The pregame to the Colorado-DC game didn't fill me with hope. The commercials they ran and Rob stone's initial intro were all about "how soccer is on the cusp!"
Just stop. Cusp of what? Why can they not advertise it and announce it like any sport? Why must the ABC intro say "If you're watching, you're an original! You were here when it began!" Why must the ESPN ads say "You like soccer because it has defense, just like baseball!!!!!!!!!"
When will the ad people and the TV people stop this constant attempt to tell everyone why they should be soccer fans? Just treat it like a normal sport, like it already belongs. And those who wish to care will care. Those who do not wish to care, oh well. But don't beat them over the head with why they should be fans.
And . . . . playing seasons on FIFA 2000 for the PlayStation drove home just how mediocre Ms. Foudy's color commentary is (that was the year EA sports decided to go to an American announcing pair; her best line was "Dear me! He's gonna need the Magic Sponge!" whnever a guy went down. Yes, I know the video game people write these remarks, but I've never been impressed with her commentary).
Of course, I might be the only one here watching this MLS season opener. Because while I have supported MLS since before team names existed and through some pretty bad soccer at times, that new ESPN ad campaign and today's runup to the game nearly pushed me away.
