Why don't I (we) care more about soccer?

[Big Zips Fan (220lb)]

I know this is the football forum. But the U of A soccer program has done something that realistically the U of A football program may never do; field a nationally top-ranked team.My question is, why don't I care more? Why am I not more excited? I am happy to see the success. I would love to see a Zips NCAA title. Heck, the ABJ can even write up a review of the MAC title game in such a way as to make soccer seem both manly and interesting. ABJ Zip Soccer Write-upStill, I know that I wouldn't feel as saddened by a soccer team loss, even with NCAA tournament implications, as I would by a football team loss whose only implication is winning the MAC east division. Why?What's the deal? People in Europe, and elsewhere in the world, completely go nuts and embarrass themselves as soccer fans. Here in the US, despite half a dozen sports channels, nationally ranked soccer teams can't even get on the boob tube.Congratulations to the Zips soccer team. Any thoughts?

[tbozeglav]

football is the money king. No other sport in our country brings in the revenue that football does, especially college football.Don't get me wrong, I love Akron's soccer and I make an effort to go to every home game I can (along with a few road trips if there's a bunch of rowdies going) and they are always a great time.The REAL issue with soccer vs football (not to be confused with futbol ) is the scoring. Americans have an infatuation with scoring. Ever notice how low-scoring games seem to generally make people bored? It's because we as Americans love to see high-scoring, offensive games. Soccer rarely provides that. There are exceptions. For example, 2 regular season games this year, the Zips soccer team blew out visitors, putting up at least 6 goals in each game. Those games were probably more exciting for everyone because, like I have mentioned, Americans love scoring. Soccer, in it's truest form, does not yield many high-scoring games. It's not just Soccer. Baseball.. hockey.. both the same. If you watch ESPN a lot during those seasons, you'll notice the media focuses more on offensive producers than defensive. It's all because of the fact that, plain and simple, offense sells tickets.

[zen]

... and I said I would make it out to a game this year and I failed. :(The problem isn't that we aren't behind these guys and proud of their success, but it just seems like there is one component missing, and that is the fact that it gets very little national attention when you do well. Look, when I go onto the foxsports website, there is a tab for NCAA football and basketball, but there is only a generic tab for Soccer but it doesn't include college scores and news. It's a shame, but it just doesn't feel like there is as much at stake because soccer doesn't get as much coverage.

[johnnyzip84]

... and I said I would make it out to a game this year and I failed. :(The problem isn't that we aren't behind these guys and proud of their success, but it just seems like there is one component missing, and that is the fact that it gets very little national attention when you do well. Look, when I go onto the foxsports website, there is a tab for NCAA football and basketball, but there is only a generic tab for Soccer but it doesn't include college scores and news. It's a shame, but it just doesn't feel like there is as much at stake because soccer doesn't get as much coverage.

Don't kick yourself just yet. If I'm not mistaken, there will be NCAA tournament games here for additional attending opportunites!

[ZachTheZip]

It's a shame, but it just doesn't feel like there is as much at stake because soccer doesn't get as much coverage.

There is a National Championship at stake in Soccer. The best the football team can possibly hope for is a trip to Detroit in winter to play an Big Ten also-ran.Don't expect coverage on a national scale. I do expect it on a local scale, though, because this is hands-down the best sports team in this area, at any level.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Top 10 Reasons -#1 The team doesn't run through a giant inflatable helmet...how can you get "pumped" without that?#2 The team is too good (NE Ohio sports fans can't identify with them)#3 The home schedule has too many high-profile teams. We need more lower-division teams to boost our winning percentage. 16-1-3? BAH. Ball State is undefeated....now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!#4 Too many local kids on the team#5 Zakuani's mom doesn't post on our board, and I take that personally#6 Just when I learn to pronounce Ubipirapovic, he leaves#7 They beat Ohio State with regularity, and I feel bad for the Akron sports fans wearing their OSU gear#8 The games are too close to campus. An off-campus stadium is needed. #9 If Steve French isn't announcing the game, it doesn't countAnd the #1 reason I can't attend soccer matches...The Jackson Field Port-o-Lets have doors.Thank you very much folks...drive home safely.

