There is no question that Major League Soccer (MLS) has come a long way from its founding in 1993. Franchises have never been in higher demand. Attendance, TV viewership, social media metrics, and the quality of play have skyrocketed. There’s no longer a question on whether MLS will survive; it is now a matter of how much the league will grow and what new markets will become part of the MLS family.
There is also no question that Phil West’s The United States of Soccer: MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom, an offering from Overlook Press, is the definitive text on everything MLS. It is a great resource about the league’s teams, supporters, players, and history. It’s really something you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s a great time to be involved with MLS, but it hasn’t always been this easy. The American soccer journey and that of MLS has been quite the roller coaster ride, but it is certainly one with a happy ending.
We’ve covered MLS since 2009 and we found so many recognizable names as sources in this book. You’ll hear from Columbus Crew “curator” Steve Sirk, pro/rel advocate Ted Westervelt, the NPSL’s Northern Guard, and executive extraordinaire Peter Wilt. West literally left no stone unturned in creating this masterful text, conducting over 70 interviews with people all over the country. It’s comprehensive to say the least, MLS from every angle, opinion, and perspective. Simply put, it’s the biggest discussion of MLS ever.
One of our favorite parts dealt with the role of Nike in the early days of the league, how that company helped shape the team names, logos, and the overall branding of the league. You’ll hear about the strange origins of the Columbus Crew, the Tampa Bay Mutiny, and the Kansas City Wiz.
There are plenty of interesting stories to go around. That, along with excellent analysis, is what makes this book so special. You’ll see how certain programs, i.e. the Designated Player/Beckham Rule and the Homegrown Program, helped the league grow and prosper. You’ll get a real behind-the-scenes look from people that were actually there.
Honestly you can’t go wrong with this one. West’s masterpiece is an enjoyable read from cover to cover, something any American soccer fan would genuinely appreciate. It is indeed a special piece of soccer literature.
You can find The United States of Soccer: MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
