ESPN and Soccer

Until we, who love futbal, have an advocate at the top of the TV hierarchy, nothing will change. The reason I've always said is that "you can't appreciate or respect what you don't understand." It's unfortunate but that's the reality of our situation. The question is "What can the futbal community as a whole do to change this perception?" I'd love to hear Sunil's response to that question, what's yours.......

 

It's all well and good to say 'someone needs to do something', but dont look to some magic plan to do so.

And you need to look at history before you throw rocks at ESPN, and the Mother Ship. ABC has bet and lost millions on promoting soccer and they are still at it. What more do you want from them?

As to the league and USSF; there's plenty of room for criticism, but I dont think it's solving the problem by carping on the current state of affairs.

Is it not in ABC, MLS, USSF and Fox's interest for knowledge of the game and viewership to increase?

Since you ask, the FIRST thing the soccer community could do to increase the status of soccer in the US is to go to and watch their local teams!!!!!

Saying you'll support them 'once they are up to international standards' does nothing to help.

 

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Point taken, and thanks to ABC/ESPN for all they have done to this point. We did just sell-out all the NCAA Soccer Playoff matches here in Cary. Oops, sore subject...sorry

 

Oooops! Sorry.

I first said there was 'no magic fix' and then I described what it was.
If everyone professing a strong interest in Euro-soccer, attended 8 of their local team's home games, there would be sure or near sellouts.

If everyone who has followed their kids through youth, HS and College soccer and loved watching it, attended one game a season... If everyone who played and loved playing attended TWO games a season...
Once tickets to any event become a valued commodity, interest in them INCREASES, not the opposite.

Sellouts bring money.. and MOST clubs would love to raise ticket prices, they cant do that without DEMAND for them and that means they have to put a decent product on the field. Sure there are exceptions but it holds true for the most part.

That said, I dont have the slightest effing clue why San Jose got their franchise back.

 

Very well said, and when we go we should make sure and take a friend or three. I'm not sure I've ever heard a grass-roots solution to this dilemna stated so succintly. I wish every futbal fan could hear and take to heart your last post. Thanks