A couple weeks ago, the first kick off of the 2011 season of Major League Soccer took place. It marked at new start to a league that is growing with every year in both size and popularity. Can the MLS ever really compete with the other leagues in the world, or even gain mass popularity in the United States?
To answer the first question, we need to look at other leagues around the world. As we have discussed before, there are obviously elite football leagues, with the Barclay’s Premier League at the top. Not every league can be an elite league; there just aren’t that many elite players. Even thought this is true, the lower leagues are still worth watching. The reason for that, I feel, is that these leagues are local. Many people believe that in order to be a true fan of a team, you have to be from the place where they are located. Even though this is something that I don’t personally believe, the argument does add something. Being a fan of DC United would be much easier than being a Manchester United fan, but I don’t feel a connection to DC. Even though they are the closest MLS team to me, I don’t feel a drive to actually go to a game. My main reason is that I don’t find the MLS extremely entertaining.
Due to this fact, I don’t feel that with its current structure that the MLS can be competitive on the world stage. Even though Real Salt Lake is currently playing in the semi-finals of the CONACAF Champion’s League, they still don’t draw as many elite players as other leagues. One thing that can be said about the MLS though is that their fans are diehard. There has been a large amount of talk recently about how crazy fans of the A-League in Australia are, but I feel they don’t have anything on some MLS clubs. The Seattle Sounders are an excellent example of this and seem to be leading the charge along with LA Galaxy to popularize the sport.
The MLS is growing, but it still can’t touch the Premier League in audience size or quality. One day perhaps it will become a mainstream sport, but at the moment in America it seems that “soccer” is still stuck on the outskirts.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
How Much is Too Much?
Does a man deserve to get paid $405,000 a week to kick a ball into a large metal rectangle? The median income in 2009 for the United States one of, if not the, most wealthy countries on earth was $49,777 a year (Info from US Census). How could a group justify paying someone so much for professionally taking part in a recreational activity like soccer?
The argument can, will, and does go on and on as people on both sides wrestle over player salaries. The discussion itself doesn’t really get to the true issue of the matter and doesn’t really achieve anything. The problem that is beginning to present itself in the world of football is the financial collapse. Much like AIG and many of the other companies that found themselves ready to collapse due to poor financial management, football seems to be taking a turn for the worse.
At the center of the problem is the football club’s greatest asset and expenindature, the footballer himself. The salary noted above belongs to no other than the great Wayne Rooney. Rooney penned the new deal after talks of perhaps looking to leave Old Trafford. The salaries and transfer fees for players continue to climb higher and higher, and with rapid speed. Our current Premier League season has seen the move by Chelsea for Fernando Torres for 50 million pounds. Later that same month Andy Carroll broke the transfer record for an Englishman when he was purchased by Liverpool for 35 million pounds. Is this kind of spending sustainable?
The answer is no. Football clubs are spending too much money and without thought of the long term effects of their decisions. The fact of poor financial management has even been seen by UFEA who passed new rules over who can compete in the International Club competition based on the financial standing of their clubs. Running up massive debts to pay more and more money for and to these superstars does not make sense. At a certain point the spending needs to slow down. The amount of money being spent of players is too much and it is causing the game harm. The reason why the Premier League is the best is because it is the most competitive. If the current trend continues the best team will simply be the team with the largest amount of money (aka Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool). One day the question has to be answered, how much is too much?
The argument can, will, and does go on and on as people on both sides wrestle over player salaries. The discussion itself doesn’t really get to the true issue of the matter and doesn’t really achieve anything. The problem that is beginning to present itself in the world of football is the financial collapse. Much like AIG and many of the other companies that found themselves ready to collapse due to poor financial management, football seems to be taking a turn for the worse.
At the center of the problem is the football club’s greatest asset and expenindature, the footballer himself. The salary noted above belongs to no other than the great Wayne Rooney. Rooney penned the new deal after talks of perhaps looking to leave Old Trafford. The salaries and transfer fees for players continue to climb higher and higher, and with rapid speed. Our current Premier League season has seen the move by Chelsea for Fernando Torres for 50 million pounds. Later that same month Andy Carroll broke the transfer record for an Englishman when he was purchased by Liverpool for 35 million pounds. Is this kind of spending sustainable?