[Valpo Zip]

Top 10 Reasons -#1 The team doesn't run through a giant inflatable helmet...how can you get "pumped" without that?#2 The team is too good (NE Ohio sports fans can't identify with them)#3 The home schedule has too many high-profile teams. We need more lower-division teams to boost our winning percentage. 16-1-3? BAH. Ball State is undefeated....now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!#4 Too many local kids on the team#5 Zakuani's mom doesn't post on our board, and I take that personally#6 Just when I learn to pronounce Ubipirapovic, he leaves#7 They beat Ohio State with regularity, and I feel bad for the Akron sports fans wearing their OSU gear#8 The games are too close to campus. An off-campus stadium is needed. #9 If Steve French isn't announcing the game, it doesn't countAnd the #1 reason I can't attend soccer matches...The Jackson Field Port-o-Lets have doors.Thanks you very much folks...drive home safely.

That's hilarious. I vote it for the funniest post of the year.Captain, let me burst your bubble and tell you that you still don't know how to spell Ubiparipovic But anyways you can work on ampai kita bita mita kwong or something like that.

[Zips Win!]

I know this is the football forum. But the U of A soccer program has done something that realistically the U of A football program may never do; field a nationally top-ranked team.My question is, why don't I care more? Why am I not more excited? I am happy to see the success. I would love to see a Zips NCAA title. Heck, the ABJ can even write up a review of the MAC title game in such a way as to make soccer seem both manly and interesting. ABJ Zip Soccer Write-upStill, I know that I wouldn't feel as saddened by a soccer team loss, even with NCAA tournament implications, as I would by a football team loss whose only implication is winning the MAC east division. Why?What's the deal? People in Europe, and elsewhere in the world, completely go nuts and embarrass themselves as soccer fans. Here in the US, despite half a dozen sports channels, nationally ranked soccer teams can't even get on the boob tube.Congratulations to the Zips soccer team. Any thoughts?

Scoring...Or lack thereof....

[w00t]

While I completely understand why the average offensive-extravaganza loving American sports fan finds soccer "boring", it's my favorite sport. If it were divinely appointed to me to pick a Zips sport to win a national championship, the soccer team would be my answer without hesitation. (That's not to say I'm not as excited as anyone that the Zeke Marshall era begins next year and an offense that returns nine starters will take the field at our amazing new football complex in September). I've been going to Zips soccer games pretty regularly for about six years, and I have to say how much I appreciate how well the Rowdies have come out in support of the Socceroos the past couple seasons. I've also never seen a team so personally involved with and appreciative of the fan support as our soccer team, and it's a wonderful thing. I've always loved coming to Zips soccer games, but when you're alongside a large group of energetic and engaged fans it takes it to another level. I think that's what 'Big Zips Fan' kind of touched on is that it's still on a smaller scale relative to football where crowd size and general interest in the sport are concerned... BZF I would encourage you to stick with it, Zips soccer (and soccer in general) is a rewarding sport to enjoy watching, and hopefully the day will come when a Zips soccer loss can ruin your week. They may not draw as big of a crowd as the football team, but there's a family type atmosphere that has its own appeal.Anyway, hopefully there are still five games left this season... and any of them could be the last that Evan, Matt, Ossie, and possibly Steve play in a Zips uniform. If you haven't made it out to a game yet, there's a good chance that we'll have two (maybe even three) home games in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Hopefully Lee Jackson will still be packed (and loud!) despite the cold weather.Edit: Haha, well done as usual Cap'n.

