I've coaches kids' teams and am formerly a FIFA level 8 qualified referee (my payback for having had kids play in youth leagues).
I'll even watch the World Cup.
But soccer is and never will be a game that captures the American psyche, unless we become a nation of Alan Alda's (God forbid).
Rugby maybe -- that's a pretty good blood-and-guts game, although simple in it's execution. Seemingly little strategic development to it.
Ta-da, and enjoy the Cup!
"And I officiate youth and high school football. "There are rules in life son. There are rules in football too. And if I catch you, there are penalites for breaking those rules. And yes, the guy across the line from you will bust you in the nose if you let him. You might want to hit him first. Now shut up and play ball!"
Alan Alda?
Come on, tying a sport to a political ideology is just lazy.
I like soccer because it is a strategic game, like basketball, and it has plenty of action.
As for Baseball, its dying, Barry Bonds and Pete Rose and Jose Canseco killed it. Plus, its $7.50 for a beer at a Diamondback game, and you have to be half crocked to enjoy baseball.
In 50 years the majority of Americans will be soccer fans.
Unfortunately, they will be supporting Mexico :-P