“The Beautiful Game,” or soccer as it is better known around the United States, is making its way up the totem pole of American sports. While American football is comfortably atop the hierarchy of games in this country, basketball, baseball, and hockey are feeling the heat as the real game of football is right on their tails. Soccer is here, whether you like it or not. Just turn on your television on the weekends and tune into either NBC or NBC Sports Network. You will find yourself mystified by the amazing spectacle that is the Barclays Premier League of England. And how about the U.S. Men’s National team? Their twelve win streak was the seventh longest win streak by a national team ever, and it ended just three wins shy of Spain’s record. This streak, which included wins against powerful Germany, stingy Bosnia, and every single Gold Cup match, cannot be ignored. FIFA certainly did not overlook it, as the United States skyrocketed up the FIFA world rankings. They are currently ranked 13th in the world, and have moved past countries like England, and mega-rivals Mexico.

ESPN’s Sports Poll, recently declared that soccer is the second most popular sport for people up to age twenty-four. The teens and young adults of our country are watching it more than the MLB, and even more than the NBA. This only goes to show that it is inevitable that soccer will become more popular in the coming years, until people finally accept it. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in places like Seattle, or Kansas City. In these cities, fans flock to their local stadium to see their hometown team fight for the Supporters’ Shield, or the MLS Cup. And when the U.S. Men’s National team is in town, the stadiums are filled to the brim. The group known as the American Outlaws may be one of the greatest fan bases in the world. No matter which U.S. game, which location, they’re there. Anywhere the U.S. Men’s team goes in North America, you can expect to hear the American Outlaws chanting anthems like “We Love Ya,” or just your simple “USA” chant that everyone in our nation can recite. Every year, they brave the dangerous Azteca Stadium in Mexico City to cheer on their country. Thanks to the American Outlaws and countless others, soccer is the next big thing in America. It is here and isn’t leaving. So be ready America, because you’re about to see for yourself countless unbelievable plays, endless drama, and the creation of your fifth major sport.