Checketts sees his future in beautiful game

[AreliusII]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/printstory.mpl/sports/3337495

[montgjules]

Interesting quote from a frustrated Bruce Arena:

"I think it is time that the American public that supports the sport of soccer steps forward and supports our game by watching on television and getting ratings," he said, "by attending games and by buying soccer products — being good consumers, as we have seen in other sports, whether it's college football, the NBA, what have you. It's time for us to put up or shut up."

It sounds like he's heard a lot of whining about why soccer isn't big in the USA and also seen a lot of those same people who refuse to buy tickets, watch on TV, etc. "Put up or shut up." Interesting.

[prk166]

Very nice. Thanks for the heads up on the article.

[neophyte]

Originally Posted by montgjules

Interesting quote from a frustrated Bruce Arena:

"I think it is time that the American public that supports the sport of soccer steps forward and supports our game by watching on television and getting ratings," he said, "by attending games and by buying soccer products — being good consumers, as we have seen in other sports, whether it's college football, the NBA, what have you. It's time for us to put up or shut up."

It sounds like he's heard a lot of whining about why soccer isn't big in the USA and also seen a lot of those same people who refuse to buy tickets, watch on TV, etc. "Put up or shut up." Interesting.

We RSL fans are certainly doing our part. I would love to see the numbers on sales of official MLS licensed merchandise this year. With the number of jerseys and t-shirt and hats at the games, RSL has to be doing pretty well. My parents would never have bought me official NBA jerseys, but I bought RSL jerseys for my kids before the first game! Question is, once we've all bought jerseys, how much do they sell NEXT year? I'm waiting to get my home jersey then, since I opted for the away jersey this year.
So why can't USSF get WCQ qualifiers for USMNT televised on a better channel than ESPN classic? That 's a game that a casual channel surfer would have watched, I think. Then again, it wasn't hyped by mainstream media either. Unbelievable. THAT is not the fans' fault-- it's the management's.
One more thing-- USMNT needs a better jersey. I would rather wear a Spain or England or Argentina jersey around town than USA just because they look a lot cooler.

[edaw33]

Originally Posted by neophyte

One more thing-- USMNT needs a better jersey. I would rather wear a Spain or England or Argentina jersey around town than USA just because they look a lot cooler.

amen and here's some rep! Anyone else HATE that all the Nike countries have the same damn kits? It drives me nuts!

[Aerick]

Originally Posted by neophyte

We RSL fans are certainly doing our part. I would love to see the numbers on sales of official MLS licensed merchandise this year. With the number of jerseys and t-shirt and hats at the games, RSL has to be doing pretty well. My parents would never have bought me official NBA jerseys, but I bought RSL jerseys for my kids before the first game! Question is, once we've all bought jerseys, how much do they sell NEXT year? I'm waiting to get my home jersey then, since I opted for the away jersey this year.
So why can't USSF get WCQ qualifiers for USMNT televised on a better channel than ESPN classic? That 's a game that a casual channel surfer would have watched, I think. Then again, it wasn't hyped by mainstream media either. Unbelievable. THAT is not the fans' fault-- it's the management's.
One more thing-- USMNT needs a better jersey. I would rather wear a Spain or England or Argentina jersey around town than USA just because they look a lot cooler.

I'll also be buying the home jersey next year, as well as some of the other RSL stuff I didn't get this year such as hoodies, a different polo shirt, maybe the shorts, a blanket, some more T-Shirts, etc.

[Braveheart]

Nice to see a long-term commitment