Soccer Done for Four Years?

After pulling off an amazing win on Wednesday night to win their group, the US Men's Soccer team looked pretty bad against Ghana in the first match of the elimination round. They managed to send the game to extra time, but an early goal by Ghana's Asamoah Gyan sent the Stars & Stripes home. It was a proud day for Ghana, who is the last African team left in the competition.

It was quite apparent that Ghana was the better team on the field. Their passes were quick and accurate; their ball control was better than their opponents; and their keeper had a better day. I can't take anything away from the US, though. The Stars & Stripes, though looking outclassed on the field, created more shots on goal than Ghana and more legitimate scoring chances. The difference was that Ghana's keeper, Richard Kingson, was an impenetrable wall that stopped at least three would-be goals. The only goal the US scored was from the penalty spot. That was not enough to win.

So now that the US has had it's World Cup bubble burst, what now? Is soccer over in the US for another four years? I've heard a few Americans make such a comment. I wanted to criticize, but I would be a hypocrite. I haven't watched US soccer since the last World Cup in 2006 (we had a much better show from our team this year). The MLS is still playing, but the level of competition isn't up to what I've seen on this side of the pond. In fact, the good US players are likely not even playing in the MLS.

I think that the sad truth is that the US just doesn't care about soccer unless it's the World Cup. Even then, I don't think the US cares too much. Admittedly, I love my (American) football. I find the sport much more entertaining. So what would make soccer more entertaining? My thought is to get rid of the offside penalty or to alter it in such a way that more goals would scored. I favor a rule more like hockey's where once the you are onside in the attacking zone, anything goes. How would you make soccer more entertaining?