[RootforRoo44]

Top 10 Reasons -#1 The team doesn't run through a giant inflatable helmet...how can you get "pumped" without that?#2 The team is too good (NE Ohio sports fans can't identify with them)#3 The home schedule has too many high-profile teams. We need more lower-division teams to boost our winning percentage. 16-1-3? BAH. Ball State is undefeated....now THAT'S what I'm talkin' about!#4 Too many local kids on the team#5 Zakuani's mom doesn't post on our board, and I take that personally#6 Just when I learn to pronounce Ubipirapovic, he leaves#7 They beat Ohio State with regularity, and I feel bad for the Akron sports fans wearing their OSU gear#8 The games are too close to campus. An off-campus stadium is needed. #9 If Steve French isn't announcing the game, it doesn't countAnd the #1 reason I can't attend soccer matches...The Jackson Field Port-o-Lets have doors.Thanks you very much folks...drive home safely.

That's hilarious. I vote it for the funniest post of the year.Captain, let me burst your bubble and tell you that you still don't know how to spell Ubiparipovic But anyways you can work on ampai kita bita mita kwong or something like that.

i second that, funniest post of the year...which makes me think, we should have a Zipsnation awards at the end of every year. Wait, do we have that!?

[zen]

#6 Just when I learn to pronounce Ubipirapovic, he leaves#7 They beat Ohio State with regularity, and I feel bad for the Akron sports fans wearing their OSU gear#8 The games are too close to campus. An off-campus stadium is needed.

lol, you really push the sarcasm envelope on this.

[Big Zips Fan (220lb)]

While I completely understand why the average offensive-extravaganza loving American sports fan finds soccer "boring", it's my favorite sport. If it were divinely appointed to me to pick a Zips sport to win a national championship, the soccer team would be my answer without hesitation. (That's not to say I'm not as excited as anyone that the Zeke Marshall era begins next year and an offense that returns nine starters will take the field at our amazing new football complex in September). I've been going to Zips soccer games pretty regularly for about six years, and I have to say how much I appreciate how well the Rowdies have come out in support of the Socceroos the past couple seasons. I've also never seen a team so personally involved with and appreciative of the fan support as our soccer team, and it's a wonderful thing. I've always loved coming to Zips soccer games, but when you're alongside a large group of energetic and engaged fans it takes it to another level. I think that's what 'Big Zips Fan' kind of touched on is that it's still on a smaller scale relative to football where crowd size and general interest in the sport are concerned... BZF I would encourage you to stick with it, Zips soccer (and soccer in general) is a rewarding sport to enjoy watching, and hopefully the day will come when a Zips soccer loss can ruin your week. They may not draw as big of a crowd as the football team, but there's a family type atmosphere that has its own appeal.Anyway, hopefully there are still five games left this season... and any of them could be the last that Evan, Matt, Ossie, and possibly Steve play in a Zips uniform. If you haven't made it out to a game yet, there's a good chance that we'll have two (maybe even three) home games in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Hopefully Lee Jackson will still be packed (and loud!) despite the cold weather.Edit: Haha, well done as usual Cap'n.

The interesting thing is, we are at least a dozen years into talking about "soccer moms." I would think that it is only a matter of time before there is big interest in soccer with all these kids that have played it on some level. In a lot of ways, this is the travesty of the focus on football. Huge financial investment in a sport because of the popularity of the sport, but a successful program like soccer can fall by the wayside. While I grew up in Stow, I now live almost 700 miles away. Football ends up, occasionally, on ESPNU. Other football games end up broadcast on the internet with video at www.gozips.com. I'll be honest and say that I hadn't checked on the availability for soccer broadcasts over the web, but it looks like that wasn't even available. I am wondering if I will get the chance to see some of Akron's soccer tournament play. Who knows, maybe I can make a road trip. It's not every year that my Alma Mater competes for a national championship.

