MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom

In 1988, FIFA imposed a condition that the 1994 World Cup would be hosted in the United States, contingent upon the establishment of a new professional league in the country. The North American Soccer League had failed just four years prior, and the prospect of launching a new league for Americans, who were not as enamored with soccer as the rest of the world, was both exciting and daunting. "The United States of Soccer" is an engaging history that chronicles the bootstrap origins of MLS prior to its 1996 launch, its near-demise in the early 2000s, its surprising resilience and growth in the following years, and its continued rise in respectability and recognition from soccer fans around the world.

The book delves into the origin of several of MLS's best-known supporters groups – the superfans responsible for setting the tone within MLS stadiums and defining what it means to be a North American soccer fan. It explores how MLS has played a pivotal role in developing the massive American audiences for the most recent men's and women's World Cups, peaking at 27 million viewers for the 2015 Women's World Cup finals, even as the league works to expand its number of franchises and grow its audience in a sports-saturated world.

Phil West's chronicling of these fans' voices – intermingled with league officials, former players and coaches, journalists, and newspaper accounts – provides a detailed account of MLS's remarkable journey, catering to both newcomers to the U.S.'s top-tier league and those who believe they know the full MLS story.

The book's engaging narrative weaves together the various elements that have shaped the growth and development of MLS, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a respected and recognized force in the global soccer landscape. It offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the challenges, triumphs, and the passionate fan base that have all contributed to the league's evolution and success.

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