I remember this question being bantied about before the WC. I think we have just been witness to a real sea change in soccer in the US. With MLS' ability to develop players to compete in the WC, with Arena constantly plugging MLS (over college) and the USMNT success we are seeing most of America's best talent staying put. Not only are the established young guys (Donovan, Mathis, Beasley) staying here and some established old guys coming back (Stewart, Hejduk, Moore), but the next generation is getting to MLS sooner rather than later. The Project 40 signings today are quite something. Rather than playing in college (where they won't develop as well), or going to Europe (where the general soccer public won't hear about them), we are going to get to watch them develop right here. Maybe it's just late and I am tired, but I think that this is huge news for soccer in America.
you will be able to tell when the US has made it when they reach the final or win a large international tournament (could be Confeds Cup but i doubt it) or when you start seeing a lot of ppl in other countries wearing the national jerseys. i was about to say when there is one superstar and every1 is wearing his jersey but look at Shevchenko and the Ukraine-lol.
You will know US Soccer has made it when you walk into a truck stop in Texas and you switch the channel on the TV from a college football game to an MLS game and itstead of getting killed a couple of truckers turn to you and say.. "Thanks! We didn't know the Wizards were on."..
I think we've already made it. Seriously, what would truly surprise you at this point other than making the finals of, or winning, the World Cup, or having a US player named FIFA's Player of the Year? Everything else is in play TODAY.
When an American not only is signed by Real Madrid, Internazionale, Milan, or Manchester United, but is a first selection starter for one of these teams. When Alex Fergerson makes the starting eleven sheet for Premiership/Champions League games and the American is an automatic choice without hesitation along side Becks, Veron, and Ferdinad. Also what a previous poster said, when I visit London or Munich or even D.F. (Mexico City) and see people wearing a Landon Donovan jersey or some other future star (Freddy Adu?).
There is clearly room for our players to gain additional international exposure and prestige, but in terms of the national team, I think it's fair to say we've made it. We made it as far as England in the year's cup, and I think England was probably quite pleased with its performance. There will no doubt be disappointing performances by the USMNT in the future, but we've proved we have the necessary talent to compete at the highest level. John O'Brien's goal vs. Portugal marked the beginning of a new era.
Honestly, it's when we don't have to ask this question anymore. Let me elaborate just so you don't think I'm being a dick Looking at every other sport aside from Football and Baseball, it wouldn't seem relevant to ask the question to the sports that have made it. Basketball, Hockey, Golf and Nascar are all very much fixtures in American sports. This is an interesting question because in no other sport is international competition as important as it is in soccer. Thus, you have the split of when the US team makes it, and when MLS makes it. The answer to this question is by nature retrospective, as longevity is a part of making it. When the time arrives, here are some indicators that are likely present: US --The team never plays the underdog role again --Euro teams come asking MLS for players --We have an actual home field advantage in the majority of cities --Continued success in tournaments MLS --Non diehard fans can easily name 5-10 players in the league --The final playoff/game brings increased attention from the media and fans --More hype for games (pre-game show, post game analysis, articles more than just capsule) Think something like an MLS2Night type of show --Merchandise is seen on the streets on a regular basis, and puts an end to the "MLS Jersey on TV show" threads There are some others that I'm probably missing as well, but this is just off the top of my head. As has been stated many times before, there will be no one single turning point or event that leads to soccer's eventual success. It must be a series of positive moments that, in time, lead to making it.
Winning the World Cup by itself would not mean that US soccer fully made it. It would only mean that the US made it on the pitch. To make it completely, two other things would have to occur outside the pitch. One would be a real presence in the US media throughout the year. The other would be a financially successful domestic league system including minor leagues.
I believe red card is referring to cultural acceptance of the game.. however, I believe the usa would need to culturally accept the game before ever winning the big prize. winning it is far more difficult than imaginable just ask the dutch
The original question is an amorphous one which seems to recede the better things get. I like looking at where we are and what I hope happens next. On that note I'd like to see the following three things happen: Have MLS average 20,000 fans a game. Have 5 American starters in both the Premiership AND the 1 Bund. Have MLS win the champions cup three years running. I don't think any of those are ridiculous dreams and I think they would each serve as undeniable signposts of progress.
when we see the picture of Reyna&friends holding up the WC throphy on sport illustrated, soccer America covers and news papers in the country.
You will know US Soccer has made it when you walk into a truck stop in Texas and you switch the channel on the TV from a college football game to an MLS game and instead of getting killed, a couple of truckers turn to you and say.. "Thanks! We didn't know the Burn were on and now play at Reliant Stadium."..
When you see 3 kids shooting penalty shots in a small vacant lot during a baseball world series game.
To modify Alexi Lalas' line slightly... When we beat a big name team in a major competition and their coach remains employed. Are we there yet?
Having a big name star DOES NOT garantee that your country has "made it" look at Lundburg for Arsenal does his inclusion in the starting 11 mean that Sweden is a major international power? I can name many examples like this throughout the world, as has been said before, when we we don't have to ask if we have made it then we will have made it.
When we have center backs who can contribute to the offense by passing the ball. When we have left backs who can contribute to the offense instead of being skill-less hacks(Hejduk). When we can rely less on our 'athleticism' and out-skill opponents. When our players reach a certain skill level that it allows us to abandon our current style of 'Germany lite'. When I can watch MLS highlights on Sportscenter. When ALL MLS players have a good first touch and decent passing skills. When we have reserve teams for youth players. When youth soccer coaches emphasize skill development over kick and chase 'my kid's faster than yours' crap soccer. "Yeah, but your kid has the skill of a donkey." When our kids get out there every day with the ball and play pick up games. By 2006 a lot of these comments will go from fantasy to reality. Some of it is already a reality.
is this question referring to when we say we are, or the world says we have........cause if its up to the world outside of CONCACAF......... when the dutch stop wearing orange...... when the English accept they have bad teeth....... when Mexico-USA games dont have a 10:1 ratio of Mexican to USA fans......(except when played north of the mason-dixon line) when we dont say we outplayed someone and actually beat them..... when eric wynalda isnt doing ABC studio analysis when yugoslavia reunites and for most around the world.......when hell freezes over, cause then what do other countries excel at, Rugby and Cricket? Nasty business really
That is a very good point. The athleticism point is so overrated. When did any team win a World Cup mainly because it had the "superior" raw athletes? It has never happened and never will simply because athleticism isn't what separates teams at the top. Ballskill, mental strength and tactics/organization do.