Relegated to Insignificance?

If it is not for the World Cup hype or Olympic drama every 4 years, MLS soccer news, or the acknowledgement of Americans playing soccer abroad, I think many of our oblivious compatriots would not even know how to spell "soccer." I know that through this forum, we collectively hope to enlighten this cohort, at least just a little bit. It does not mean they have to be as passionate as I am or we are, but at least APPRECIATE "The Beautiful Game," just like we appreciate other American "mainstream" sports. Although, our self-imposed challenge becomes more daunting in the face of a curious trend . . . the relegation threat of top flight teams with significant American contributors on their roster.

While we must endure the cyclical nature of the "soccer buzz" with the "seasonal" World Cup, Olympics, and MLS, Americans are playing soccer all year long around, especially around the globe. However, nobody would necessarily know that . . . except us, of course. Besides the blatant ignorance that plagues our beloved sport in America, there is something more disconcerting to me.

During the last 5 years or so, even the complete "soccer ignoramus" could recite the names: Landon Donovan, Clint Mathis, Tony Meola, etc. With the USA still reeling from its disappointment in Germany, it seems that we do not hear as much about our boys abroad anymore. The one "Posh Boy Toy" we are hearing about is David Beckham. Now, do not get me wrong, I respect Beckham, and I like what he is doing for THE LEAGUE. Yes, there is a "bigger picture" here, which I think a lot of people do ignore. It is not all about results on the pitch, but WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE FOR THE LEAGUE! Has anyone noticed the difference between the LA Galaxy pre-season and the rest of MLS? The LA Galaxy's pre-season has been TELEVISED (albeit at lousy times for North Americans) during Pan-Pacific and China tours.

This is a global game with a global player market. If the MLS wants to be considered "a player" in this global soccer market, then MLS must think and appeal globally, along with a worthy domestic complement. Do you think the EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, etc are comprised purely of English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish nationals on their club rosters?! C'mon!!

Admittedly, I am most familiar with the EPL, as it is granted comparatively superior exposure here in the USA on stations like Fox Soccer Channel. If you refer to the linked list of American players abroad, you will see the majority are in the English leagues, with a handful of them in the EPL. The Bundesliga is a close second. So, these two leagues are good examples for the point I am FINALLY going to explain . . .

According to the linked list of American soccer players abroad, a significant 62% (13) of the players in the English leagues are currently representing in the EPL. Of the teams currently in the EPL (arguably the most popular foreign top-flight soccer league), Bolton, Fulham, and Derby are currently in descending order of rank, occupying the 18th, 19th, and 20th spots respectively in the EPL table as of the date and time of this blog entry. These three teams comprise 6 of these 13 players (46%) abroad. Remember the ol' "80/20" cliche? Bristol City, Stoke, and Watford occupy the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd spots respectively in the Championship division, with only one American (Jay DeMerit) represented at Watford.

IF relegation and promotion were decided at this instant, according to the linked list, we would have a net loss of five (5) Americans from the EPL, resulting in a drop from 62% to 38%. If you apply the same logic to the Bundesliga, we begin with only 22% of all Americans in the German leagues playing in the Bundesliga. Immediate relegation and promotion in this league would not change anything as there are no Americans on the rosters for German clubs currently in danger of relegation.

What happens to the exposure of American talent in the aftermath of sharp declines in the numbers of Americans representing in the top flight leagues abroad? You think we have a recognition problem now?!?? If the players doing good things are not getting the exposure, then the fans doing bad things will (and unfortunately, are).


WCQ begins for South Africa this summer. Despite the disappointment in 2006, have we not progressed along the "talent curve" enough? Is MLS not pulling its weight in terms of generating talent in this country? This is just not good timing to be doubting our global competitiveness in soccer.

Please do not misinterpret me. I love and support our boys abroad. I really do. Like it or not, they are looked upon as our representatives in their respective top-flight leagues. Consequently, they have been conferred the responsibility of STAYING THERE to help enhance the image and credibility of US Soccer worldwide. It might not be written in their contract, but it is the "unwritten rule" that binds.


It is no secret that America represents the greatest market potential for FIFA and The Beautiful Game. However, how effectively can we cultivate the market with declining American representation in top-flight leagues abroad. I also respect those representing in the lower leagues abroad, but it comes down to media buzz and exposure, and those leagues just do not get it right now.

I cannot blame players for wanting to jump The Pond for a different perspective on the game or a better chance at marketing themselves and honing their craft. The upside of this is that no matter where they are playing abroad, they will bring the experience, work ethic, and skill to the US Soccer talent pool. Regardless of club status, I hope that is worth something as we try to redeem our reputation a little in South Africa. As of this posting, the USA is a respectable 26th in the new FIFA rankings . . . yet Mexico is 16???? How does that work?! :-)


Food for thought . . . GO USA!!


TBY

PS

Do not forget to follow the U23s as qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing will come down to their match against Honduras at 7:00 PM EST on Fox Soccer Channel tomorrow (Saturday), March 15!! We must represent this summer!!!