NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
I’m a futbol/soccer snob and not ashamed to say it, I blame my parents who had me watching clubs like Inter Milan, Manchester United ,and Sporting Lisbon to name a few. I haven’t missed a World Cup since 1990 so excuse me if back in 1993 when the MLS launched I didn’t pay it any mind at all and figured it would be done in a year or two. You see in America no one really showed any love for soccer so what would make this league any different plus what talent did we have? Ronaldo, Messi, and Harry Kane types didn’t play the game in the states I wasn’t going to waste my time and miss the REAL futbol being played in Europe. My own hometown team DC United won multiple MLS Cups and I didn’t blink still felt it was a countdown to the end of it all so why even get involved in it? Well while I was hating something was happening the league was not going anywhere and the jokes me and my friends had about the little league that could got old.
Major League Soccer is set to start its 29th season. And all signs point to this being THE year for numerous reasons let’s talk about them:
The Apple TV Deal:
This has the potential to be MAJOR to be able to watch your favorite team anywhere worldwide, MLS shows that focus on the league and not just a 30-second ESPN highlight. A lot of people have a favorite team that’s not in their market and they can’t if it’s on the national broadcast. No more blackouts praise the Lord! And to be able to get to know the PLAYERS better is huge for marketing and off-the-field opportunities. Who is the best player on Inter Miami? Let’s get to know his story. Things that make the other professional leagues dope.
The World Cup Bounce:
Qatar 2022 had people up at 5 am to see games and filling bars rocking their national colors and enjoying the action. It can’t just be ME who wants that excitement back. MLS can use this new passion to its advantage by showcasing its league to new soccer fans and us old heads who only now see the light. If the product is solid the fans new and old will come and support it while bringing new eyes along with them.
Improved Play:
The days of this league being a place where old stars of Europe come to die and make a few million is over. Young up-and-coming US players as well as international players are finding a home in the MLS and things are just getting started. No, we are not at the level of EPL academies but the talent is bubbling, and exciting times are on deck. With improved revenue salaries are no longer something other clubs laugh at behind closed doors.
Gameday Atmosphere:
10 teams and counting play in soccer-specific stadiums and they all have their own type of charm and unique chats and traditions all of which are staples of the European soccer fan’s experience. The stories shared from generation to generation are what build loyalty and long-lasting fans. Even weekday games are selling out and the amount of fan-created clubs is through the roof you can’t tell an LAFC game from a Manchester United game if you just walk into the stadium. Maybe that’s a bit over the top but you get what I’m saying.
And all those reasons and more I am ALL IN of MLS 2023. My Apple TV package is paid for, I will sign up for a fantasy league and look forward to getting to know the clubs and player’s without a jaded eye. I suggest you grab some tickets to your local team and go check out a game or two or scoop up the MLS package. If a stuck-up euro fan can enjoy it and be this excited so can you. See you at a stadium soon!
