Soccer? What’s the big deal?

By: Frank Carpano

Let’s begin with a disclaimer. I am not a soccer fan. I don’t think that disqualifies me from reporting on it, but I want to be upfront with you.

I am moved to write on this topic because of this past weekend’s visit from the sport’s “Elvis”, David Beckham. He’s a player known for his good looks and the way he can pass a soccer ball. Oh, and because he’s married to one of the former Spice Girls. Is that really all it takes to be elevated to god-like status in the sport of soccer? Heck, if that’s the case then Hail Dustin Pedroia for the way he turns a doubleplay! Shouldn’t the guy who gets all the attention be the guy who scores the goals or the goaltender who makes acrobatic saves?

Unfortunately, soccer needs many more cult figures like Beckham in order to crack into the conscienceness of the American public. Right now, in my humble opinion, there isn’t enough to get excited about.

For 25 years now I’ve heard about how soccer is the next big thing in sports. It didn’t happen then (New England Teamen) and it won’t happen now (New England Revolution). They have their core fans and some curiosity seekers and that’s it.

Spare me the argument that locally soccer is huge on the youth ranks. I agree! But that doesn’t translate to the pro game.

Frankly, I thought 25 years ago that once the kids who were playing soccer in 1980 grew up that they would be the pro soccer fans of the future. Didn’t happen.

It’s not an indictment of the game of soccer. It’s just that, in this country we have other sports that are more popular.

And somewhere in Great Britian I envision a sports writer authoring a similar article about the NFL that will visit there this season.