I have no problem if some Americans don't like soccer. It's perfectly reasonable why some don't. Sports fans here (and abroad) like to watch the best and the best soccer - especially at the club level - is not played in North America. It's a fact (the extent of flopping is a tad ridiculous as well). On the other hand, the access to and following of full BPL matches that America now enjoys illustrates the fervor that soccer can generate in the US. Even with the BPL, I think it it's harder here because fanbases are made up of locals and it's tough to follow a particular team playing their games 3,000-6,000 miles away, at a minimum. MLS is merely 18 years old, which is roughly 80 years (or more) younger than many European leagues (let alone the top ones), the following is better, and the players are paid much better. The MLS is made up of the equivalent to Quad-A baseball players.
Secondly, talking heads don't talk about soccer unless the US is in the World Cup or they upset Spain and makes the final of another top tournament (i.e. the Confederation Cup). Therefore, talking heads don't understand/know how to talk about soccer during the other 48 weeks of the year.
I listen to WEEI out of Boston every single day (It's the only sports talk radio I can get on my entire ride to / from work). The Revolution barely get a passing mention on most days. It is the same in New York City (Francesa doesn't know if a player can use both legs to kick). These are the most popular radio shows in 2 of the top 6 (including the largest) media markets in the country. I understand the chicken and egg argument. A show won't incorporate soccer segments if they can't ensure ratings and their audience really isn't clamoring for it. But are audiences really clamoring for golf? If a sports fan isn't a golfer, it is excruciating to watch. Before I got into the sport (activity, really), if I put on golf, and I was asleep in 12 minutes. Yet, not only is golf not mocked, it is celebrated. Denis & Callahan devote at least one segment per day for a week leading up to the British Open. The best they could say about the match vs. Ghana is that they didn't change the channel. Soccer is a better spectator sport, has more action, is more fluid, has a better world-wide following, and yet people who have just over zero knowledge of the game make fun of those who do.
At the end of the day, the mocking (on both sides) is my biggest issue. If you don't like or understand a sport? Fine. Thread topic are typically clearly marked. You are not forced to click or comment. Just recognize that soccer has a substantial following in this country.
