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I'm wondering about all of your opinions on how Association football could become the dominant or most popular sport in the United States sometime in the 20th century. The topic was discussed in this thread, and it was all quite interesting, so I'd like to see if we get any new opinions.

I myself am an American who is a huge soccer/football fan. Personally, I see the sport growing tremendously as it is. With the MLS in place and some pretty good money being thrown at it, soccer in the U.S. is beginning to draw on all the talent it has. I think that in another 15-20 years we'll have a sizeable talent base and the ability to compete internationally against more established clubs and countries. Soccer reaching the stage of basketball or hockey in the United States to me is a very good possibility in the coming decades, either becoming the 'fourth sport' or overtaking basketball to become the third. New generations being brought up with the game and striving to compete professionally are definitely only going to add the to growth we're already experiencing here.

Anyway, that's how I view soccer as it is OTL. What I'd like to get your opinions on is how soccer might have have been established earlier in the United States, how, where, why, who...and what effect it would have on the world. Also, what about American football? Finally, if you've got anything else to say about the game in America, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks. Looking forward to the responses.
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