Let's just be real about it -- soccer hasn't caught on with the American public. Most of us don't even know the rules of the game let alone our MLS players' names or statistics. There have been hundreds of thousands of debates raging over the last few decades as to why this phenomenon of soccer-disinterest has taken root in the States. But all the apathy, all the detachment may have been converted in just a few split seconds with Landon Donovan's gritty goal in added time against Algeria to advance the US into the second round of the World Cup.
It was one of those moments in sports history in which time seems to stand still in the midst of wild hysteria. Landon Donovan became the hottest trending topic on Twitter, sports bars around the country erupted in celebration, vuvuzelas blasted throughout South Africa, and text messages, instant messages, and Facebook status updates were consumed with USA soccer for hours.
The US, in one moment, with one goal, became interested, invested, intrigued. And we have our very own hero, Landon Donovan, to thank.
Major League Soccer thought it would take an "import" like David Beckham to attract Americans to soccer stadiums around the country. When the Los Angeles Galaxy agreed to a $250 million contract in 2007 with Beckham, they were expecting him to launch MLS to the forefront of American sports -- up there with the NBA and NFL. The folks at MLS would have even settled for MLB's dwindling ratings. But the "Beckham Effect" never took root.
In the meantime, MLS made the mistake of sidelining their greatest asset -- a homegrown soccer genius, a humble team leader, and a monster on the pitch -- Landon Donovan. Donovan, at 28, already has 3 MLS Cup championships under his belt. He is ranked near the top for goals scored and was MLS Most Valuable Player in 2009. Yet, in 2007, when MLS brought David Beckham from England to "save" American soccer, Landon Donovan got the shaft. He was forced into giving up his role as Captain of his LA Galaxy team to make room for Beckham's ego. And what has Beckham brought American soccer? Nothing but unfulfilled expectations, chronic and poorly timed injuries, and a Hollywood ego.
Landon, on the other hand, is what the MLS needs. A native Californian, a hard worker, and a superstar athlete. He has proven his worth not only for his MLS teams including the LA Galaxy, but also for his national team. His added time heads-up goal against Algeria was another example of Donovan's quiet yet phenomenal legacy.
And as that ball flew into the net and Landon slid on the pitch like he was enjoying a summer Slip-n-Slide, the entire culture of US soccer changed. Americans are poised to embrace soccer now. They want to join the rest of the world in their love for this game. But we need our own heroes. Landon Donovan is our man. The only question that remains is -- will American soccer seize the Donovan Moment?
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If soccer is indeed a religion and the World Cup its church, then the U.S. has finally taken its seat at the pew.
Who knew that a 1-0-2 record would ignite such excitement?
My favourite qoute from the 1994 WC was a doorman at a NYC Hotel who said "I think there'd be more interest if American were in it" - which of course they were. Even if he's not watching it, I suspect that doorman is at least aware the US is in it this time,
The only people who thought David Beckham was coming to save anything was the media, who picked up the torch from european rag mags like the sun and ran with it to new nasuseating heights.
Now, will he stay in the US to earn a living, or will he play in Europe?
Will americans still be soccer fans when Landon plays for Everton, or Wigan, or Lens, or Hoffenheim?
In fact - the best thing for the MLS would be to have young, unproven American players playing with aging (yet marketable) internationals like Beckham and Henry. It would need to be that way for quite some time before the level of our MLS was up to a standard by which our players could improve and continue to be competitive on the International stage.
Look at the USMNT's best players (Howard, Demspey, Donovan, Altidore, Edu, Bocanegra, etc...) They all currently - or have historically - played overseas.
If the NFL had such a system, Detroit and St. Louis would have been demoted years ago and cities like LA and San Antonio would have had entrepreneurs building up teams. Instead, we have an oligopoly in baseball, football, basketball and hockey, where bad teams stick around and where billionaire owners can blackmail the public for massive subsidies.
Donovan is our Man.
We do want to love futbol and we want to join the world in it's intrigues and glory, but we need to have our own heroes to have the love and passion the world feels for their teams.
Great article, great team and Great work to Donovan!