Why the MLS circus is an experience to savour!

Ah, the good old American dream. The Promised Land was an expression by James Truslow Adams in 1931, indicating that citizens of every rank could achieve a “better, richer, and happier life.” Whether the MLS, or Major League Soccer, constitutes to this ‘dream’ is yet to be confirmed. The exodus has begun, led by none other than Golden balls himself. Beckham is the most high profile player to up it all and make the jump across the pond to the USA. He has joined a list of players which includes Freddie Ljungberg, Juan Pablo Angel and even Abel Xavier. So is the MLS the American dream or a retirement home?

Well, neither yet. One thing the USA has is facilities. Where in England could you find a University which has its own stadium boasting a capacity of over 100,000 people? In fact, the smallest stadium in the list NCAA college football (the American version) stadiums, still holds over 20,000 people. Although ‘soccer’ is still very much behind the other sports in the USA, the club owners have not let this stop them creating some very impressive stadiums and, naturally, the soccer buzz has followed.

My only experience of MLS football was a game between Columbus Crew and FC Dallas. I’m not sure what it was that made this experience so different from the football matches I’d been to before. It was far from the experiences of El Classico or the Istanbul derby’s, that’s for sure. Whether it was the fans having picnic’s out of the boots of their cars before the game, the cheerleaders at half time or the fact that a speaker popped up during the game to announce the winner of the prize draw raffle. Incidentally, the winner was given the prize of sitting in a pitch level VIP area just behind one of the corner flags, fully equipped with table, chairs and personal waitress.

It was like nothing I’d seen before, but certainly enjoyable. It is easy to see how much potential there is for the MLS to expand. Americans love their sport and they show a passion for it whether it’s a round ball or an oval one. The difference will be that the MLS is more similar to a circus. It is an entertainment show. You have dancers; people dressed as fluffy animals, bright advertising boards and funny ‘goal’ posters that everybody holds up when their team score. It’s a fun day out for all the family with very few having a bad day whatever the score. Don’t get me wrong, they want to win, but will their day be ruined if the team loses? I doubt it. The same could not be said for American Football or Basketball.

If I’m to be honest, I loved it. Could it really become a league to match the ones in Europe? I have my reservations. Was it great fun? Yes. In a country where soccer is playing 4th of 5th fiddle to the other sports, it is understandable to see why it may struggle. The Beckham factor has revolutionised the league but, should this surge continue, they will need another icon to join him. A lot of players have been linked with a move and it does offer a lifestyle different to anywhere else.

Thierry Henry? What do you reckon?