Logo via Match Fit USA
Jason Davis of Match Fit USA kindly took some time to talk about the U.S. men's national team and the state of MLS. We also spoke about his site, which Soccer City FC highly recommends if you are looking for insightful pieces on the state of U.S. soccer.
Q. As the USMNT heads down to South Africa for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, what is your assessment of Group B -- U.S., Italy, Brazil, and Egypt?
The cliche "Group of Death" comes to mind, but since that phrase is overused, I'll just say "ouch". Brazil is taking this competition seriously, if the team called in by Dunga is any guide, and we know what Italy brings to the table. Egypt is consistently among the best in Africa, and certainly shouldn't be underestimated by any Americans who don't think of them as a top footballing nation. Although I think the reverse might be true for observers from Brazil and Egypt; underestimating the American is folly as well. The Italians already know what kind of match they'll be in for with the U.S. after that battle in the '06 World Cup. I will say that I don't think anyone, Americans included, could have asked for a more highly competitive group of teams.
Q. Will the U.S. advance to the knockout stage?
I want to say yes, of course, though I know it's contrary to the conventional wisdom. But I think the unfamiliar surroundings will affect every team in the group, and I could certainly see the U.S. getting a result or two. I'm about as optimistic without being delusional as one can get, so I'm just going to go out on a limb and say yes. A win against Egypt (possible) and a draw against one of the other two might be enough to get them out of the group.
Q. Is there a player that you would like to see in the starting eleven at the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup who perhaps hasn't seen much national team action?
There are a few, but I've always been high on Stuart Holden, so I'd like to see him get a shot. He's just now getting his shot to really be "the man" in Houston, and at twenty-three, should be ready to contribute as a full international.
Q. Is the Round of 16 too much to expect from the U.S. at the 2010 World Cup?
No. In fact, I think that the Round of 16 should be the least of our expectations. I realize that the draw is a major factor in the World Cup, and that even the best teams in the world struggle to get out of group play on occasion. But the United States has progressed far enough at this point that regular appearances in the knockout stage should not only be possible, they should be expected.
Q. What is MLS doing correct?
Expanding into markets that have a proven history of supporting soccer. The league spent entirely too many years concentrating on glamor markets that added little to the base of hardcore soccer fans following the league. Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver are traditionally strong markets that will form a nice "rivalry corner" in the Pacific Northwest. Philly, while it doesn't have the recent history that those three have, has a passionate and organized supporters group in the Sons of Ben. The league is sure to expand again in a few years, and I hope that they make more solid choices based on factors like existing fan bases, passionate supporters on the ground (SoB, Timbers Army), and properly placed stadiums. Stadiums don't necessarily have to be in the city-center, but they should be part of the urban fabric of the community. As we've see with FC Dallas and Colorado to an extent, it's tough to draw people to a stadium that isn't surrounded by a vibrant urban setting.
Q. And what does the league need to continue to work on?
Marketing, marketing, marketing. It's my belief that MLS needs to move away from the "family friendly" focus they've had since their inception and take an edgier approach. Passionate soccer fans in the U.S. tend to be young and male, and I don't think there's anything wrong with putting your efforts into drawing them in. Soccer's been labeled a very suburban, very white sport in this country thanks to the youth participation boom, and I think MLS should be at the forefront of changing that image. Urban and multi-cultural is the future, and the league isn't yet doing enough to position themselves in that market.
Q. Crystal ball time. How many teams are in MLS in 2020?
Eleven years is a long time, and we know that MLS is already planning another wave of expansion to hit after 2011. I'd like to think that twenty is a natural stopping point for at least a few years, but I expect that won't be the case. I'll say twenty-four, and I'll even give you guesses as to where the extra six might be. Montreal, New York City, St. Louis, Miami (it will happen eventually), Phoenix and Orlando. Those last two are complete guesses.
Q. Thus far, what has been your favorite MLS storyline from 2009?
Far and away its the success of the Seattle Sounders, both on and off the field. The marketing efforts they've put forth shame the rest of the league, and it's been fantastic to watch an American city (apologies to Toronto) snatch up tickets to soccer matches with such fervor that the team has decided to increase the soccer-setup capacity. It's the type of story that gets your blood-pumping as an American soccer fan; the immediate response to what Seattle has been able to do is to think that the country is finally coming around to the game. It's not that easy of course, but as the league needs a shining-star example of soccer's potential, it's been great to have the Sounders and their fans fill that role.
Q. Have you enjoyed operating the blog?
It's been an interesting experience. I'm not sure what I originally expected from it when I started, but it's become both a second job/amazing hobby. I definitely enjoy it, it's just an odd sort of enjoyment that's difficult to explain.
Q. What has been the greatest challenge?
Trying to be original. There are so many blogs out there, some good and some bad, and my biggest fear was that I would just sort of blend in with everyone else. While I still feel that pressure, and am still only somewhat successful in meeting the challenge, I've started to realize that originality just for the sake of originality is the wrong way to go. People will judge me by my blog, and since I view myself as a writer first and foremost, I never want to bow to the pressure of doing something cheap just because it's "different".
Q. You seem to have formed a solid network of colleagues? Was this strategic from the beginning or have you come to interact with these writers through the operation of your site?
No, that's been an added bonus. Just through working on the blog everyday and constantly trying to bring people in, I stumbled into some good relationships. It's the most surprising part for me, because it has opened some doors and presented some possibilities that I would have never thought likely.
And in case you are wondering, here are some of the writers who run with Match Fit USA...
Zach Woosley, Ginge Talks the Footy
Winning Ugly Radio, Winning Ugly Radio
Chris Nee, twofootedtackle
Andrew Bucholtz, Sporting Madness
Hank Alexandre, The Midnight Ride
Duane Rollins, The 24th Minute
Adam Soucie, Soucie on Soccer
Ben Berger, Footiebusiness
TJ Boyce, MLS Daily
Kristian Vazquez, Pasion Naranja
Q. For someone looking to start a blog on U.S. soccer, what advice would you give them?
First, find your comfort zone. Don't try to cover something you don't have a deep interest in, and certainly don't pander to any perceived audience. If you're good, people will find you. Second, be patient. It might be slow going to build up a readership, so don't get over-anxious. Third, and this is probably most important as you can see from my answer to the previous question, reach out to other bloggers. Not all of them will respond, and not all of them are going to like what you do; but more often than not, bloggers are nice guys and will either give you tips or link to your site if you ask. The best part of being a soccer blogger is creating connections with like-minded people and working together to fill the coverage void that exists in for the sport in America.
Remember -- Check out Soccer City FC's new series -- Soccer Journalists - Soccer Bloggers: Interview List
1 comment:
Nice interview.
Post a Comment