When a member of the hierarchy of modern football praises the United States growth as a soccer nation, you take a moment to listen.
According to ESPN.com, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson commended the growth of U.S. soccer, as Fergie has been bringing Man U. to America the last eight years.
"Now we see the United States in a different light. There is evidence now that they are starting to produce their own players," Ferguson told ESPN.com "They have advanced their game because of the coaching and their sports science. Their preparation is first class. That has put them to a different level in terms of my appreciation of them and also my understanding that you are not going to get an easy game.''
That evidence has been on display the last few years, as the U.S. was swept up in World Cup fever last summer, climaxed by Landon Donovan's injury-time goal, which resulted in dozens of videos such as this one popping up on the internet.
In addition, the MLS has gained some steam, adding a number of past-their-prime stars to the league as well as incorporating a number of new teams, helping attendance rise above the average of the NHL's, with 17,297 attending an MLS game on average — the largest number in the league's history.
Another way to put it: On Fergie's first trip to the U.S. with Manchester United, the Red Devils didn't play one MLS team, figuring there wouldn't be enough of a challenge. This year, Man U will take on three MLS teams (including the New England Revolution on Wednesday) in addition to the MLS All-Stars.
