When you want to find out what is really going on in the beautiful game, you talk to American soccer legend Tony Meola. He’s been involved in every aspect of the sport for many years and most consider him among the best analysts in the North American market.
No wonder Allstate has chosen him as an ambassador, someone that represents the brand at high-profile events across the country. He’s the face of American soccer, one of the greats that have gotten us to the point where the U.S. can talk about being a true soccer nation.
According to Meola, Allstate has done their part in growing the game and the last four years have been “a huge success” for the insurance giant.
He describes the growth of the game here in the States as “riding a wave” and he has been doing that since 1989. That wave seems to have become a tidal wave this summer with the immense popularity of the World Cup and the incredible success of international friendlies stateside.
Record crowds turned out for viewing parties from coast to coast. Whether you were in Cincinnati or Akron, Cleveland or LA, people were watching the World Cup together in record numbers.
The 109,000+ fans that actually turned out this weekend in Ann Arbor, Michigan for a Guinness International Champions Cup match was a record for an American audience. Sellout crowds were seen across the country.
“Congratulations to Charlie Stillitano and Relevent Sports for putting together such a great tournament,” Meola added.
Meola points out that at some point, we must tap into those fans, those that buy tickets for friendlies and watch European soccer on TV. He asks a simple question: “How do we convert them into MLS fans?” The bigger question might be how many soccer dollars are out there in a country of over 318 million.
He sees great promise in the U.S. Men’s National Team thanks to several youngsters making their way up the ladder. Everyone thought he was crazy six months ago when he talked about the possibility of DeAndre Yedlin on the USMNT. Now he looks like a genius after the Sounders defender had a breakout performance in Brazil.
“The sky’s the limit for the young man. He has mind-boggling physical tools and he is willing to work on the technical side of his game.”
No wonder the former Akron standout is getting looks from all over Europe. He has a bright future in the national team program, but he is not the only bright spot moving forward. Meola keeps hearing about the great potential of Julian Green, but he knows it will be hard to get first team minutes at Bayern Munich. On the other hand, he is in great hands with Pep Guardiola.
Meola pointed out that the former Barca boss had great success bringing youth players up the ranks and that he gives young players a chance. Sometimes a chance is all they need.
He also noted that a player like Terrance Boyd might be useful moving forward, helping to develop some depth at the forward position. It was easy to see that depth was necessary with Jozy Altidore’s injury at the World Cup. Meola thinks that we are strong in the midfield, developing in the backline, and in dire need of help up top. Maybe Boyd could fill that void in four years in Russia.
When asked the big question about Tim Howard, Meola responded, “It sounds like it is definitive one way or another. No one has traveled like Howard and there is something to going out on top.”
The potential of MLS is always a topic of interest and Meola sees the league continuing to grow into one of the top five or six leagues in the world. When that happens is another conversation altogether, but Meola thinks we are on our way.
“More and more players are intrigued by MLS. They are intrigued and want to play here.”
He admits that some may have delusions of grandeur, but it is hard to argue with the world-class players that are coming to the league.
Meola knows that it is hard to predict the cup winners in MLS year to year, but thinks this might be Seattle’s time. Sporting KC is the favorite for many, but it is difficult to claim back-to-back titles in this league.
Allstate is a big part of the All-Star Game coming up this week in Portland and Meola thinks Michael Bradley might be a standout against the aforementioned Bayern Munich. Bradley’s leadership and experience will be invaluable in a game where the MLS side won’t be well-organized from a tactical standpoint. The MLS players are not used to playing together and the lack of chemistry is sure to be noticed.
One things is for certain. Allstate will be there so that fans get the most out of their All-Star experience.
They are inviting soccer fans attending the match to visit the fun and interactive Fan Zone at Providence Park from 6:00 to 8:00 pm PT on game day. It’s free and open to everyone so be sure to stop by before you head into the stadium. If you don’t have tickets to the game just stop by the MLS All-Star viewing party that Allstate is hosting in Pioneer Courthouse Square from 6:00 – 9:00 pm PT!