[MDZip]

I know this is the football forum. But the U of A soccer program has done something that realistically the U of A football program may never do; field a nationally top-ranked team.My question is, why don't I care more? Why am I not more excited? I am happy to see the success. I would love to see a Zips NCAA title. Heck, the ABJ can even write up a review of the MAC title game in such a way as to make soccer seem both manly and interesting. ABJ Zip Soccer Write-upStill, I know that I wouldn't feel as saddened by a soccer team loss, even with NCAA tournament implications, as I would by a football team loss whose only implication is winning the MAC east division. Why?What's the deal? People in Europe, and elsewhere in the world, completely go nuts and embarrass themselves as soccer fans. Here in the US, despite half a dozen sports channels, nationally ranked soccer teams can't even get on the boob tube.Congratulations to the Zips soccer team. Any thoughts?

The first question I'd ask is have you ever attended a game? A lot of people have an impression of soccer that isn't matched when they attend in person. Watching it on TV (like during a World Cup) is just not the same thing, think of how different it is to attend a football game in person. Our players play the game at a very high level and its pretty intense and is far from a non contact sport. I never liked soccer when I was younger but now I do have some exposure to it watching (and eventually coaching my kids through many years of it) and I do appreciate it a lot more now. It does help to have some understanding of the game. I attended the Akron-Maryland quarterfinal NCAA tournament (tickets were all of $7.00) in 2005 and quite frankly it was one of the most tense, exciting sporting events I have ever attended. The game is a lot better than most Americans give it credit for (but I admit I don't enjoy the "flopping" and that secretly I'd love to see what would happen in a game if the offsides rule was eliminated. )

[Z.I.P.]

The REAL issue with soccer vs football (not to be confused with futbol ) is the scoring. Americans have an infatuation with scoring. Ever notice how low-scoring games seem to generally make people bored? It's because we as Americans love to see high-scoring, offensive games. Soccer rarely provides that. , does not yield many high-scoring games. It's not just Soccer. Baseball.. hockey.. both the same. If you watch ESPN a lot during those seasons, you'll notice the media focuses more on offensive producers than defensive. It's all because of the fact that, plain and simple, offense sells tickets.

You bring up the most widely reported reason for soccer-hating. What I like to say to the person (usually reporter) who makes that statement is this -- especially if the person is a baseball fan: "I suppose then that the worst possible thing for you is if you went to a baseball game, and there was a, uh, no-hitter?"

[tbozeglav]

The REAL issue with soccer vs football (not to be confused with futbol ) is the scoring. Americans have an infatuation with scoring. Ever notice how low-scoring games seem to generally make people bored? It's because we as Americans love to see high-scoring, offensive games. Soccer rarely provides that. , does not yield many high-scoring games. It's not just Soccer. Baseball.. hockey.. both the same. If you watch ESPN a lot during those seasons, you'll notice the media focuses more on offensive producers than defensive. It's all because of the fact that, plain and simple, offense sells tickets.

You bring up the most widely reported reason for soccer-hating. What I like to say to the person (usually reporter) who makes that statement is this -- especially if the person is a baseball fan: "I suppose then that the worst possible thing for you is if you went to a baseball game, and there was a, uh, no-hitter?"

Touche, sir... touche..No, I know there are differences, but for the most part they are alike. The point wasnt the specifics... just the generalizations of each sport

[ZippyTuba11]

I think the biggest reason that we don't care more about soccer is that not everyone can just go play soccer. You look at the big three sports in the US, football, baseball, and soccer, and they all have a very big thing in common that is a little overlooked. They are easy to play and it almost doesn't matter what shape you are in, you can still go pick up a game with friends and half fun.Soccer is all about running, or being the lone guy that stands in front of the goal. Fat asses that are the iconic Joe 6-pack can't play it. But give them a football and they will run you over.And naturally, if they can play it, no matter how removed they are from it, they can criticize the people they see on TV when they mess up or live through the team that succeeds. I think a lot of people feel a little awkward about soccer because they can't play it and know nothing about it.

[ksu sucks]

I think the biggest reason that we don't care more about soccer is that not everyone can just go play soccer. You look at the big three sports in the US, football, baseball, and soccer, and they all have a very big thing in common that is a little overlooked. They are easy to play and it almost doesn't matter what shape you are in, you can still go pick up a game with friends and half fun.Soccer is all about running, or being the lone guy that stands in front of the goal. Fat asses that are the iconic Joe 6-pack can't play it. But give them a football and they will run you over.And naturally, if they can play it, no matter how removed they are from it, they can criticize the people they see on TV when they mess up or live through the team that succeeds. I think a lot of people feel a little awkward about soccer because they can't play it and know nothing about it.

