As a supporter of US Football [Soccer], the question that is always asked are those comparing the USA to Countries in Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Every country is different and to compare US Football [Soccer] with those of the FA, La Liga, and the Bundesliga would be similar to comparing a pear and a grape.
It cannot be denied that US Football [Soccer] is still under-par in comparison with other professional leagues. The reasons are many and needed to be organized under certain categories and its resolutions.
AMERICA VS THE WORLD
US Folklore tells the stories of how the Puritans saw the Indigenous Population play a form of Football called "Pasuckquakkohowog" [which means "they gather to play
football."], when they arrived in America.
The reality points to an inconsistent history of football [Soccer] in America compared to the consistency which has existed in Europe since Football was first played in York England during the Middle Ages. America had Football [Soccer] as a fad sport that was fashionable at times until the World Cup of 1994.
It could be said that until 1994, the USA had a bunker mentality when it came to Football [Soccer] which favoured other sports [i.e: basketball] over Football [Soccer]. Before 1994, sports commentators in the USA derided Football [Soccer] as a "Sport for those who do not like Sports".
It was after the World Cup of 1994 that the USA started to take seriously the role of Football [Soccer]. The reason, the USA hosted the World Cup of 1994 and they did not want to be seen as "ignorant" and "dumb".
The FA, La Liga, La Liga Mexicana, and the Bundesliga have been playing seriously and the supporters have been vocal and present. The Leagues of other countries either received support from their fans or in some cases [such as Monaco] from the government.
TIMING OF SEASON
Another aspect has been the timing of the football [soccer] season. In Europe, the season lasts from August to April. In the USA, it lasts from April to October with practices and friendly games starting in January.
BUDGET CUTS
Within the USA, there has been a decline in Physical Education Classes as mandated by the Budget Cuts by George Bush II. With this decline, there has been little exercise and practice of US Football [Soccer].
UNDERESTIMATING FOOTBALL [SOCCER]
There is also the mentality in America that Football [Soccer] does not need that much practice. The US Football [Soccer] Team learned the hard way after the Men's Team was eliminated in Copa America 2007 and the Womens Team was almost eliminated in the FIFA Womens World Cup in the same year.
SALARY CAPS
A Major difference between US Football [Soccer] and the other professional leagues are the Salary Caps. A Salary Cap [also known as a Wage Cap] is defined as a limit on an amount of money that can be used by a professional team for professional salaries. The Major League Soccer [as well as minor leagues within the USA] use the salary cap.
At the present time, European Leagues are considering the use of a salary cap. A report from the BBC revealed that the Football League in England and the Serie A of Italy were one of the teams considering a salary cap.
WHAT NEXT?
It must be remembered that US Football [Soccer] and their leagues are adolescents bound to make mistakes but are willing to learn in order to be on par with other leagues.
The USA has to adapt and rid itself of the bunker mentality. We live in a world of open communications and diversity which includes sports. Football [Soccer] is gaining converts in America and it is the silent majority who are leading the change.
It will take time to destroy the walls of prejudice against football [soccer] but people are attending in ever increasing numbers. Regardless, to compare US Football [Soccer] to the Long and Glorious History of European Leagues is impossible. The USA has to forge its own history.
US Football [Soccer] must change its season since it is almost the only country that plays Football [Soccer] off season. The USA should play at the same time frame as other professional leagues [August to April] in order to be in par with them.
While Budget Cuts by Bush II have hurt Football [Soccer], there has been a general tendency to have Football [Soccer] groups. In fact, the Miami FC has a programme of Football [Soccer] for future generations where the practice is grueling and the few are chosen.
The US Football [Soccer] Association has similar programmes with the youth where the practice is the equivalent of other professional leagues. This includes the under 21 teams.
The extensive practice guidelines are a result of the lessons learned in 2007 from underestimating the sport after the debacle of Copa America 2007 and the FIFA Womens World Cup of 2007.
I have faith in the US Football [Soccer] Team and that the 21st Century will be a time for the USA and its leagues to leave their imprint in the History of this Illustrious Sport called Football [Soccer].