While soccer has been a dominant force in international sports for well over a century, its journey in the United States has been comparatively slow and steady. Although the sport has experienced periods of growth and decline throughout its history in the U.S., recent years have seen a surge in interest and participation, both at the grassroots and professional levels.
MLS has played a major role in this growth, becoming a staple of the American sports landscape and capturing the attention of fans across the country. However, the story of soccer in the USA extends far beyond the modern era and the rise of MLS.
This article provides an in-depth look at the rich history of soccer in the USA, examining its roots, key milestones, and the various factors that have contributed to its growth and development over the years.
We will explore the early beginnings of soccer in the country, the establishment of professional leagues, and the impact of international stars on the sport’s popularity. Additionally, we will delve into the role of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams in promoting soccer and discuss how the sport has influenced American culture. By understanding the past, we can gain valuable insights into the present state of soccer in the United States and anticipate its promising future.
Early Years (1800s-1910s)
Soccer in the USA has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century.
In the early 1800s, European immigrants, primarily from England, Scotland, and Germany, introduced the game to American shores. When these immigrants arrived and settled, they brought with them their love for soccer and helped establish the sport in their new home.
The first recorded soccer match in the United States took place on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers University and Princeton University. However, this game was played under rules that closely resembled rugby rather than modern soccer. The first soccer match following the modern rules, as established by the London Football Association, was played in 1875 between the Boston-based Oneida Football Club and a team of British expatriates.
As the popularity of the sport grew, more clubs and teams began to emerge across the country. Soccer clubs were formed in cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago, with most teams composed of European immigrants. Soccer became a means for these immigrant communities to maintain connections to their home countries and cultural identities while adapting to their new lives in the United States.
Establishing the American Football Association (AFA) in 1884
The need for a governing body to oversee the organization and administration of soccer matches led to the formation of the American Football Association (AFA) in 1884. The AFA aimed to standardize the rules of soccer in the United States, following the guidelines set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
One of the AFA’s significant achievements was organizing the first-ever soccer competition in the United States, the American Cup.
The tournament began in 1884 and continued until 1898, attracting teams from various states and providing a platform for soccer players and clubs to showcase their talents.
The First Organized Soccer Leagues and Clubs
Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, several soccer leagues and clubs were established. The National Association Football League (NAFBL) was one of the earliest and most successful leagues, founded in 1895. It featured teams from New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and continued operations until 1921.
During this period, soccer was primarily played in urban areas, where it gained popularity among blue-collar workers. The sport was typically played on weekends and holidays, providing a form of entertainment and recreation for the working-class communities.
Soccer clubs often represented specific ethnic groups, reflecting the diverse immigrant populations that played a significant role in the sport’s growth.
The Rise of Professional Soccer (1920s-1960s)
The early 20th century marked a significant turning point for soccer in the USA. The sport’s popularity continued to grow, and the emergence of professional soccer leagues and clubs began to shape the landscape.
In 1921, the American Soccer League (ASL) was founded as the first professional soccer league in the country. The ASL aimed to elevate the sport’s status and provide a competitive platform for professional soccer players. The league comprised teams from the Northeastern United States, such as the New York Giants, Philadelphia Field Club, and Bethlehem Steel F.C., which had previously competed in the NAFBL.
The ASL quickly gained popularity and was considered one of the top soccer leagues globally during its heyday. The league attracted talented players from Europe and South America, significantly raising the quality of soccer played in the United States.
The “Soccer Wars”: ASL vs United States Football Association (USFA)
In the late 1920s, a conflict known as the “Soccer Wars” erupted between the ASL and the United States Football Association (USFA), which was affiliated with FIFA.
The dispute arose over the scheduling of the National Challenge Cup, now known as the U.S. Open Cup, a knockout tournament organized by the USFA.
The ASL preferred to focus on its league matches and saw the National Challenge Cup as a threat to its commercial interests.
The “Soccer Wars” led to a split in American soccer, with some teams and players siding with the ASL and others with the USFA.
The conflict ultimately resulted in FIFA suspending the USFA in 1928, which jeopardized the United States’ participation in international soccer competitions.
Decline of the ASL
By the early 1930s, the ASL faced severe financial difficulties due to the Great Depression, which significantly impacted the American economy.
The league disbanded in 1933, and a new incarnation of the ASL emerged in its place. However, this second version of the ASL never reached the same level of success as its predecessor.
Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, soccer in the United States transitioned to a more regional and semi-professional model.
The lack of a unified professional league led to the establishment of numerous regional leagues, such as the German-American Soccer League in New York, the National Soccer League in Chicago, and the Pacific Coast Soccer League in California. These leagues provided opportunities for local talent to develop and compete, but they lacked the financial resources and national appeal of the original ASL.
