MLS All Star Game: Watch It!

America is ready for soccer. Everyone notices the increase in soccer coverage on TV and the large amount of kids sporting soccer jerseys around your local mall. However, there is still minimal support for Major League Soccer from the casual soccer fan. This fan loves to watch the World Cup, Euro Cup, and the Champions League, but is put off by the thought of watching American soccer and is ignorant to what they can get out of MLS.

They think MLS is garbage and refuse to watch it. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM.

MLS is quickly becoming the strongest league in North America and is growing dramatically every year. Each season brings about a new team. In 2007 it was Toronto FC, in 2008 it was San Jose, in 2009 it will be Seattle, and in 2010 Philedelphia. 2 more teams will be added by 2012.

The MLS all star game is less than 2 days away with the MLS all stars set to face off against the English Premier League’s West Ham United.

To prove my point on the quality of play and talent in MLS, here is the result of the past few all star games against foreign competition.

2003 MLS defeats CD Guadalajara 3-1 at the Home Depot Center in Carson California

2005 MLS defeats Fulham 4-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus Ohio

2006 MLS defeats Chelsea 1-0 at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois

2007 MLS defeats Celtic 2-0 Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado

Pretty good track record if you ask me.

Just to put it in perspective, Chelsea’s payroll is at $270 million, 50 more than the New York Yankees. DC United, arguably the best team in MLS currently and historically, has a payroll a little over 2 million. talk about a big difference.

Stop criticizing MLS and American Soccer without experiencing it for urself. Believe me you’ll be pleasantly surprised and extremely glad you did.

MY PREDCTION for 2008 MLS All Stars 3, West Ham 1.

The game airs Thursday at 7PM Eastern on ESPN and Telefutura

Catch my post-game thoughts on the game in my newest post here:

Post-Game Thoughts