Kick It

Soccer has been touted as America’s next national pastime for as long as we can remember. Back in the 1970s, Pelé was going to make soccer king. In the '80s, it was the growing popularity of youth soccer leagues, and in the '90s it was, of course, the box-office success...

By Ed Kummerer

April 11, 2013

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Soccer has been touted as America’s next national pastime for as long as we can remember. Back in the 1970s, Pelé was going to make soccer king. In the '80s, it was the growing popularity of youth soccer leagues, and in the '90s it was, of course, the box-office success of The Big Green. We’re still waiting for soccer’s popularity to explode in the U.S., but the sport has finally gained a foothold and may be ready to take off. That Phoenix finally has a pro team is evidence. A USL team isn’t a huge deal (the league is two tiers below the MLS), but it’s a start. Phoenix Football Club, a.k.a. the Wolves, kicked off its first season just last month.

Phoenix FC will host the Los Angeles Blues at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium, 655 South Athletes Place in Tempe, on Sunday, April 14. Phoenix lost their inaugural match against the Blues last month, which makes taking three points crucial for the upstart Wolves.

Sun., April 14, 7:30 p.m., 2013

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