From NRO:
I’ve seen the future of hockey, and it is soccer. At least that thought flickered through my mind last night, attending my first MLS game, in which the NY-NJ Metrostars sadly defeated the DC United at RFK Stadium, 2-1. The attendance was 18,751. The night before, at the Washington Capitals’ second hockey game of the season, a measly 13,021 spectators paid for admission.
The MLS is, admittedly, a minor league on the world stage. Even their all-star team wouldn’t stand a chance against juggernauts like Milan, Juve or Chelsea. Nor is the sport anywhere nearly as interesting on television as the NFL – despite the commentators being much, much better – but it is deservedly becoming more popular.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the USA repeated its strong run in the next World Cup, as what the American team gives up in pure technical ability it makes up in tactical superiority and sheer athleticism. Traditional powerhouses such as Italy, France and the Netherlands have looked atrocious in qualifying and there’s a reasonable shot that the USA could make it through to the semifinals if they can avoid injuries and play to their potential.
Continued success on the world stage may or may not boost soccer’s popularity in the USA, but regardless, the sport will continue to be a much more interesting spectator sport than hockey, baseball or basketball.