I've been meaning to reply to Nat's counterargument on soccer as spectator sport. But I don't have the time at the moment (unpacking in my new house). But here's a link to a Guardian Op-Ed on why americans hate soccer. Basically his argument seems to be that basketball is like soccer but better, and so americans have no need to pay attention to soccer. I don't buy it, but since it's relevant I figured I'd pass it along.