twballgame9 {l Wrote}:EagleDave {l Wrote}:cvilleagle {l Wrote}:twballgame9 {l Wrote}:"...was the most watched U.S. Men's National team game since 1994."
So its popularity has actually dropped off since that 94 Cup. Got it.
In 94 it was in the U.S., and it was the round of 16. If we're in the round of 16 this year we get higher numbers. Also, the overall numbers (including non-U.S. matches) have been doing much better, demonstrating improved popularity of soccer in the U.S., rather than simply people watching because it's the U.S.
And yes, it would certainly help to have a Messi on our team, both competitively and ratings-wise.
Not only that, they played an epic 1-0 game (on the 4th of July no less) with eventual champion Brazil in that 2nd round game behind marketable stars like Alexi Lalas and Coby Jones. They don't necessarily need a lights out top 5 player in the world, they just need someone marketable. Sadly, that's not likely to happen unless it's one of those dual citizenship situations with a guy who gets bored playing the big fish, big pond routine. The player certainly wouldn't be home grown.
Weren't Harkes, Ramos and Meola on that team as well? Or were they older?
Ahhh Tony Meola...he was the goalie for the '94 team. It was his last appearance with the national team. Not sure about Harkes and Ramos.
