Soccer Fans Not as Dumb as Officials Think

In last week’s Viewpoint, Chris Ryder lambasted soccer fans for not supporting the U.S. Cup. What Mr. Ryder and the USSF haven’t learned is that Southern California soccer fans are sophisticated about the game. When the USSF tried to charge $30 to $40 per ticket to watch second-tier players, we’re not going to be led to the games like lambs to slaughter. Those fans who stayed away from the final games were visionary; it was obvious the U.S. team didn’t care about the game and got the result it deserved.

The saddest part of the U.S. Cup was not the attendance. It was the fact that in a nation of 200 million or so, Steve Sampson can’t find more than 10 players who can trap a ball, mark an opposing player or keep possession with their first touch.

MARK ALLISON

Claremont