For decades, soccer in the United States was perpetually the sport of tomorrow. Entrepreneurs and visionaries pitched it to the public, yet it remained stubbornly foreign, a pastime viewed as belonging to others. That sense of otherness, ironically, is what first captivated me. Growing up, the game felt like a secret club, a world apart from the mainstream American sporting landscape.
My perspective shifted profoundly during a teenage year abroad, witnessing the artistry of European football. Returning home in the early 1990s, the professional scene was barren at the highest level. My fandom was nurtured in the stands of lower-league matches, among small, dedicated crowds. It was a beautifully niche experience.
The 1994 World Cup served as a pivotal national turning point, finally embedding the sport in the broader public awareness. The growth since has been undeniable. Fans now set alarms to follow foreign leagues at dawn, while domestic competitions steadily build their own passionate followings.
When I began writing about the sport over a decade ago, I was drawn to the narratives that existed beyond the final score—the cultural, historical, and social threads woven into the fabric of the game. In other American sports, many of these tales felt fully told. Here, they felt endless.
The story of soccer in this country, from its past to its present, remains vast and largely unexplored. It intersects with commerce, politics, immigration, and community in unique ways. These intersections demand thoughtful examination, and yes, the occasional celebration of its inherent quirks and characters.
The journey from soccer being a curious novelty to a established part of the sports ecosystem has been remarkable. Yet, in many ways, that journey is just beginning. There are countless stories left to tell, and I look forward to sharing them.