Soccer's history in America is littered with overly ambitious owners, poor investments and old players. The NASL was founded in 1960. It was run like a major league. However, attendances were not as high. Then, indoor soccer took over in the 1970s and '80s, with solid fan showings but financial woes. Although the MISL was closed in 1992, its legacy is still firmly rooted within the American soccer pyramid.
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer in the USA has a history that is somewhat obscure despite the American League of Professional Football's successes. It was founded in 1996 and consisted of 10 teams. The conference was divided into the Eastern and Western. It took many years for the sport to gain widespread popularity. Now, it is one the most popular sports in America with over 300 teams participating in this league.
Pasuckuakohowog
In the late 1800s, soccer was played for the first time on American soil. Soccer grew rapidly in America as a result of the Great Depression. In the 1920s, the American Soccer League was founded. Its foundation teams were drawn from cities. As the game became more mainstream, the US began to host more World Cups. The US today has more fans than any other country. Here is a brief history about American soccer.
U.S. Men’s National Team
Numerous appearances by the U.S. Men's National Team have been made at major international tournaments. The men won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 1994. They also went on to win CONCACAF Gold Cup 2002. They beat Canada in overtime at Pasadena's Rose Bowl in August 1994. It was the first time that the United States had ever defeated Canada in soccer.
Women's National Team
The women's national soccer team was established in 1987 and began to play competitive international soccer. The team played several games in Italy but had mixed results. They lost three of their games to Denmark and won one. Their greatest win was against the Soviet Union. The US won it 8-0. However, the team didn't enjoy a long-lasting success.
U.S. athletes make World Cup appearances
This year's qualifiers will see the fourth World Cup appearance of the U.S. Men’s National Team. The U.S. Men's National Team won four of the qualifying rounds and drew one. The U.S. men’s nation team won the Nike U.S. Cup Gold Cup, and they won the World Cup. This is the first time that the U.S. has ever won the Gold Cup.