Head for the hills, soccer-haters!

**EggMcClone** · 06-26-2007, 10:14 PM

Could your worst nightmares be coming true? Could it be that soccer is now the fourth most popular sport in this country?

NEW YORK (AP) -- The CONCACAF Gold Cup final attracted 41 percent more television households in the United States than the Stanley Cup finals clincher -- and that was just for the soccer game's Spanish-language telecast.

The United States' 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Mexico on Sunday received a 2.5 fast national rating on Univision, the network said Tuesday. That translates to 2.83 million households, nearly double the 1.48 million homes that watched the 2005 Gold Cup final between the United States and Panama.

This year's English-language telecast was on the Fox Soccer Channel, which is available in about 30 million homes and is not rated.

It would be interesting to see the overall numbers. Most people I know that watched it (English-speakers) saw it on the Spanish station because they don't get FSC or prefer not being able to understand the announcers.

**ISUboi12** · 06-26-2007, 10:18 PM

Good, I hope it becomes third behind football and baseball.

**Cyclonepride** · 06-26-2007, 10:19 PM

If Congress rams through this "immigration" bill, it might go to #3. My sports are:

1. Football
2. Basketball
3. Golf
4. MMA
5. Hockey
6. Tennis
7. Baseball
8. Table tennis
9. Croquet
10. Lawn darts
11. NASCAR
12. Dodgeball
13. Swimming
14. Water polo
15. Horseshoes
16. Bowling
17. Coed softball
18. Soccer

**Cyano** · 06-26-2007, 10:44 PM

As far as playing sports, soccer is my #1 and I know a lot of people played when they were younger. It's just a point of making that transition from not only enjoying playing but watching. Enthusiasm in the US is growing for soccer but it is definately not even close to what it is world-wide. I guess that is just one more thing that I will wait for in athletics along with Cyclones being an athletic power, the Chiefs winning a Superbowl, you'ld almost thing I was a Cubs fan...oh wait its worse...im a Royals fan. Geez, what is wrong with me!

Btw, im actually a die hard soccer fan!

**LindenCy** · 06-26-2007, 11:03 PM

I like soccer quite a bit, and was actually at the CONCACAF semifinals last Thursday. What really disappointed me was the fact that the crowd was 95% Mexico supporters (although in general a great crowd). I am really excited about the UEFA Champions League and Cup draws being announced this weekend. I know most people may have no idea what I am talking about, but it is awesome. It isn't all about the actual games, it is also about the organization, the communities and the team pride that goes into every tournament.

Pretty much with the way pro sports are in America, soccer is becoming bigger and bigger for me. Of course I hope ISU sports are still on (or at least near) the top for everyone.

**Drive4cy** · 06-26-2007, 11:09 PM

Golf is well ahead of soccer in this country IMO. Tiger Woods is responsible for that, but the point still stands. I think soccer is a great game, personally. I've never been worth a lick at it, but it's not so bad.

**clones_jer** · 06-26-2007, 11:10 PM

ok fine, I break down and ask it, what is "CONCACAF"?

soccer kicked butt in first and second grade, but then came football (with the double 'o' - no 'u's)....

**jparker22** · 06-26-2007, 11:14 PM

Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football - so says Wikipedia.

**Schroed** · 06-26-2007, 11:37 PM

I think a lot of people generally have a negative opinion about soccer because they think it is a wimpy sport. That's a result of all of the fake injuries. (that bugs the hell out of me. if players would "man up" none soccer fans would have more respect for it.

That being said; soccer has more head injuries that Football, Basketball, and Baseball combined. Don't try and tell me it's for sissies.

**alaskaguy** · 06-27-2007, 12:16 AM

CyclonePride; I profess ignorance in that I have no idea what MMA is

**Cyano** · 06-27-2007, 12:19 AM

Mixed Martial Arts

**michaelrr1** · 06-27-2007, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by alaskaguy

CyclonePride; I profess ignorance in that I have no idea what MMA is

Man on Man Action? NTTAWWT, but I guess I wouldn't include it on my top ten activities, either participating or as a spectator.

**alaskaguy** · 06-27-2007, 12:33 AM

My favorite sports are:

1. Iowa State Athletics
2. Mountain biking
3. Road biking
4. Inline skating
5. Down hill sking
6. Cross country sking
7. Soccer
8. Snowboarding
9. Soccer
9. Hockey
10. Kayaking
11. Tennis
12. Running
13. Basketball
14. Baseball
15. Football

**Drive4cy** · 06-27-2007, 01:25 AM

Weirdo... ^^^^

**Cyano** · 06-27-2007, 03:12 AM

For those that do like soccer and missed the CONCACAF the entire match is on youtube.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KcMTKCtZlQ"]USA - Mexico 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup Finals[/ame]

USA's goals are at 37th min and 40th min if you just want to skip to those. Even if you are not a soccer fan you still need to check out the 40th minute goal...BEAUTIFUL!!

Btw, the foul on Ching was a foul...no matter what the announcer says the defender got his knee in there and took Brian Ching down in the box.