Major League Soccer on the Rise
Major League Soccer has been on a steady rise in popularity, quality, and quantity in the United States and Canada since 2005.
When Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA joined the league in 2005, there was still some pretty poorly played soccer going on. Now, just 6 years later we've teams which could arguably play in a few higher leagues all over the world. Players like David Beckham and Thierry Henry have joined MLS clubs and so are making a direct effect. Cuauhtemoc Blanco joined the Chicago Fire for a few years and really increased the popularity of soccer in the us, especially for Mexican soccer fans.
In 2011 Real Salt Lake participated in the Concacaf Champions League final, only losing by 1 goal to a strong team from Mexico. Now in the same tournament and even though in still in the group stages because of this year, the MLS has teams making a strong statement to the other teams in the tournament.
If you want to start to see the passion of the supporters of Major League Soccer, It is advisable to watch a Portland Timbers or Seattle Sounders game. The fans turn out in large numbers and are energetic and loud through the entire match. If you think that they are loud when watching them on TV, imagine actually going to a game! It really is amazing to see 30,000 people erupt in excitement once the home team scores.
You can find currently 18 teams in the league, with another set to become listed on in 2012, and plans for a 20th to join soon. Sporting get more info opened a fresh, advanced stadium that joins several other soccer specific stadiums around the league, with a lot more teams looking to have their very own soccer homes soon.
Although soccer is not the number one sport in america and Canada, it is beginning to make it's mark. While Score Hero Review see other sport leagues struggling with lockouts and unhappy players, Major League Soccer has been moving in a positive direction for years. Big names players are attracted by the Major League Soccer and also big names from North America are getting involved. When the Vancouver Whitecaps joined this in 2011, it is because Steve Nash was a large part of that. He could be a a partial owner of the club. Drew Carey is a minority owner of the Seattle Sounders, just about the most exciting teams to watch.