It may be because our tradition in the sport isn't as deeply rooted as some other countries. The U.S didn't really start caring about soccer at all until the 70's.

[w00t]

While I completely understand why the average offensive-extravaganza loving American sports fan finds soccer "boring", it's my favorite sport. If it were divinely appointed to me to pick a Zips sport to win a national championship, the soccer team would be my answer without hesitation. (That's not to say I'm not as excited as anyone that the Zeke Marshall era begins next year and an offense that returns nine starters will take the field at our amazing new football complex in September).

I've been going to Zips soccer games pretty regularly for about six years, and I have to say how much I appreciate how well the Rowdies have come out in support of the Socceroos the past couple seasons. I've also never seen a team so personally involved with and appreciative of the fan support as our soccer team, and it's a wonderful thing. I've always loved coming to Zips soccer games, but when you're alongside a large group of energetic and engaged fans it takes it to another level. I think that's what 'Big Zips Fan' kind of touched on is that it's still on a smaller scale relative to football where crowd size and general interest in the sport are concerned... BZF I would encourage you to stick with it, Zips soccer (and soccer in general) is a rewarding sport to enjoy watching, and hopefully the day will come when a Zips soccer loss can ruin your week. They may not draw as big of a crowd as the football team, but there's a family type atmosphere that has its own appeal.

Anyway, hopefully there are still five games left this season... and any of them could be the last that Evan, Matt, Ossie, and possibly Steve play in a Zips uniform. If you haven't made it out to a game yet, there's a good chance that we'll have two (maybe even three) home games in the upcoming NCAA tournament. Hopefully Lee Jackson will still be packed (and loud!) despite the cold weather.

Edit: Haha, well done as usual Cap'n.

w00t is happy.

[Zip_ME87]

w00t is happy.

+1

Zip_ME87 is happy and even more ecstatic that my team is so happy!

[fknbuflobo]

I think the biggest reason that we don't care more about soccer is that not everyone can just go play soccer. You look at the big three sports in the US, football, baseball, and soccer, and they all have a very big thing in common that is a little overlooked. They are easy to play and it almost doesn't matter what shape you are in, you can still go pick up a game with friends and half fun.

Soccer is all about running, or being the lone guy that stands in front of the goal. Fat asses that are the iconic Joe 6-pack can't play it. But give them a football and they will run you over.

And naturally, if they can play it, no matter how removed they are from it, they can criticize the people they see on TV when they mess up or live through the team that succeeds. I think a lot of people feel a little awkward about soccer because they can't play it and know nothing about it.

Here is where your fallacy lies: You are comparing a depiction of someone playing soccer well to someone playing three other sports poorly. One must not be in fantastic physical condition to play any of these sports poorly. Conversely, one must be in shape to play any of these sports well.

If you think that beer-gut soccer leagues do not exist, even here in Akron, you are mistaken. Check http://www.gaasa.org/ Men’s Open Division. Every Sunday has beens and never was’s shamble about, fouling each other, occasionally scoring a goal. This phenomenon is common throughout the world, across cultures, and across languages. I have heard that 90% of all adult male Dutch belong to an organized league. Are all these at fighting weight? I seriously doubt it.

When the snow clears, go to some reasonably flat, grassy space, partake of your favorite beverage, and knock the ball around with someone else. As you discover the subtleties of making the ball do your bidding, you will come to the realization that striking and receiving the ball is really fun. And you can conduct this activity anywhere in the world, language notwithstanding.

Soccer is not an elitist sport. To the contrary, it is the most populace sport in human history. Anyone can just go play soccer. However, precious few of us can play soccer, football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and etc. well.

