S.occer is experiencing another baby boom in the US. The first wave of popularity began in his late 1970s, Franz Beckenbauer When Pele and new york cosmos When Johan Cruyff and los angeles aztec When Washington diplomat at NASL.
The second wave was the 1994 World Cup, which was hosted by the United States and two years later, the creation of the Major League Soccer (MLS) league.An iconic generation led by Tony Meola, Alexi Larras, Tab Ramos, Eric Wynalda, Cobi Jones, Claudio Reina, John Harks It generated a great foundation to build on.
of USMNT The record ended in 2018 with seven consecutive World Cup appearances. Now, with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, the country is on the mend again. Only the Netherlands can now match their best ever World Cup results when they qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup in Korea and 2002 in Japan.
“We’ve been experiencing a boom in recent years.” Charlotte FC manager Miguel Angel Ramirez told MARCA.
“In the past, boys played basketball and American football, and girls played soccer.
“Everything has changed. Many foreigners have been given college scholarships, the level of local players has risen, schools have sprung up across the country. Many MLS clubs, Philadelphia Union Also Austin, has made very strong investments in grassroots football. ”
In fact many people think Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Sergino DestWhen Tyler Adams To be the best generation of American players in terms of natural talent.
“The level has risen and many young players have been able to go abroad.” Ramirez Continue.
“The secret of this national team is that many players play for the big teams in Europe, which was unthinkable before.”
belief that Carles Gilcurrently signed Spanish player new england revolution Strengthen.
“At first, I turned down the MLS offer because the concept at the time was a low-level league,” Gill said.
“The league has changed a lot. A few years ago, the Legends David Villa, Andrea Pirlo When Zlatan Ibrahimovic Used to make a big impact. Now they are signing more intelligently. Top players are still coming in, but the number one priority is signing young talent.”
GillVoted in the MLS’ MVP 2021 highlights the intensity of ‘football’.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play in the Premier League and the pace of the game is pretty similar to MLS.” Gill continued.
“It’s a very physical back-and-forth game with most teams pressing on the pitch.”
Ramirez It also highlights the physical prowess of the American player, who states that strength makes up for what he lacks in sheer talent and tactics.
“MLS is inferior to South America in terms of quality and tactics, but closer to Europe in terms of intensity, rhythm and aggressiveness.” Ramirez said.
“Players are athletes. Physical preparation in the United States has a lot of military implications, a lot of discipline and sacrifice. Having an athlete profile is the first filter to get to elite football. If you don’t have one, you are considered unfit to compete.”
However, one aspect that may be holding back MLS is the expectation that fans will be entertained. Ramirez highlight.
“Attack, attack, attack… a bit like the NBA.” Ramirez add.
“Showmanship is rewarding and it ‘sticks’ with the players. They want him to win 8-7 rather than 2-0. ”