Raul + MLS? Another aging stars looks transatlantic

February 25th, 2009
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The good news first: the US has an appeal to international stars like Real Madrid’s Raul for the experience of living in the United States

…As an experience, not just for me but also for my family, I could try to play a year probably in the United States. If I did it, it would be for the experience. If not, it’s clear that I will finish my career here (at Real).

For those of use born and raised in the US, I think at times we forget what a special place this country is in so many ways. Even for a player who helped lead his team to 6 La Liga titles and three European cups, the chance to live in America and play the sport he loves is appealing.

The bad news: he’s not drawn to the US because of Major League Soccer. Now I know you aren’t supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth (whatever that means), and I would love to have Raul spend a season in the MLS. But the quote I wish he said 3 years ago was

…As an experience, not just for me but also for my family, I want to play for the final 5 years of my career in the United States. If I did it, it would be for the experience, for the passion of MLS fans, and the quality of the league.

What’s the missing piece in drawing stars like Raul for 5 years instead of their final year? I believe it is passion.

Now, the US doesn’t have the almost psychotic passion for any of our sports that some other countries display. During the World cup you hear stories of countries grind to a halt, then experiencing an economic boom if they win. No similar cultural phenomenon exists for the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Championship (and perhaps the sheer number of sports we love has a diluting effect).

I do see that the beautiful game is growing in popularity. However, even among passionate soccer fans that passion is often directed back across the atlantic. One of my favorite MLS players Juan Pablo Angel spoke of enjoying his time “a lot,” but admits

I miss a number of things – the passion of fans in the Argentinian Superclasico and the time I had in the English league, the best championship in the world. When you play those leagues, passion is tiring, but you miss it in the end.

What I believe we need first is not more stars coming west across the atlantic, but more soccer passion staying here at home. And you can bet your ass that is what ColoradoRapidsFan.com is here to do!

View the story about Raul, Retirement, and Rafa at ESPN Soccernet

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  • Legion 5280

    Although I don’t agree we the idea of bringing someone across the Atlantic just for his personal experience, I am up for it.

    Colorado Rapids fans are growing but what is exciting is the fact that there is a movement going on and is happening before your eyes. We are finally organizing supporter groups and working along to have a greater impact. As per original comment, what I believe we need first is not more stars coming west across the Atlantic, but more soccer passion staying here at home. And you can bet your ass that is what ColoradoRapidsFan.com is here to do!
    Totally agree with this comment and as a supporter we have a moral responsibility to make this happen.

    One observation I have and you may not agree with me, is the connection between players and fans/supporters. I see it like the typical job you just want to get over with and forget about it. Maybe I am right, maybe not. I am not criticizing their performance but the interaction with the public.

    With such an impressive salary who wouldn’t want to stay a few minutes to say hi to fans. (Ok this is another sarcastic comment)

    We all would like to see Gary smith accomplish his goals of bring a star player to the Rapids, but in reality all we end up with is frustrations. One of those is the much-discussed English striker currently with Southampton, Jason Euell, whom Smith is talking with on a regular basis. There are problems with financial discussions, he said. Clearly, this is a problem with European players used to much higher salaries.

    I was watching the match between Impact vs. Santos last night. Montreal Impact, the unassuming USL-1 franchise, just set the all-time attendance record for a CONCACAF game, over 55,000 on Wednesday night. When I see this I truly believe that this proof of the beautiful game gaining popularity in places you don’t even imagen, but for Colorado, it is certainly a decisive point of the game’s rising interest.

    Once again, I say to you “SI SE PUEDE” (yes we can)