American soccer making a name for itself

Soccer in the United States has made international headlines in recent weeks. The MLS season concluded with a thrilling playoff tournament ending in a high scoring championship game and young phenomenon Freddy Adu signed with the league.

The MLS's hopes for a high scoring regulation championship match came true in the San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 defeat of the Chicago Fire. The Earthquakes came from behind throughout the playoffs, while the Fire had not allowed a goal in their first three-playoff games. The Earthquakes even made an unheard of come back when they scored four goals against the L.A. Galaxy to capture a victory. The entire playoff tournament was an exciting display of American soccer and the MLS in its eighth season.

When 14 year-old Adu signed with D.C. United soccer fans and teams across the world were surprised. He rejected the courting of historically powerful and talented soccer clubs in England, Italy and Spain. With world-famous teams like Manchester United trying to sign the teenager he decided to stay at home and play for the rising MLS. Although, it is unlikely that the top soccer stars in the world will begin playing in the U.S., Adu shows the possibility of homegrown American talent and the rising level of the MLS.

Several American goalkeepers have flourished and starred in the English Premier League. Brad Friedel who shined for the U.S in the last World Cup won the top goalkeeper award in the prestigious league last year, playing for the Blackburn Rovers. Tim Howard was traded from the MLS to Manchester United this season and has played strongly for the famed club. Kasey Keller is the starting keeper for Tottenham and has had a successful career in England. Additionally, American stars Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra may be heading over to Europe in the near future.

However, television coverage and widespread interest is lacking in the U.S. The championship match was the only game of the MLS playoffs broadcasted on national television. The Washington Post didn't even put the story about the match on the front of the sports page. Besides the soccer community, most Americans are not interested in soccer. That is not likely to change dramatically anytime soon, but with the signing of Adu to D.C. United, increasing number of kids playing soccer and improving competition in the U.S, soccer could eventually become a one of the major sports in America.

One major setback for soccer is the game itself. Professional sports in America are dominated by advertising and moneymaking. The Super bowl is the largest showcase of high-price advertising in America. Yet, with soccer's 45-minute continuous halves the opportunity for corporate advertising is restricted to half time. Soccer may never be able to compete with American football on a Sunday afternoon, but the popularity and coverage of the sport is likely to expand.