The answer is no. Football clubs are spending too much money and without thought of the long term effects of their decisions. The fact of poor financial management has even been seen by UFEA who passed new rules over who can compete in the International Club competition based on the financial standing of their clubs. Running up massive debts to pay more and more money for and to these superstars does not make sense. At a certain point the spending needs to slow down. The amount of money being spent of players is too much and it is causing the game harm. The reason why the Premier League is the best is because it is the most competitive. If the current trend continues the best team will simply be the team with the largest amount of money (aka Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool). One day the question has to be answered, how much is too much?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
You're Just a Bandwagon Fan
A very common conversation that I have heard go on more times than I can count goes something like this, (The teams used are examples):
“Who is your favorite baseball team?”
“The Yankees”
“Are you from New York?”
“No, I’m from Virginia.”
“You’re just a bandwagon fan! Why don’t you cheer for a team that is around you?”
“Because I don’t like them.”
Once again, this brings us back to the conversation of what makes someone a fan. I find that it is continually brought back to being from a location. I was out with some friends the other night wearing my Man United shirt, proudly supporting the FA Cup win over Arsenal, and was told I was just and bandwagon fan.
Why is it that when a team wins, or when you cheer for a really good team, you are automatically called a bandwagon fan? I have a theory; we equate being a fan with being miserable. Who are the fans that we love the most? The fans that are there for every game, win or lose, rain or shine. These fans are often found crying in their beers when their team blows a lead in a big game or is celebrating like he won the game himself when they achieve a come from behind victory. So why does it matter when you happen to cheer for a team that wins?
Another theory I have is that people assume you are picking a team because they win.
I think that idea is simply unfair. With a sport like football it gets even more touchy. Where is the best league? England, without a doubt the most competitive league in the world. Who should you cheer for when you aren’t from England? The team who you like to see play the most, or the team with the players you like. Maybe the team you get to watch the most. For me, it was Wayne Rooney. The bullish striker drew me to Manchester United and that is where my love affair began.
I cheer for United when they win or when they lose. I cheer through the awful games and shout at the TV during botched plays. I am a true fan. I know that in my heart why are you a better fan than me just because you cheer for a team that sucks. It is not my fault that your team cant put together wins, but don’t judge me for cheering for a squad that happens to be one of the most prestigious in the world.
Winning draws people in. Great teams have always had a mystique in sports and they always will. Love them, or hate them, great teams make the game better. So in closing Glory Glory Man United, and keep hating on the Red Devils, we will wave when we hoist the cup.
“Who is your favorite baseball team?”
“The Yankees”
“Are you from New York?”
“No, I’m from Virginia.”
“You’re just a bandwagon fan! Why don’t you cheer for a team that is around you?”
“Because I don’t like them.”
Once again, this brings us back to the conversation of what makes someone a fan. I find that it is continually brought back to being from a location. I was out with some friends the other night wearing my Man United shirt, proudly supporting the FA Cup win over Arsenal, and was told I was just and bandwagon fan.
Why is it that when a team wins, or when you cheer for a really good team, you are automatically called a bandwagon fan? I have a theory; we equate being a fan with being miserable. Who are the fans that we love the most? The fans that are there for every game, win or lose, rain or shine. These fans are often found crying in their beers when their team blows a lead in a big game or is celebrating like he won the game himself when they achieve a come from behind victory. So why does it matter when you happen to cheer for a team that wins?
Another theory I have is that people assume you are picking a team because they win.
I think that idea is simply unfair. With a sport like football it gets even more touchy. Where is the best league? England, without a doubt the most competitive league in the world. Who should you cheer for when you aren’t from England? The team who you like to see play the most, or the team with the players you like. Maybe the team you get to watch the most. For me, it was Wayne Rooney. The bullish striker drew me to Manchester United and that is where my love affair began.
I cheer for United when they win or when they lose. I cheer through the awful games and shout at the TV during botched plays. I am a true fan. I know that in my heart why are you a better fan than me just because you cheer for a team that sucks. It is not my fault that your team cant put together wins, but don’t judge me for cheering for a squad that happens to be one of the most prestigious in the world.
