defend your point.

I believe soccer has already surpassed hockey in overall popularity in the US, even if MLS hasn’t quite caught up to the NHL. Among young people, it is very close to baseball and may have caught up to it already.

Here is some more info for you:

"Among 12- to 17-year-olds, MLS is now more popular than MLB. In fact, among that age group only basketball is more popular."

"This year, over 60 professional teams will play in North America. Below MLS, the second-division NASL and third-division USL have grown rapidly to meet consumer demand for competitive clubs. USL clubs have valuations of between $3 and $20 million. Even five years ago, that would have seemed impossible."

"Soccer still has a long way to go before it surpasses baseball, basketball and football. But the youth participation, health of its minor leagues and valuations of its clubs show that its rapid growth is both real and spectacular."

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/shane-paul-neil/soccer-is-here-for-real-t_b_9730440.html