Understanding Major League Soccer

It's no secret that there is a major disconnect between all the soccer leagues in the world and the domestic league in the United States. However, after exploring the many reasons why MLS differs so much from all other leagues around the planet, it is easy to see why there is no other way for MLS to operate. Here are four factors that affect the MLS and the overall growth of soccer in America:

1. The Culture: American culture does not allow soccer to be experienced the same way as in other countries. Children in America do not grow up watching soccer games and trying to imitate the moves of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. Also, American culture is infatuated with scoring. Both football and basketball are high scoring sports. Most people in the U.S. are not interested in watching beautiful passing, great dibbling or excellent tactical positioning... they want to see goals or points, and these sometimes don't come often in soccer matches.

2. Popularity: In the U.S., soccer is not a popular sport, and as such, it faces multiple challenges that are unheard of in England or Brazil. This is the main reason why the MLS season is shorter than others. Who is going to watch a soccer game in the middle of January? maybe some people, but not enough to justify all the costs involved such as paying players, opening the stadiums and all other administrative costs that make a game happen.

3. Country Size: The United States is huge. This is a factor when it comes to visiting fans. In Europe, all fans have to do is take a bus and get to the game. In the U.S., fans need plane tickets, consider time changes, and come up with a good enough excuse at work. Maybe the West and East conference set-up adopted by the MLS is not the best, but it is certainly understandable given the size and popularity of the sport.

4. Age of the MLS: The MLS is a very young league. Compared to the English Premier League or the Mexican Primera Division, the MLS is a baby. The MLS is about to start its 15th season, that's a little over Manchester United's total winning seasons. The MLS, or any other league for that matter, is going to be the same as the other leagues overnight.

Now, over time, if MLS keeps up its efforts, soccer in America will prosper. This prosperity will take place through new soccer-specific stadiums, better soccer academies and more exposure of MLS team to international opponents. It certainly is an exciting time for soccer.