The United States of Soccer: MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom

by Phil West

“A brisk and informative look at Major League Soccer’s first twenty years . . . West gives MLS fans a worthy chronicle.” (Booklist).In 1988, FIFA decreed that the 1994 World Cup would be played in the United States – with the condition that the U.S. would start a new professional league. The North American Soccer League had failed just four years prior, and the prospects of launching a new league for Americans, who didn’t share the rest of the world’s love for soccer, were both exciting and daunting. The United States of Soccer is the engaging history of Major League Soccer’s bootstrap origins prior to its 1996 launch, its near-demise in the early 2000s, and its surprising resilience and growth as it won recognition from soccer fans around the world. The book also explores the origin of MLS’s superfans who set the tone within MLS stadiums and defining what it is to be a North American soccer fan. Phil West chronicles those fans’ voices – intermingled with league officials, former players and coaches, journalists, and newspaper accounts – to detail MLS’s remarkable journey.

Genres: Sports, Soccer, Nonfiction, Football

363 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2016

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wished for more, deeper reporting, comparable to almost anything else on my sports shelf. A decent chronicle of the league's early years, especially, nevertheless.

[Sean Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most general history with overly liberal use of block quotes.

[Dеnnis]

I notice a number of people complain about the book. I would speak in its defence. For anyone not quite familiar with the MLS and its roots this work is quite unparalleled. I learn a lot, it explained much and nowhere was it dry. It has a rather good mix of boardroom and terraces perspectives. The only thing I dodn't like - but it's my problem only - were descriptions of key matches and play-off series. I was looking into overall view of development, and generally skipped in-game drama. Then again feedback from state and nationwide media, fans and owners to the results is provided, and that's exactly the part of the League's inner workings I was looking into. Overall, a very solid and quality introduction.

[Paul Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you've been a hardcore MLS fan since the league's inception in 1996, then Phil West's book may be redundant. Most anyone else will learn something about the league on or off the field, or how soccer culture has evolved in recent years. Notable for its breadth, the book provides a good overview of the major elements of the sport's growth in the U.S. over the last two decades. West frequently quotes relevant articles to capture the mood at the time, and he leaves the reader with a solid understanding of how American soccer got to where it is today.

[Caitlin O'Sullivan]

Before 2016, my only real exposure to the game of soccer was a single season playing with a pack of other first graders on the fields near my childhood home. I lasted just one season because 1) I couldn't keep track of which goal I was supposed to be shooting at; 2) I didn't like people kicking at me; and 3) wet grass clippings stuck to my shoes and my legs and that was the grossest thing ever.

Flash forward to the present. While I still don't like being kicked or wet grass clippings, I now have a good friend who is both a recreational soccer player and a longtime fan of the game, making it an opportune moment to learn about the sport that was once the bane of my Saturdays. The United States of Soccer is not an explanation of the sport or a history of Major League Soccer; its original genesis was sportswriter Phil West's desire to visit every MLS stadium. Many interviews later, it seems to have become part history, part ethnography, part football culture primer, and part fannish glee.

While he clearly wishes he had the space to give kick-by-kick descriptions, West keeps his game and season summaries relatively succinct, focusing on the personalities that shaped the league from the 1990s on. Owners, players, and fans all get their moment in the spotlight as West explores how love of the game brought them together and kept them (mostly) together, despite economic downturns, unsuitable facilities, local politics, and even the threat of international terrorism.

As someone with essentially a bored first-grader's understanding of the game, I found The United States of Soccer generally accessible and informative, although the true intended reader is likely someone with more experience in the sport. Funny and decently written, the real draw of The United States of Soccer is the passion West and his subjects feel for the game.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is geared toward soccer die-hards who relish in game recaps and minutia (of which I do not). But I enjoyed learning about the history of each MLS team and team name. The author also explores the importance of supporter clubs and having a proper stadium. It's a quick read.

[Steven Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look into both Major League Soccer and the USMNT. I particularly enjoyed the large amount of stories from reporters, players, and front office executives. Too often these types of books rely too much on recaping events without additional content, but that was not the case here.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive history of MLS from beginning to 2015

Required reading for anyone serious about the history of Major League Soccer. Packed to the brim with glorious moments and hilarious anecdotes. 5/5

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really would give it 3.5 rating. A good overview of American soccer, and very helpful for me as a newcomer to the sport. I only wish there had been an updated edition available since this only covers in general through 2015.

[Andrew Bahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the better histories of modern American soccer but it still feels incomplete in light of what has happened since its publication. Still well worth a read for its engaging writing and interesting anecdotes from supporters and executives.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A history of the league, especially from the front office perspective, but not terribly in depth.

[Jeremy Aldrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chronologically arranged chapters highlight the history of MLS with a special focus on on-field drama and the impact of supporters' groups.

[Emanuel Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must for any American soccer fan.

[Grant Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

fun. went in not knowing a lot about MLS and felt like i learned a decent amount

[Mike Lettiere · Rating 1 out of 5]

bbb hub harlow

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are fairly new to MLS, this is a must-read. This should be acclaimed as "the Bible" for MLS' first 20 years

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

@PhilWest wrote a fun little book taking a trip through MLS' history through a fan's eyes. He does a nice job pointing out the contrasting ways supports groups developed, and how they formed good partnerships (or not) with front offices. I've been a fan from before Day 1, and it's good to see the league treated with respect. Plus, fun to see a lot of names of players I'd nearly forgotten, and some league office folks who gave me little bits of help when I had a soccer site (before blogs were a thing, alas).

West understands that even when American fans borrow from the rest of the world, or even other cities, they always put a unique spin on things.

Plus, hey, he even name checked the pro team that plays behind my back fence.

[Timothy Swartout · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fun read with the beginning and end of the book showcasing more in-depth reporting. The period from 2000-2010 seems slightly under-represented. Overall though, I really enjoyed reliving many moments that my family enjoyed as our kids grew up in soccer in the 2000's. The author has done a nice job of paralleling the growth of the league along with its supporters groups' growth along with it.
A more in-depth history by the same author would be welcomed by this reader. Yes, I know the MLS is a young league but I'm sure there is more story to tell. Overall a delightfully quick read.

[Cory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall a good book and even after being a fan of MLS for many years and closely following many of the teams for many years I still learned a lot. On the downside, in general the book is in chronological order but then almost randomly jumps a head a few years before returning back to the time line we were in. Also, there were a few instances I was looking for more info, like when the author talked about the weather of the MLS cup but didn't mention where it was held, or when talking about early uniforms I had to go look up pictures.

[bookreader · Rating 2 out of 5]

MLS deserves better than this dull, perfunctory, workmanlike contribution to the literature of soccer.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a good work.

[Michael Sedor · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title is like a zillion times better than the book, which isnt in fact about american soccer fandom but is instead a year by year mls history. Yawn.

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

MLS sponsored propaganda.
The author could have written for Pravda back in the day.