seattle Sounders are MLS and they have one of the top two fanbases in the country along with Portland. They have a game against the LA Galaxy on ESPN this Sunday. It should turn out to be a VERY good game. Plus, it is a home game for Seattle and their fans are just as loyal and loud as the Seahawks when they have a home game.

Also, deer99hunter is right. Live is a whole new experience. the Texan Army really get into the home games and it's pretty cool to be there experiencing a good, live game.

[Man]

I watch it and wait for the announcer to start getting excited and then I get excited. Seems like once the ball gets within anyones 30yrd line I am supposed to be excited.

[elkbowhunter]

Stan, go watch the Houston Dynamo MLS team play a home game. It is a game that can be better appreciated when watched live.

I need to do that. That away I can see a live game. Which is a good game to go to?

[westtexducks]

My main problem with soccer is the endless cycle of absolutely nothing going on. They may score 1 pt per team in an hour and a half of play, much like hockey, but with hockey you get to see fights or people getting checked into walls. Then the horrible acting by every soccer game I have ever watched is just plain ridiculous, sure it happens in real football also but after a little bit with no flag they move on, a soccer player will roll around on the ground for 2 minutes after barely being touched by a player and some will just fall as if hit by a sniper when they were in fact never even touched. And yes I have tried to watch the game several times have relatives that watch it, I just can't get over the horrible acting by the players, they need to require them to taking a drama/acting class before they can play.

[deer99hunter]

I need to do that. That away I can see a live game. Which is a good game to go to?

I usually get free tickets for the Houston Dynamo / LA Galaxy match. If I do you can go with me. That's usually a very good game !

[Cable]

I still play soccer in a competitive men's league on Wednesdays. It is the purest sport there is. Fewer rules than any other sport. Put the ball in the goal, don't use your hands. If you kick the crap outta someone then it's a foul.

I like our version of football just as much, same with baseball and basketball. But it's really not a hard sport to understand.

[Mike D]

I don't get the fascination with soccer either. No doubt it requires a lot of talent and skill but its just boring to me.

I'm glad my daughters played softball growing up.

[Matador]

What you deem as inappropriate others call positive tradition.

Part of the allure of NASCAR, pro football, soccer, baseball and any other stadium sport is the very real attraction of people watching. Soccer is the number one most viewed sport on the planet with over 3.5 billion viewers. All you have to do to appreciate it is to immerse yourself.

I appreciate the art in that photo! Shows that she is in to it. Nothing wrong with it unless you have dirty impure thoughts in your head! But then that is your issue

[elkbowhunter]

I usually get free tickets for the Houston Dynamo / LA Galaxy match. If I do you can go with me. That's usually a very good game !

nice! that just might be fun. when is that game?

[deer99hunter]

nice! that just might be fun. when is that game?

I'll check the schedule later. I can explain a bit of the game to you as they are playing.

[DNTRanch]

What drives me crazy with soccer is that it can end in a tie What a waste of time running back and forth and then just say Hey, NO winner!!!!!