The History of Professional Soccer in the United States

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, captivating billions of fans across every continent. However, in the United States, the road to embracing soccer on a professional level has been a long and bumpy one. Unlike countries in Europe or South America, where soccer has been the dominant sport for over a century, the U.S. struggled to establish professional leagues and foster a deep-rooted love for the game.

For much of the 20th century, soccer was overshadowed by American football, basketball, and baseball. But despite its slow start, professional soccer in the U.S. has evolved significantly, particularly over the last few decades. From the early attempts of forming leagues to the rise of Major League Soccer (MLS) and its current growth, this article takes you on a journey through the fascinating history of professional soccer in the United States.

Early Attempts to Establish Professional Soccer

The first serious attempt to establish a professional soccer league in the U.S. came with the formation of the American Soccer League (ASL) in the 1920s. The league featured many talented players, including European immigrants who had a passion for the game. At its peak, the ASL was considered one of the strongest soccer leagues in the world, drawing fans in cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.

However, the league struggled to compete with more established American sports. The U.S. audience was already enamored with baseball and American football, and soccer had difficulty gaining traction beyond immigrant communities. The Great Depression also took its toll on the ASL, causing financial difficulties for clubs and leading to a lack of resources to sustain the league.

In the mid-20th century, various other efforts were made to bring professional soccer back to the forefront, but they all met with limited success. Soccer continued to exist in the U.S., but mostly at the amateur and semi-professional levels, as professional leagues failed to gain mainstream attention. By the 1950s, soccer in the U.S. was largely viewed as a niche sport.

The Formation of the North American Soccer League (NASL)

A major turning point for professional soccer in the U.S. came in 1968 with the formation of the North American Soccer League (NASL). This league marked the beginning of a new era, attracting international attention and top-tier talent. The NASL's greatest achievement was its ability to lure global soccer legends like Pelé, George Best, and Johan Cruyff to American clubs, sparking interest in the sport that had never been seen before in the U.S.

Pelé's arrival at the New York Cosmos in 1975 brought a wave of attention to soccer in America. His presence turned the Cosmos into a global brand, and games were suddenly drawing massive crowds. For a brief period, soccer seemed to have finally found its footing in the U.S.

However, despite the star power and exciting matches, the NASL faced a range of financial and operational problems. The league expanded too quickly, and many teams failed to build sustainable fan bases. The NASL relied heavily on international stars, which made it difficult to develop homegrown talent and build long-term growth.

The league's popularity peaked in the late 1970s, but by the early 1980s, many franchises were facing financial difficulties. In 1984, after years of declining attendance and increasing operational costs, the NASL folded. Once again, professional soccer was left without a home in the U.S., and the sport seemed to be back at square one.

The Birth of Major League Soccer (MLS)

The 1994 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, became the catalyst for the next major evolution in professional soccer. The tournament was a resounding success, attracting large crowds and igniting a renewed interest in the sport across the country. As part of the bid to host the World Cup, the U.S. Soccer Federation pledged to establish a new professional soccer league—this commitment led to the birth of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996.

In its early years, MLS struggled to find its place in the American sports landscape. The league featured 10 teams, many of which played in large, often empty American football stadiums. Financial losses piled up, and some questioned whether MLS would survive.

But over time, MLS began to grow and learn from the mistakes of its predecessors. The league made strategic changes, such as investing in soccer-specific stadiums to create a more intimate and authentic soccer experience for fans. The introduction of the Designated Player Rule in 2007 allowed teams to sign high-profile international players outside of the salary cap, sparking more interest in the league. David Beckham’s move to the LA Galaxy in 2007 marked a turning point, as his arrival brought worldwide media attention and significantly boosted MLS's visibility.

The league also began to nurture homegrown talent, with players like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey becoming household names. As more young American players developed in MLS academies and gained experience in the league, the quality of play improved, and more fans began to take notice.

Modern Era of Soccer in the U.S.

Today, Major League Soccer is in a much healthier position. The league has expanded to 29 teams, with clubs in cities across the U.S. and Canada. Soccer-specific stadiums, high-quality broadcasts, and a growing fan culture have all contributed to the sport’s success. MLS teams are also becoming more competitive internationally, with players from the league being scouted by top European clubs.

In addition to MLS, other soccer competitions like the U.S. Open Cup and the United Soccer League (USL) have added depth to the soccer landscape in the country. The growth of soccer in the U.S. is not just limited to professional leagues; youth soccer is booming, and the sport’s popularity among younger generations is at an all-time high.

The influence of international stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry, and more recently, Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, has continued to elevate the profile of the league. MLS is no longer viewed as a “retirement league” for aging stars but as a legitimate competition where players can thrive and make a global impact.

The Future of Soccer in the U.S.

As the league continues to expand, with more teams and higher-quality talent, the future of professional soccer in the U.S. looks bright. The U.S. will once again host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, this time as part of a joint bid with Mexico and Canada, which is expected to further boost the sport’s popularity and profile.

With increasing investment, growing fan support, and continued development of young talent, soccer in the United States is poised to become one of the country’s premier sports in the coming years.

Conclusion

The history of professional soccer in the United States is one of persistence and growth. From the early struggles of the ASL and NASL to the rise of MLS and the sport’s modern renaissance, soccer has come a long way in establishing itself as a major force in American sports. As The Jackson Lions continue to be a part of this journey, they represent the ongoing growth and development of soccer at all levels in the U.S.