Winning draws people in. Great teams have always had a mystique in sports and they always will. Love them, or hate them, great teams make the game better. So in closing Glory Glory Man United, and keep hating on the Red Devils, we will wave when we hoist the cup.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My Town Is Better Than Your Town: On the Construction of Rivalries
The New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, The Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins, and Duke versus North Carolina are just some of the biggest rivalries that exist in the American sports world. While these rivalries are well known and often the reasons why they developed over time, how does truly understand a rivalry, when they were separated by 4000 miles of ocean?
Manchester United FC's generally accepted rivals are Liverpool FC, Leeds United AFC, and Manchester City FC. All of these rivalries have multiple reasons for their development. The most bitter of these rivalries is Liverpool FC. Both of Liverpool and Manchester United have enjoyed large amounts of success both domestically and in Europe. Their rivalry seems to have developed out of this competition to be the best team but it could also b said that the two cities have been in a competition culturally. Many of the chants that could be heard from the Manchester United stands portray the Liverpool supporters as stupid, poor, and criminals. How is a fan from across the pond supposed to build the true hatred of a rival when they don't really understand the geographical or cultural differences for themselves?
I was born and raised in Virginia, and since I have been watching football I have been a fan of the Red Devils. I hate Liverpool with every bone in my body. Watching the severe beating handed to Man United today was not a task that I took much enjoyment in. Even though this is true, I think this is the fundamental reason why rivalries are necessary in order to provide a bigger meaning to sports. great enemies build solidarity among fans. Through uniting against a common enemy it helps to provide more meaning to the sport and to help build a bigger community. So it makes sense why the general public seems to have a love affair with rivalries, because they help to make this team and the game that has become part of their life mean something even more.
One of the most famous lines in football is "More Than A Club," which is the slogan of Barcelona FC (Another one of the teams I cant stand). Aside from my displeasure for the team, they do have a point with their slogan. For many others, and me as well, the team you root for is not just a club to support, but also a gateway into a new sport and a new part of life. Sports give meaning to parts of peoples' lives and provide them with something bigger than themselves. These rivalries that exist inside these sports help to represent the obstacles and challenges that face us in our everyday lives.
With every loss to Liverpool, I will continue to have a strong distaste in my mouth. With every verse of "You'll Never Walk Alone" that I am forced to listen too I will continue in my struggle to not punch the TV. With no one to defend against, there is no reason for our castle, so bring on the Scousers and let us fight on. Until we meet again let it be known, I'd rather walk alone.
Manchester United FC's generally accepted rivals are Liverpool FC, Leeds United AFC, and Manchester City FC. All of these rivalries have multiple reasons for their development. The most bitter of these rivalries is Liverpool FC. Both of Liverpool and Manchester United have enjoyed large amounts of success both domestically and in Europe. Their rivalry seems to have developed out of this competition to be the best team but it could also b said that the two cities have been in a competition culturally. Many of the chants that could be heard from the Manchester United stands portray the Liverpool supporters as stupid, poor, and criminals. How is a fan from across the pond supposed to build the true hatred of a rival when they don't really understand the geographical or cultural differences for themselves?
I was born and raised in Virginia, and since I have been watching football I have been a fan of the Red Devils. I hate Liverpool with every bone in my body. Watching the severe beating handed to Man United today was not a task that I took much enjoyment in. Even though this is true, I think this is the fundamental reason why rivalries are necessary in order to provide a bigger meaning to sports. great enemies build solidarity among fans. Through uniting against a common enemy it helps to provide more meaning to the sport and to help build a bigger community. So it makes sense why the general public seems to have a love affair with rivalries, because they help to make this team and the game that has become part of their life mean something even more.
One of the most famous lines in football is "More Than A Club," which is the slogan of Barcelona FC (Another one of the teams I cant stand). Aside from my displeasure for the team, they do have a point with their slogan. For many others, and me as well, the team you root for is not just a club to support, but also a gateway into a new sport and a new part of life. Sports give meaning to parts of peoples' lives and provide them with something bigger than themselves. These rivalries that exist inside these sports help to represent the obstacles and challenges that face us in our everyday lives.
With every loss to Liverpool, I will continue to have a strong distaste in my mouth. With every verse of "You'll Never Walk Alone" that I am forced to listen too I will continue in my struggle to not punch the TV. With no one to defend against, there is no reason for our castle, so bring on the Scousers and let us fight on. Until we meet again let it be known, I'd rather walk alone.
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