Post-World War II
Following World War II, soccer experienced a resurgence in the United States, thanks in part to the influx of European immigrants who had a passion for the sport.
Additionally, the U.S. Men’s National Team’s surprising victory over England in the 1950 FIFA World Cup raised the profile of American soccer on the international stage.
Despite these positive developments, soccer in the USA remained fragmented and largely semi-professional during the 1950s and 1960s. The sport struggled to compete with the growing popularity of American football, basketball, and baseball, which dominated the nation’s sports landscape.
The North American Soccer League (NASL) era (1968-1984)
In 1968, the North American Soccer League (NASL) was founded, ushering in a new era of professional soccer.
The league aimed to capitalize on the growing interest in soccer and create a sustainable, competitive professional soccer league that would capture the attention of American sports fans.
The NASL was created through a merger of two existing leagues: the United Soccer Association (USA) and the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). The new league brought together teams from across the United States and Canada, featuring a mixture of domestic and international talent. The NASL sought to promote soccer through innovative marketing strategies and exciting gameplay, which helped to generate a buzz around the sport.
In its early years, the NASL struggled to attract fans and faced financial difficulties. However, the league persevered and began to see a steady increase in attendance and overall interest in soccer throughout the 1970s.
International Stars: Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, George Best
The NASL’s fortunes began to change dramatically in the mid-1970s with the arrival of international soccer superstars such as Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, and George Best.
These players signed lucrative contracts with NASL teams, bringing unprecedented attention to the league and elevating the quality of play.
Pelé’s signing with the New York Cosmos in 1975 was a landmark moment for American soccer. The Brazilian legend’s arrival attracted global media coverage and drew huge crowds to Cosmos matches. The Cosmos quickly became the flagship team of the NASL, winning five league titles during their existence.
Decline of the NASL
The influx of international stars and the increased quality of soccer played in the NASL led to a surge in the league’s popularity during the late 1970s. Attendance figures soared, and the NASL began to make a significant impact on the American sports landscape. The league reached its peak in 1978, with 24 teams competing in the league and average attendances surpassing 14,000 fans per game.
However, the rapid expansion and overspending on player salaries eventually took its toll. The league faced financial difficulties, and several teams folded due to mounting losses. By the early 1980s, the NASL was in decline, with attendance figures dwindling and the quality of play suffering as a result.
The NASL officially ceased operations in 1984, leaving a void in the American soccer landscape. Despite its ultimate demise, the NASL played a crucial role in popularizing soccer in the United States and laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of MLS in the 1990s.
The Birth of MLS (1996-Present)
After the collapse of the NASL, professional soccer in the United States entered a period of uncertainty.
However, the sport’s fortunes began to change in the 1990s, culminating in the establishment of MLS and the dawn of a new era for American soccer.
In 1988, FIFA awarded the United States the rights to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, with the stipulation that a new professional soccer league be established in the country. This decision prompted the formation of MLS, which was officially founded in 1993 and began play in 1996.
The launch of MLS marked a fresh start for professional soccer in the United States, with the league aiming to learn from the mistakes of the NASL and create a sustainable, competitive, and financially viable soccer league.
The inaugural MLS season featured ten teams, with a mix of new franchises and clubs with roots in the lower-tier leagues of American soccer.
Expansion of MLS
Since its inception, MLS has experienced steady growth and expansion. The league has added new franchises and had grown to encompass 29 teams by the start of the 2023 season.
This rapid expansion brought professional soccer to new markets across the United States and Canada, fostering the growth of the sport in previously untapped regions.
The league’s competitive balance and parity have also improved over time, with various teams capturing league championships and no single club dominating the league. This balance has contributed to the league’s stability and helped to maintain fan interest across the country.
One of the critical factors in MLS’s growth and success has been the construction of soccer-specific stadiums. In the league’s early years, most teams played in large American football stadiums, which were not ideally suited for soccer and often led to subpar fan experiences.
The construction of soccer-specific stadiums helped create a more authentic soccer atmosphere, improved the game-day experience for fans, and increased teams’ revenue streams. This investment in infrastructure demonstrated the league’s commitment to the sport and its long-term viability.
Attracting Star Players from Abroad
As MLS matured, the league attracted higher-profile players from around the world, including international stars such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović. This mirrored the arrival of Pele and co back in the 1970s, but this time, the league was in no danger of failing.
The introduction of the Designated Player Rule in 2007, which allowed teams to sign up to three players outside of the league’s salary cap, played a significant role in attracting top talent, and this had many additional benefits.
The arrival of these high-profile players not only raised the league’s profile but also significantly improved the quality of play on the field. The increased competition led to the development of homegrown talent, as domestic players benefitted from playing alongside and against some of the world’s best.
That brings us to the modern day, and MLS is going from strength to strength. It might have taken a while, but it seems as though soccer in the USA is finally here to stay.