Soccer Sensation Strikes CB

World Cup mania swept across the United States this summer and CB was no exception

The recent FIFA World Cup spurred unprecedented American interest in the world’s favorite game.  Whether it be attributed to increased coverage or presence on social media, the 2014 World Cup was the highest rated tournament in American history.

The United States Men’s National Team rallied behind a gritty and underdog team led by Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard. Though they were knocked out in the Round of 16, they had captivated a nation which usually ignores the sport.

Mr. Brendan Hogan (’95) is is one of those converts after watching the tournament this summer.

“Overall I was bored over the summer and looking for something to do,” he said. “The games were suited for American time zones. I was into it. Everyone was excited to watch USA and there are fewer commercials than in football or basketball.”

Besides its convenience and the national support for Team USA, Mr. Hogan compared the intensity of moments in soccer to those in other sports.

“Different sports have different moments, in basketball it’s the last second buzzer beater, in football it is a massive hit and in soccer it is those near misses.”

Edwin Ballesteros (’15) new interest in the support went beyond international competition.

“Consider me a bandwagoner,” he said boastfully. “I’ve been watching more of the English Premier League. They’ve been showing the games more often on American TV.”

The United States, and Sacramento, had record breaking TV ratings in soccer this summer and the hope is that it continues in the future. The American interest in soccer did not stop at TV though.

“Watching the World Cup made me want to go out and play soccer more” said Josh Abulencia (’15)

This World Cup not only grabbed the attention of the nation, but may have inspired some to pursue a future in soccer. This could lead to great soccer talents coming out of the United States in the future.

The next four years will be a time of maturation and growth for US Soccer and its fans. The MLS and even the USL, as apparent by Sacramento Republic’s success, are on the up and up meaning more Americans will grow to like soccer before World Cup 2018 in Russia. comes around