Soccer Fans: EPL vs MLS

The US Major League Soccer (MLS) has come a long way since its inception 15 years ago.  It provides a league for young American talent to improve their skills while playing with and against past their prime stars from Europe and South America.  The league also has a significant number of Latin American players and Spanish speakers comprise a big part of the fan base.  While stadiums are far from filled, the MLS has carved out a niche in the US sports market and appears stable. The English Premier League (EPL) on the other hand is the most popular soccer league in the world.  Teams that are comprised of the best (and highest paid) players in the world entertain packed stadiums and English fans are incredibly loyal to their teams. 

When people compare the two leagues, quality of play is normally the topic of discussion.  The speed of play and skill level is certainly better in the EPL, but to me, the most striking difference is the behavior of the fans.  During my recent trip to London, I had the opportunity to see an EPL game live.  The match pitted West Ham, an East London club against Aston Villa from Birmingham.  West Ham’s stadium, a small, old structure tucked into a neighborhood, reminded me of Wrigley Field.  The stands were full even though both teams were near the bottom of the standings, and everyone knew their soccer and was glued to the action.  Fans applauded good passes and creative plays, part of the reason why high scores are not necessary for a game to be exciting.  There was a section of “over exuberant” fans who stood during the whole game and screamed obscenities at Aston Villa, but they were confined to one section behind the goal.  I wonder if a ticket in that section comes with a warning.

In contrast, I recently saw an MLS game between FC Dallas and DC United that was played at old RFK stadium here in Washington.  The game was pretty good and both teams had a few excellent players.  A contingent of Latino fans in one corner entertained the stadium, and mostly themselves with songs accompanied by a drum beat throughout the game.  The music and singing did add to the experience, and this is reflective of fan behavior in Central and South America.  The Latinos cared about their home team and this was evident in their songs. There were also other people like me, fans of the sport who were most interested in paying close attention to action on the field.  However a third group showed up shortly before half time.  This group of mostly twenty-somethings paid very little attention to the game, were constantly making runs to the concession stand, and treated the game like a social event. 

At the risk of sounding like a soccer snob, which I probably am, no one in England would have paid $32 to show up for half a game and then not pay attention.  I think some of baseball mentality has crept into MLS spectators.  Baseball is a slow game with interrupted action and it’s OK to miss a few outs or even an inning.  It’s like a sports soap opera where nothing changes quickly.  There’s usually a buildup to a game changing play and it doesn’t happen in the blink of an eye like it does in soccer.  Now MLS needs every paying customer that it can get so these nouveau fans are welcome.  I just wish they would take the time to learn the game and appreciate its nuances.  Watching soccer is like drinking dry red wine.  You have to acquire a taste for it, but once you do, you will appreciate and enjoy a game for the skill of the players, regardless of the number of goals scored.