As a lover of the beautiful game, a youth coach and a former referee of the game, I was shocked to see that the USA failed to qualify for the 2018 WC by losing at Trinidad and Tobago (1-2). This is a devastating news for Soccer in America.
Soccer has really made massive strides in various areas over the last 30 years. A record number of young men ( and women) are not only playing the game, but are following the game well past their teenage years. MLS (Major League Soccer) has become so popular, it is expanding twice in the next few years to bring its team total to 28 teams. 10 market applied in the recent expansion round for a few places. Something that was unthinkable 10 years ago, when MLS struggled with attendance and sponsor issues.
MLS now averages over 21,000 per game. Atlanta recently had record breaking number of spectators at a single soccer game event with over 75,000. In Portland and Seattle, soccer has become a big event packing fans like Premiere League soccer Games. Seattle averages around 45,000 per game. This is a huge number for soccer. Players have been compensated well and the league has attracted star players as well as star coaches.
Soccer has also been an example of integration in the USA Society. Players, regardless of their ethnic background, national origin, and sexual orientation have always felt at home with USA soccer. Lots of players are first or second generation immigrants.
It is difficult to know the economic impact the failed qualification will have on USA Soccer. The Soccer world cup takes place every 4 years and is the most viewed event in the whole world. Nike (the main sponsor) and Fox Sports (who owns the USA rights) are not going to be happy about what just happened.