IMHO the US does not need to be one of the top leagues for soccer to continue to grow. I actually think this path is the hardest and probably the more unlikely of all the options.
I’d much prefer that the sport grows due to exposure and giving people a reason to be interested in the sport. Meaning, more teams in more places which is what a tiered approach would most likely accomplish. If I lived in DSM, Wichita, Boise, Madison and there was a local team in the third or fourth tier. You bet I’d be going to their games and supporting the team. Meanwhile, I live a couple hours away from a couple MLS teams and couldn’t care any less about them.
I’d much prefer that the sport grows due to exposure and giving people a reason to be interested in the sport. Meaning, more teams in more places which is what a tiered approach would most likely accomplish. If I lived in DSM, Wichita, Boise, Madison and there was a local team in the third or fourth tier. You bet I’d be going to their games and supporting the team. Meanwhile, I live a couple hours away from a couple MLS teams and couldn’t care any less about them.
