REVIEW: The United States of Soccer: MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom

The United States of Soccer: MLS and the Rise of American Soccer Fandom is a comprehensive history of professional soccer in the U.S. by Phil West.

Back in the late 1970s and early 1980s I was a fan of the Washington Diplomats and Team America in the NASL (North American Soccer League) and I was devastated when the teams and league folded.

So when it was announced in 1988 that the U.S was awarded the 1994 World Cup, I was ecstatic. And then learning that a condition of the World Cup in the U.S. was that there would have to be a top tier soccer league established had me out of my mind excited.

The United States of Soccer covers the lead up to MLS (Major League Soccer) and I was fascinated to get a peek behind the scenes. In the early days, I was attending MetroStars and DC United games, but I was not really aware of all of the league goings-on until I read this book.

Phil West has a compelling style of storytelling with the history of MLS, and I loved learning more about the struggles and successes of the league, the emergence of supporters in different cities, and the future.

I’d recommend this book to hardcore fans and folks new to the beautiful game.