[Dr Z]

Don't you think there is more than one answer to this question? How can you argue why somebody doesn't care about something? Here is my reasoning.

I'm a huge hockey fan, but 1-0 games and 2-1 games used to bore me on TV. The NHL changed their rules, less grabbing, started calling interference, got rid of a blue line, reduced goalie pads, increased space behind goalie net. The rule changes opened up the offense, and it became a more entertaining game. Now I can't get enough. I have never been a soccer fan. Went to one BG/Akron game a few years back. I watched both the semi final game and the final game on TV last year. Never got to see a goal. That is not entertaining to me. This is why it is not entertaining for me. I don't care if they change the rules or not, I'll probably never be a soccer fan. I can also be entertained by watching a no hitter, but I don't think that lack of offense can be compared to that of soccer's lack of scoring. I'm not even sure why soccer fans get "bothered" by fans of other sports not getting as excited about the sport that they love. I could care less that Americans don't enjoy hockey, I do, and that is all that matters to me. Enjoy this time, there is no better college soccer team in college for 2010. That will NEVER change. Congratulations to the team and staff for all their hard work.

[w00t]

Haha, wasn't intending to re-ignite the debate. Just wanted to bump the thread to use this icon ( ) and re-iterate that I don't know that I could care much MORE about soccer... specifically the Zips and this group of players. I can't imagine a team that deserves it more. CJ said it best, "Soccer deserves a champion like Akron".

Let the debate continue...

[Zip_ME87]

Haha, wasn't intending to re-ignite the debate. Just wanted to bump the thread to use this icon ( ) and re-iterate that I don't know that I could care much MORE about soccer... specifically the Zips and this group of players. I can't imagine a team that deserves it more. CJ said it best, "Soccer deserves a champion like Akron".

Let the debate continue...

And I couldn't say it any better, w00t.

The most satisfying part of this weekend for me was seeing our players holding that trophy, smiling, and hugging each other, their coaches, their families, and their fans!

[Buckzip]

Haha, wasn't intending to re-ignite the debate. Just wanted to bump the thread to use this icon ( ) and re-iterate that I don't know that I could care much MORE about soccer... specifically the Zips and this group of players. I can't imagine a team that deserves it more. CJ said it best, "Soccer deserves a champion like Akron".

Let the debate continue...

Well said.

[fknbuflobo]

Don't you think there is more than one answer to this question? How can you argue why somebody doesn't care about something? Here is my reasoning.

I'm a huge hockey fan, but 1-0 games and 2-1 games used to bore me on TV. The NHL changed their rules, less grabbing, started calling interference, got rid of a blue line, reduced goalie pads, increased space behind goalie net. The rule changes opened up the offense, and it became a more entertaining game. Now I can't get enough. I have never been a soccer fan. Went to one BG/Akron game a few years back. I watched both the semi final game and the final game on TV last year. Never got to see a goal. That is not entertaining to me. This is why it is not entertaining for me. I don't care if they change the rules or not, I'll probably never be a soccer fan. I can also be entertained by watching a no hitter, but I don't think that lack of offense can be compared to that of soccer's lack of scoring. I'm not even sure why soccer fans get "bothered" by fans of other sports not getting as excited about the sport that they love. I could care less that Americans don't enjoy hockey, I do, and that is all that matters to me. Enjoy this time, there is no better college soccer team in college for 2010. That will NEVER change. Congratulations to the team and staff for all their hard work.

Like whatever sport you want, as will I.

In the grand scheme, Soccer (Football) does not need America; it is doing fine without us. I think that fact vexes many Americans.

I am certain that had I been born on the north side of Lake Erie instead of in Akron, I would have grown up with skates and a stick instead of boots and shin-guards.

But I was born here, and I started following Akron soccer when George and Louie Nanchoff were playing in the Rubber Bowl before ACME Zip games (1976-77?).

I am extremely proud of our team and of this city’s love for it. Nothing can remove the smile from my face in the short term. I believe that we have won.