Has Soccer Really Left America? “It's starting to find its place.”

American Major League Soccer is growing in popularity. A match between American football clubs Charlotte FC and LA Galaxy on March 6 was attended by a large crowd. 74,479 visitors on the stand. “Many players start playing in MLS as young talents or in the prime of their careers.”

It was a historic evening for Major League Soccer (MLS). Charlotte FC – LA Galaxy (0-1) is not the only American Football League soccer match so far in 2022. Second largest attendance worldwide For the men's football match. Only the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley has ever attracted more football fans. Also, Charlotte FC has only been around since December 2019 and played their first home game on March 6.

Robin Leijdeckers, a journalist for the Dutch site, believes that a match in MLS was attended by nearly 75,000 spectators. Game America, not surprisingly. “A lot of money is invested in competition,” he acknowledges. 'The development of the competition started in 2007 with the arrival of English footballer David Beckham. He was the first big name to play in MLS. Since then, almost every year a major player has entered the tournament. For example, in recent years we have seen Zlatan Ibrahimovic (LA Galaxy), Andrea Pirlo (New York City FC) and Wayne Rooney (DC United) come to America.

leisure competition

Major players mainly came to MLS in the decline of their soccer careers and the league became known as one 'Retirement League'. But in recent years, MLS has begun to shake this image. Argentina's top talents Thiago Almada (20, Atlanta United), Alan Velasco (19, FC Dallas) and David Ayala (19, Portland Timbers) moved to MLS in January. Thiago Almada's arrival was particularly special as he was also the subject of interest from top European clubs such as Manchester City, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan.

Thiago Almada was the subject of interest from Man City, FC Barcelona and Inter Milan, but still opted for the MLS

'Many players playing soccer in MLS are young talents or in the prime of their careers. “Because as a player you can now earn years earlier, and clubs can better compete with European clubs in terms of salaries,” says Liegedeckers.

Also, players influence each other. Thiago Almada, Alan Velasco and David Ayala will be impressed by New York City FC's 22-year-old Argentine striker Valentin Castellanos,” the Dutch sports journalist continues. Castellanos was the top scorer in MLS last year and is in the interest of top European clubs. Also, USA and Canada are beautiful countries to live. There are hip cities, beautiful scenery and life is luxurious. That definitely contributes to a player's selection.'

By Rick Duinstra (Stamp Media).

A unique competition

Major League Soccer has a unique tournament format. It is a competition where equal opportunities are guaranteed. For example, each club has the same salary budget and is allowed to have three players who earn more than a player's fixed maximum salary.

Leijdekkers: 'As a result, MLS has a different champion every season. The winner of the tournament is the one who survives the knockout stage, as we know in the World Championships. Everything is possible in MLS. It's a lot less boring than a competition where a club can win five games before the end.'

Leijdekkers doubts MLS will become bigger than the English, Spanish, German, Italian and French leagues in the near future. 'In terms of fame and money, MLS can now be seen as a six or seven. The tournament will continue to grow, but I don't expect the tournament to become more popular than the biggest European tournaments. Europe is truly the cradle of football.'