Millsport Blog

A year later, buzz around Beckham fades

I see where the "Beckham Buzz" has quieted some.  Not exactly surprising.  Professional soccer has never been at the forefront in America and an aging, oft-injured player who (at this point in his career) is more flash than substance wasn't the right person to take it to the next level.

He certainly hasn't hurt the MLS.  Clearly, there are people who've heard of the league and, perhaps, even attended a game or two thanks to Becks.

But, despite what the British tabloids write, it's going to take something or someone bigger from within the U.S. to make soccer a premier sport in the States. Eventually, many of these kids who start their athletic lives on soccer fields will be able to make some noise in international play.  Building your own soccer stars is a better bet than borrowing someone's leftovers. -- DD

ESPN sees opportunity with soccer

You may have seen where ESPN has expanded its soccer coverage and will broadcast 31 games of the European Championship this month.  The growth of the Hispanic population in the U.S. will lead to a sustained increase in the appeal for soccer (futbol).  For now, the quality of European League -- and the passion of its fans -- makes its games more interesting to the emerging U.S. soccer fan base.  [BTW, the recent Manchester United v Chelsea match was outstanding theater for U.S. soccer aficionados.] -- MW