So where have |Zach| and all the Soccer fans gone?

[Deberg_1990]

These guys were out in force last year.

I thought Sporting had surpassed the Royals in popularity?


Dissscustt please......

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by -King-

Why is it different? Why can't you root for something you're interested in? Your geographical argument makes no sense at all. So because you were born in a certain location, you're gridlocked to rooting for the teams in that location? Why? If you like watching EPL, you'll eventually like some teams style or players more than another's and start rooting for them. It's that simple.

Yes. Loyalty. Thats why. Stand for something, for god sakes.

Ive been a big Royals fan since I was 7 years old. It wasnt because they were good. Theyve been terrible since then, almost every single yr. Its because of the roots I had growing up, being born in KS, and going to Royals games when I was a little kid.

When I was a 9 year old I went thru a stupid phase where I liked Syracuse & Michigan college bball just because they were good, and just to be different and piss my parents off. Thankfully I quickly grew out of that. The beauty of sports and fandom is it unites ppl and gives ppl of the area a sense of pride and solidarity. That couldn't have been more evident than last night at the bar I was at in Kansas City watching the Royals game. It was a beautiful thing

Following a team thru good and bad makes it even more sweeter when the time finally does come that they are successful

[rico]

Originally Posted by -King-

It doesn't have anything to do with bandwagon. It has to do with wanting to see the best in the world compete. A basketball fan in China is going to watch the NBA. A football fan in Europe will watch the NFL. It's that simple. Do you think hardcore basketball fans in China aren't going to want to watch and root for LeBron, Kobe, Durant etc?

Honest question. Considering that this is the case, which country's soccer do soccer fans in the U.S. follow?

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by Hootie 2.0

I can't name one professional soccer player. I'm a diehard sports fan. I can name tennis players, hockey players, etc...

Not one soccer player. That's how popular soccer is.

You're full of shot too.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by BWillie

What ive found is Sporting KC fans usually are fans new to sports in general. Not all mind you, but it really appeals to the trend setters. Many of these ppl know nothing about football, basketball or baseball and didn't really get into any sports until after HS

This isn't true.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Why would you focus on the EPL or whatever leagues are in Europe? I get following MLS, I don't quite understand why you would give any shits about what Messi or Ronaldo do unless they have to play for LA when they get old.

Totally. If you moved to Europe you'd watch some D league football and baseball right?

Or maybe you'd watch the best in the world do what they do...

[Mr. Flopnuts]

Originally Posted by BWillie

You can, absolutely. I just think its despicable and annoying. Just like Chiefs fans that live, grew up in say Seattle without any connections to KC...but became a Chiefs fan in the 90s just because they were the winningest team if the 90s.

I grew up in Seattle, and came into my own in sports during their run in the 90's. I'll assume I'm exempt since I was born in KC, and into a diehard Chiefs/Royals family.

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by BWillie

Yeah and I dont understand it. When I watch & root for teams, its because I have a geographical or cultural connection with them. Seems to me EPL American fans are those same fans who lived in Blue Springs all their life and like the Red Sox.

So you never played sports huh?

If you played sports passionately and at a high level, you'd have respect for certain athletes capabilities or the way they approach the game. You wouldn't need to rely on geography to tell you who to root for. Knowledge of the game and your eyes would do that.

[Reerun_KC]

I like me some soccer

[aturnis]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Your lack of regard for excellence is, . . . interesting.

It's not like MSL teams and EPL teams are actual competitors, like Raider/Patriots. EPL is simply a superior product overall.

He doesn't care for fancy things.

"Mona who? I like teh pictures Kenny drawed in the bathroom down at da piggly wiggly."

The world's a big place man...

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Mr. Flopnuts

I grew up in Seattle, and came into my own in sports during their run in the 90's. I'll assume I'm exempt since I was born in KC, and into a diehard Chiefs/Royals family.

Yep. You have a tie, a childhood. That isnt the type of fans im talking about.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by aturnis

So you never played sports huh?

If you played sports passionately and at a high level, you'd have respect for certain athletes capabilities or the way they approach the game. You wouldn't need to rely on geography to tell you who to root for. Knowledge of the game and your eyes would do that.

I did. Basketball, Golf, baseball, tennis.

Golf in college

[aturnis]

So who's your favorite golfer?

[aturnis]

Been watching a lot of soccer. Mostly MLS, trying to decide which team to follow.

Don't want to be a bandwagon fan, but it's hard to look away from the appeal of skilled teams(respect of play), with great fan bases, so the most popular teams are the most appealing.

Same goes for EPL and other top leagues. I have certain teams and players I love to watch. No favorite team just yet though. I assume in time someone will draw me in.

Thinking about making a point to go to as many MLS stadiums as possible to help make my decision.

[Mr. Flopnuts]

You'll love Seattle if you get up there. Their fans are nuts, and the team is fun to watch. Dempsey, and Yedlin don't hurt either. I know De'Andre's mom. That kid is so down to Earth, especially for his age. Great family.

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Just KU BB, but in that case;

It's one of the proudest and longest traditions in sports
It continues to operate at a high level
It's not that big a drop from the NFL, which is the only superior league in existence
and perhaps most importantly
the lack of rule enforcement and the loss of emphasis on defense makes the NBA a less compelling product, even though the talent is superior. Dunk highlights on youtube are sufficient NBA coverage for me.

You're on crack. Pick the worst NBA team and they would destroy a KU team or any college team by 30+. The NBA is vastly superior league to college ball or any international league.

And let me add I went to my first SKC game this past Friday night. I had a good time but it is definitely a young fan base and alot of hipsters.