A recent ESPN poll found that both the MLB and the MLS can now claim 18 percent of 12- to 17-year-olds as avid fans of their sport. This is the first time in the 20-year history of the ESPN Sports Poll that Major League Soccer has pulled even with Major League Baseball in a significant marker of popularity.
ESPN cites the availability of the English Premier League on television as a major influence on the increasing viewership of the MLS. Also, the popularity of EA Sports’ FIFA franchise has contributed to the popularity of soccer in America, according to Rich Luker, who conducted the poll at ESPN.
Still, there are many skeptics. However, maybe it’s time to give America’s soccer league a chance. Here are three reasons why this season of the MLS will be a good one to watch:
1. New crop of talent
MLS teams spent a lot of money during the winter and summer transfer windows to bring in new talent. Most notably, American midfielder Clint Dempsey has returned after seven years in the English Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham. Also from Tottenham, English international striker Jermaine Defoe will join Toronto. He scored an impressive 48 goals in his five years in the Premier League. Additionally, American international midfielder Michael Bradley returns after six successful years with Italian and German teams. The increasing willingness of MLS owners to spend money on the international market continues to improve the reputation and talent level in the league.
2. Strikers that know how to score
Many who complain about soccer talk about the abundance of boring, 0-0 games. But the MLS has a powerful group of strikers that know how to put the ball in the back of the net. This season, LA Galaxy striker Landon Donovan will likely become the all-time leading scorer in the MLS. Over his 13 year career, he has netted 134 goals and is currently tied for the record. Despite his age, 36-year old New York Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry is still one of the top strikers in the league. In his last three years, he has scored 41 goals and last year was elected to the MLS All-Star team. Up and coming striker Eddie Johnson, who was transferred to D.C. United this season, looks to build on an impressive last two seasons, when he scored 23 goals in 48 appearances.
3. D.C. United
Despite coming off the worst season in MLS history in which they only won three games, D.C. United has completely revamped their roster. The acquisition of younger players like Johnson and a whole new defense, including four players who have capped on the U.S. national team, has the squad looking stronger and more balanced than it has in years. Success this season could also encourage the D.C. Council’s decision to approve a brand-new, 24,000 seat soccer-specific stadium in the district. This would replace RFK, the 50-year old eyesore that has been their home since 1996.
