To put this in perspective, the final 5 friendly matches for the 1998 USWNT played in the US averaged over 19,000 fans per game (http://homepages.sover.net/~spectrum/usawomen.html). Compare 1998 to the last 5 matches played this year in the US which averaged around 6,500. This staggering drop off in attendance should be cause for concern.
The US Women’s National Soccer team was facing China in an international friendly match as it prepares for the upcoming 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. With the memory of the strong run by the US Men’s National team still somewhat fresh in the minds of American soccer fans how is it that only 2,505 fans would show up to support this team. Is it simply another example of the lack of respect and support for women’s sports in our country and by our media? Yes the game was broadcast on T.V. by ESPN 2 but I can guarantee the producers and sponsors took notice of the empty seats throughout PPL Park throughout the airing.
While the WPS is attempting to save its league and hopes to outlast its predecessor, the WUSA, it surely was not a positive sign that so few people were interested in the USWNT televised game featuring many WPS premier players and marquee names. The women’s national team roster vs. China included 18 players, all but one of them current WPS players. The lone college player on the roster, Alex Morgan (CAL) scored the only goal for the US to salvage a tie and keep the teams 48 game unbeaten streak alive. The bulk of the roster includes some of the best in the world like veterans Abby Wambach (142 caps, 109 goals), the ageless Kristine Lilly (349c, 130g), Lindsay Tarpley (120c, 30g), as well as young stars Morgan, Amy Rodriguez, Yael Averbuch, and Lauren Chaney.
U.S. forward ABBY WAMBACH
On the performance and result:
We are all so used to playing at a certain level and I think today was a bit about competition. We’re all coming off a long WPS season and we’re on different pages. It makes sense, it’s not something to worry about because we’ll fix it. At the end of the day it’s great that we competed to get that goal, the equalizer. I’m really excited for Alex – it’s her first goal in her third cap. She’s going to do really well for this team in the future. It’s a big time goal for her to come in with off the bench.
Though the women did not have their best showing they were able to fight from behind which they rarely must do to come out with the tie.
U.S. head coach PIA SUNDHAGE
On coming from behind to get the tie:
There’s something to be said about that last 15 minutes. If you look at Yael Averbuch and Alex Morgan, they came in and changed the game quite a bit. We changed the formation a little bit at the same time. I’m very happy about the lessons we learned today.
The lack of support for the best women’s soccer team in the world in its last game on home turf before heading to the Women’s World Cup is not only embarrassing as a fan of soccer but also as an American sports fan. Since when did Americans stop recognizing winners? Could it really be that American sports fans and media outlets still have not realized the importance of supporting women’s sports?
Even though ESPN 2 covered the game the video highlights of the match were nowhere to be found on the ESPN website. The casual sports fan browsing ESPN.com on October 7th would most likely not have even known the game was played the night before.
For those of you who believe the lack of support is not gender related, the attendance figures for the upcoming USMNT friendlies against Poland (Oct. 9, Chicago) and Columbia (Oct. 12, Philadelphia) will provide the answer.
Thanks for writing, it really is such a disappointment especially when I have a daughter who is an athlete and wants to play pro someday. I can only hope that women will eventually get the respect they deserve and that all the hard work, dedication, and training will pay off.
ReplyDeleteHello, everyone. I agree with the discussion here. The U.S. is like many other countries when it comes to female sports; they want ladies in outfits that show more skin than a two-piece swimsuit and it's very frustrating! US fans, support your women's team, dad gum it!
ReplyDeleteWe were at the game and also disappointed and suprised by the attendance. We are season Freedom season ticket holders, go to the Freedom games when we play Philly, and have been to Red Stars games a few times when visiting in Chicago.We have traveled along the east coast in the past to see the WNT play in the USA, and would happily go again.Our budget does not permit traveling abroad,although we would like to be able to do so. We have managed to get a few friends to join us,and are trying to spread the word about womens soccer. Lots of folks don't even know the WPS exists. I hope the world cup games next summer bring lots of needed publicity for the WNT and the WPS.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could travel to as many games as you have. It's great that you do. Maybe some of the US Soccer supporter groups like American Outlaws and Sams Army will start to put more focus on the USWNT as the 2011 Women's World Cup approaches.
ReplyDeleteIf the FIFA #1 team in the world can not get support from its own country then what hope will the WPS have?
I'm saddened to hear that this talented team didn't receive the support it deserved. With each passing day, soccer grows in popularity in American households and while parents support their school aged children in the sport they fail to support the professionals. How can we increase the exposure and the excitement? Does it take a major corporation such as Nike or Coke. Of course media attention from networks such as ESPN would help. Can Fifa "demand" this type of attention?
ReplyDeleteI try to support women in any way I can but I honestly don't watch any sports at all. Well, that's not entirely true - I love ice skating and gymnastics. That's a start I guess. I did raise a daughter who used to play sports and watches all the major games. Hopefully, articles like yours will help build awareness of women's soccer. So.... keep up the good work! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris,
ReplyDeleteThe situation you described happens in other countries as well. Even when the teams are world champions the coverage is small. Not sure why except it could come down to number of viewers and therefore sponsorhip or advertising dollars the programs can attract.
When my son played soccer in high school the girls and boys had about the same number of supporters. There was a big difference in the boys basketball vs. girls basketball. We should start at the high school level giving support to our athletes.
ReplyDelete@on the ball parent coach
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing is that NIKE does sponsor the womens team.
@KeepUpWeb
thanks and maybe next time you come accross a womens game on TV you will check it out.
@Susan Oakes
You are spot on, the advertising revenue is just not there, how can that be changed though. I am sure there is a brilliant marketing company that could help.
@Julia M Lindsey
I think at the HS level the most focus is put on Football at almost every school. Parents are the first "Fans" to reach out to and ask to be in attendance at games supporting these players.
The lack of fans at the U.S.-China match had a lot more to do with scheduling logistics than lack of interest in the USWNT. It was one of five games played at PPL Park over 15 days, and that included sold out Union matches vs. the LA Galaxy & New York Red Bulls and the USMNT-Colombia match. As a result, even the USMNT drew their smallest crowd in years.
ReplyDeleteSee http://www.phillysoccerpage.net/2010/10/13/why-did-so-few-fans-come-to-u-s-colombia/ for more explanation.
@Dan:
ReplyDeleteI found that article and appreciated the perspectives and left my comment previously.
"October 14, 2010 at 10:00 am
All valid points. Why is it that US Soccer, specifically Sunil Gulati was unable to foreshadow these issues?
Maybe the focus of change within US Soccer needs to be removing Gulati from his post. It is time for a president with a quality background within soccer and the tools and personality to take US Soccer to the next level."