Do Not Let Soccer Fade Away into Oblivion

The morning headlines summarize what most Americans are feeling in the wake of the disappointing loss to Japan for our beloved USWNT:

• U.S. stunned by heartbreaking loss to Japan in Women's World Cup final
• Japan shocks U.S., wins World Cup
• Missed chances, shoddy defense dooms U.S.

The list of attention grabbing headlines goes on and on. Even though a U.S. win in the Women's World Cup would surely have produced more positive growth for WPS and soccer in general here in America the battle continues.

For those of us who dream of the day when soccer is not an afterthought or regarded as a substandard sport behind the "Major Four" (i.e. Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey) we must face the reality that our battle goes on.

True soccer fans in America must take responsibility to grow our sport by any means available and there are plenty available. Take for instance the creative yet simple idea behind The Free Beer Movement which encourages fans to "share our passion for the game with, and to educate, not-yet-converted, but willing, friends, family, and colleagues in exchange for a beer here and there".

There are many other ways to support soccer as well but the point is to simply do something, anything and since this is a capitalist society the most effective way to be heard is to put your money where your mouth is. Buy tickets to soccer games, purchase your favorite teams apparel as gifts for friends and family, watch soccer on T.V., play soccer, contact celebrity television hosts (Ellen DeGeneres maybe?) and tell them you want to see soccer starts on their shows, and quite possibly the most overlooked way to get heard = call your local sports talk radio shows and demand that they talk about soccer.

The formula is easy, supply and demand. Demand soccer and big businesses will supply it as long as they are making money. Mope around and complain about how soccer may never get respect or how you can't find the games on T.V. or that your favorite sports radio host does not talk soccer and you are doing nothing to benefit the cause.

Soccer is the biggest sport in the WORLD, now we need to speak up instead of sulk and make it the biggest sport in America. Why settle for 5th best? It's within your power and it is simply up to YOU!