First, how many times do we have explain to you that we are not talking about MLS vs. The other LEAGUES in the U.S. We are talking about a comparison of each of the SPORTS, in their entirety. That you continue to willfully ignore this is illustrative of some irrational, blind and emotional attachment to a desire for soccer to not succeed in the U.S and always be relegated to the bottom of the pecking order of sports. It is also an example of these soccer haters moving the goal post in their attempt to hang on to their desire. Recently deceased (an old white American male with a life-long career in and emotional attachment to the "American " sports) soccer hater Frank DeFord did that by stealthily replacing "soccer" with "MLS" in his bogus arguments.

Second, saying that most American soccer fans don't really have favorite teams outside the U.S, and can't name team lineups or notice trades or trade rumors is again to willfully ignore the obvious. Do you even read the posts of the soccer fans on CB? Or gone over to Bigsoccer.com? Wow!

Third, American fans don't display the same level of passion as hockey fans? Have you even seen Portland , Seattle, Atlanta or Kansas City fans in person or on TV? Your assumptions are obviously way more personal bias and desire than reality. A lot of assumptions and little in the way of evidence.

Fourth, your rationalization of the Gallup poll is maybe the worst example of this twisting evidence contrary to what you desire to be true to make it fit your desired view. Not liking any sports was an explicit option in this poll. Additionally, many soccer fans also follow other sports. There is other evidence that would support the growing numbers for soccer in Gallup's yearly poll and what it means.

An insular view such as yours is quite common, particularly among American sports enthusiasts. It reminds me of the people who were astounded that Trump won the election, saying "no one I know voted for Trump".

I am fascinated by American soccer hating and denial. I think it often involves soccer as a symbol of encroaching globalism that many -especially older - Americans resent. But talking it down won't make their desire a reality. Just ask Frank DeFord. Oh wait, you can't - he's dead.