The Four Major Sports that MLS beat in the last three years

Posted on October 31, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

We asked ourselves what are the trends in stadium attendance for the major sports and how is MLS performing on such a dimension.

 

To our surprise, we found out that in the last three years MLS’s average stadium attendance per game increased at a pace more than double than all the other “Big Four” major sports in the U.S.

 

% CHANGE IN AVERAGE STADIUM ATTENDANCE PER GAME

% CHANGE IN AVERAGE STADIUM ATTENDANCE PER GAME

 

So, what would you say is the up-and-coming sport in the U.S.?

 

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MLS vs the “Big Four” major sports in the U.S.

Posted on October 28, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

We continue our series on comparing MLS to other leagues. Today we are looking at the stadium attendance comparison.

 

As we have seen recently, MLS fairs decently, in terms of attendance, with many other established soccer leagues. But, how about competing against the four mainstream domestic sports here in the US – how well is MLS doing? In a way, it is amazing that MLS has already reached this level of popularity. It’s a tough market, no question about it, however, there is definitely interest in the sport! And to prove the naysayers wrong, MLS is on par or even better than the NHL or NBA when it comes to average league attendance. Take a look:

 

MLS vs NFL MLB NHL NBA

MLS vs NFL MLB NHL NBA as of October 2012

 

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Battle of the Jersey Kit Brands @ EURO 2012 – the Winner, Adidas

Posted on July 3, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

The full bracket for the EURO 2012 is here: the winner is Adidas, again, as it becomes a good habit (or great planing from their part).

 

The Jersey Kit Brand Winner @ EURO 2012

The Jersey Kit Brand Winner @ EURO 2012

 

Disclaimer: Brand names, logos and trademarks used herein belong to their respective owners.

 

 

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Gems in MLS

Posted on July 2, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

With the EURO 2012 over, many of the soccer fans in the US will switch their attention to the MLS, although many of them discount the competition. I believe that it is a big mistake, as there is a lot more quality here than you might think. Take this game for example:

San Jose Earthquakes 4-3 LA Galaxy, with the San Jose team coming back from two goals down to win.

 

 

Compare this game to what we saw at the EURO 2012. Don’t you think this was more entertaining than most of those games in Europe? Give a chance to MLS and watch their games too!

 

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EURO 2012, Final, conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on July 2, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Spain 4-0 Italy. The unlucky Italy

 

Italy could not upset the odds again, especially when running out of luck. Having two injuries in the same game and having to play in 10 after exhausting your substitutions, against Spain, and here you have the recipe of a clear loss. They didn’t stand a chance.

 

Spain won its third straight major title and indeed made history. No one has done it previously. Germany and France came close before but failed in the end. With this win they earned a place between the greatest national teams. They also joined Germany, with three wins, as the most successful teams at EURO tournaments.

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Battle of the Jersey Kit Brands @ EURO 2012 – the Final Chapter

Posted on June 30, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

The Battle of the Jersey Kit Brands has reached its final chapter: the Big Final. Although it was close to being an All-Adidas affair, as most people predicted Germany, and not Italy, was to reach the final,  it will still be an All German affair: Puma vs. Adidas.

 

Battle of the Jersey Kit Brands @ EURO 2012

Battle of the Jersey Kit Brands @ EURO 2012

 

Adidas has somewhat an upper hand, as they provide the ball and dress the referees too. However, it could be very well the year of the feline!

 

Disclaimer: Brand names, logos and trademarks used herein belong to their respective owners.

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EURO 2012, Second semifinal, conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 29, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Germany 1-2 Italy

 

Germany was not the Germany we saw the previous games. Was it because of Germany itself, having one of their worst days, or, was it Italy, having one of their best days? It’s hard to say…this is always a dilemma. However, for all the warnings they got, especially from the likes of Portugal and Denmark, Germany didn’t learn anything and didn’t take enough measures.

 

I feel it was more of a psychological roadblock for Germany. Italy had the upper hand, historically, and dominated Germany, even before the start of the game. We are only human…

 

The German players walked on the field with their “soft legs”, and – you could see the difference – they were slower than the Italians, and nothing worked their way. Winning and wasting 14 corners, to none of Italians, it’s so not-Germany.

 

Italy was such a surprise! – even for their own fans. A well-organized side, improved with each game, Italy looks more and more like a Champion.  Spain must be worried.

 

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EURO 2012, First semifinal, conclusions by the Soccer Crusader

Posted on June 28, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

Portugal 0-0 Spain, 2-4 after penalties. Much Ado About Nothing

 

What a boring game! Considering the quality of the players involved, one would expect a great game, with lots of action and a couple of goals too. Nowadays is more important to win, at any cost, rather than the way you win.

 

This game made me think of what someone told me, about why we, Americans, don’t like Soccer: there is not enough action! Some games, like this one, don’t have enough action indeed.

 

Now, think about it! If MLS was on par with NFL (for example), and this was a game between two MLS teams, you could pay $500, for a family of four, to attend the game (tickets, parking, food, drinks, etc). Seriously, would you pay $500 to watch this game?

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EURO 2012, Jersey Kits in Semifinals

Posted on June 28, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

For the last four teams we only got three of the jersey kits brands left in the competition, as Umbro was left out when England was sent home. Here is what are left with:

EURO 2012 - Jersey kits in semi finals

EURO 2012 – Jersey kit brands in semi finals

 

Will it be an all German affair in the final??

 

Disclaimer: Brand names, logos and trademarks used herein belong to their respective owners.

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EURO 2012, The Semifinals

Posted on June 27, 2012 by thesoccercrusader

We are now down to the last four and, interestingly, we have three Latin teams vs. only one Anglo-Saxon.  This is only the third time when do have three Latin teams in the last four. Here are the  other cases:

 

Three Latin teams in the Last Four @ EURO

Three Latin teams in the Last Four @ EURO

 

Both times we had a Latin Champion (France, both times). The only team that was present in all occasions is Portugal.

 

Is Germany going to change history? Or, is Spain going to make their history?

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