[Football] The USA are really 'getting' the game...

[dolphins]

I was in Orlando at Easter and was amazed by the high profile of Orlando City FC.

That wasn't you I saw at Orlando International airport on April 7th, was it? Saw someone wearing a Brighton top, sat down near the cap store, as I walked past with my two lads, both wearing Brighton tops (IIRC one was the orange top, the other...normal home. I think. We took a range of them with us to wear!) We exchanged knowing smiles as we headed off for our gate!

 

[Withdean and I]

That wasn't you I saw at Orlando International airport on April 7th, was it? Saw someone wearing a Brighton top, sat down near the cap store, as I walked past with my two lads, both wearing Brighton tops (IIRC one was the orange top, the other...normal home. I think. We took a range of them with us to wear!) We exchanged knowing smiles as we headed off for our gate!

No it wasn't - however the Orlando City team were waiting by our gate for a flight to Philly and I did get a cheeky fan pic with Kaka!

 

[Jim Van Winkle]

I think the Americans must develop their own superstars. Footballers such as PL gk Tim Howard (USA WC star), Tim Ream of Fulham, etc need to play in America such as Seattle's Clint Dempsey (another USA WC star) so that Americans can see their best. The fans will learn their names and learn to appreciate their skill.

But most of America's best players have a career of some sort in Europe e.g Bradley at Roma, Dempsey at Fulham and Howard at United and Everton because they want to raise their standards and be better players.

I remember watching Yedlin (now at Sunderland) play for the Sounders he was far too good to play that level of football. The cream of the crop will always want to play for Europe's top clubs and chase the money.