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May 18, 2006
SF Chronicle: "Soccer culture has arrived in Bay Area"
C.W. Nevius, a one-time sportswriter who is now a general interest columnist with the San Francisco Chronicle, published his take on soccer today. His opinion? Like the headline says here, "Soccer culture has arrived in the Bay Area."
Here's how he kicks off his essay:
Anyone walking past the Kezar Pub a little after noon Wednesday might have been startled by a sudden roar from the dark recesses within. A bar brawl? A political rally? A rise in the price of Bass ale?Nope, just a goal by Arsenal.
If you have to ask "Who's Arsenal?'' you are utterly and completely out of the loop.
The tide is turning, folks. It was not all that long ago that soccer was the bad dog of the American sports landscape, always good for a kick and a few cliched jokes. Today, Nevius notes the huge crowds at area sports bars watching yesterday's Champions League final and observes, "It's as good an indication as any of the growing, and rabid, soccer culture in the area."
Have a look at his column for yourself. You might even send him an e-mail and let him know you appreciate his thoughts on the subject.
Posted by Jay at May 18, 2006 04:57 PM