A History Of Football In The USA

“A History of Football in the USA

Related Articles A History of Football in the USA

A History of Football in the USA

Football, known as soccer in the United States, has a history as complex and surprising as the nation itself. From its early days as a sport played by immigrants to its current status as a growing part of the American sporting landscape, soccer’s journey in the USA is a story of perseverance, cultural shifts, and the slow but steady rise of the beautiful game.

The Early Years (Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century):

The origins of soccer in the United States can be traced back to the late 19th century, largely driven by European immigrants. As people from countries like England, Scotland, Germany, and Italy settled in the US, they brought their passion for football with them. These immigrant communities formed their own clubs and leagues, primarily in industrial areas of the Northeast and Midwest.

Key milestones of this era include:

• The Oneida Football Club (1862): Often regarded as the first organized football club in the US, Oneida was based in Boston and played a version of the game that combined elements of soccer and rugby.
• The American Football Association (AFA) (1884): The AFA was the first formal soccer organization in the US. It established rules and organized competitions, although it struggled to gain widespread recognition.
• The US Open Cup (1914): Originally known as the National Challenge Cup, the US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. It provides a platform for amateur and professional teams to compete against each other.

Despite these early efforts, soccer faced significant challenges in gaining mainstream popularity. The rise of American football as the dominant sport, particularly at the college level, overshadowed soccer’s growth. Additionally, internal divisions within the soccer community and a lack of centralized organization hindered its progress.

The Interwar Period (1920s – 1930s):

The interwar period saw both progress and setbacks for soccer in the US. On one hand, the sport continued to be popular within immigrant communities, with leagues and clubs flourishing in ethnic enclaves. On the other hand, the Great Depression had a devastating impact on soccer, as many clubs struggled to survive financially.

A notable event during this time was the participation of the US national team in the first three FIFA World Cups (1930, 1934, and 1938). The US team achieved a surprising third-place finish in the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay, defeating Belgium and Paraguay. However, this success did not translate into sustained growth for the sport at home.

Post-World War II Era (1940s – 1960s):

Following World War II, soccer in the US continued to be a niche sport, largely confined to ethnic communities. The rise of television and the increasing popularity of other sports, such as baseball, basketball, and American football, further marginalized soccer.

Despite these challenges, there were some positive developments:

• The formation of the US Soccer Federation (USSF) (1913): Formerly known as the United States Football Association, the USSF became the official governing body for soccer in the US and gained recognition from FIFA.
• The growth of youth soccer: Although soccer struggled to gain mainstream popularity, it began to take root at the youth level. Organized youth leagues and clubs started to emerge, laying the foundation for future growth.

The NASL Era (1968 – 1984):

The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a turning point for soccer in the US with the establishment of the North American Soccer League (NASL). The NASL aimed to bring professional soccer to a wider audience by attracting big-name international players.

Key features of the NASL era included:

• The arrival of international stars: Players like Pelé (Brazil), Franz Beckenbauer (Germany), and Giorgio Chinaglia (Italy) joined NASL teams, attracting fans and media attention.
• Innovative rule changes: The NASL experimented with rule changes to make the game more exciting for American audiences, such as using a countdown clock and awarding points for goals scored.
• Growing attendance: NASL games drew large crowds, particularly when star players were involved. The league reached its peak in the late 1970s, with 24 teams and an average attendance of over 13,000 per game.

However, the NASL’s success was short-lived. The league overspent on player salaries and marketing, and it struggled to attract consistent television coverage. By the mid-1980s, the NASL was facing financial difficulties, and it eventually folded in 1984.

The Wilderness Years (1984 – 1996):

The collapse of the NASL was a major setback for soccer in the US. For several years, the country lacked a top-tier professional soccer league. However, this period also saw the continued growth of youth soccer and the emergence of a new generation of American players.

Key developments during this time included:

• The success of the US national team: The US national team qualified for the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, ending a 40-year absence from the tournament. This achievement helped to raise the profile of soccer in the US.
• The hosting of the 1994 FIFA World Cup: The United States was selected to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, a watershed moment for soccer in the country. The tournament was a resounding success, drawing record crowds and generating significant media coverage.

The MLS Era (1996 – Present):

The hosting of the 1994 World Cup paved the way for the establishment of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996. MLS was designed to be a sustainable and successful professional soccer league in the US, learning from the mistakes of the NASL.

Key features of the MLS era include:

• A single-entity structure: MLS operates under a single-entity structure, where the league owns all the teams and controls player contracts. This helps to ensure financial stability and prevent overspending.
• Strategic expansion: MLS has gradually expanded over the years, adding new teams in key markets across the US and Canada. The league currently has 29 teams, with plans for further expansion.
• The Designated Player Rule: Introduced in 2007, the Designated Player Rule (also known as the "Beckham Rule") allows MLS teams to sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the league’s salary cap. This has enabled MLS to attract high-profile international players like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović.
• Growing attendance and television viewership: MLS has seen steady growth in attendance and television viewership over the years. The league’s championship game, the MLS Cup, is now a major sporting event in the US.
• The development of American talent: MLS has invested heavily in youth development, with many teams operating their own academies. This has led to the emergence of a new generation of talented American players, some of whom have gone on to play for top clubs in Europe.
• The success of the US women’s national team: The US women’s national team has been a dominant force in international soccer, winning four FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic gold medals. Their success has helped to inspire young girls to play soccer and has raised the profile of the sport in the US.
• Hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup: The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This will be the largest World Cup in history, with 48 teams competing. The tournament is expected to further boost the popularity of soccer in North America.

The Present and Future:

Today, soccer is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. MLS is a stable and successful professional league, and the US national teams are competitive on the world stage. Youth soccer is thriving, and more and more Americans are embracing the beautiful game.

Challenges remain, including competing with other established sports for fans and media attention, developing more top-level American players, and continuing to grow the sport at the grassroots level. However, the future looks bright for soccer in the USA. With the hosting of the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and a growing base of passionate fans, soccer is poised to become an even bigger part of the American sporting landscape.

In conclusion, the history of soccer in the USA is a story of perseverance, growth, and the gradual acceptance of a sport that was once considered foreign. From its humble beginnings in immigrant communities to its current status as a rising force in American sports, soccer’s journey in the US is a testament to the enduring appeal of the beautiful game.