In a memorable spectacle from 1978, the legendary Pele made a grand entrance on horseback before a match between the Colorado Caribous and the New York Cosmos at Denver's Mile High Stadium. This iconic moment, captured in a photograph by Mark Junge, encapsulates the unique and evolving nature of soccer in the United States.
Embracing the Odd and Fascinating World of American Soccer
Pablo Iglesias Maurer has recently joined the Guardian as a soccer correspondent based in the United States, bringing a deep passion for covering the sport's rich tapestry. From his office in Washington DC, adorned with memorabilia like a pennant proclaiming "Soccer, the sport of the 80s," he reflects on soccer's century-long struggle to gain traction in America. Historically viewed as too foreign and exotic, the sport was often marginalised, a perception that ironically drew many, including Maurer, to its allure.
From Outsider to Mainstream: A Personal and National Journey
As a child in the mid-80s, Maurer experienced soccer as an "othered" activity, yet this very otherness sparked his initial fascination. His teenage years in Spain, watching Johan Cruyff's Barcelona, further ignited his passion, akin to the impact of Nirvana's Nevermind. Returning to Tennessee in 1993, he found no top-flight league, instead immersing himself in the carnival atmosphere of the Nashville Metros in the A-League, surrounded by fellow enthusiasts.
The 1994 World Cup marked a pivotal turning point, thrusting soccer into the American public consciousness and catalysing its steady growth. Today, Americans eagerly wake up early to watch international matches and are increasingly embracing domestic leagues, signalling a shift from niche interest to mainstream acceptance.
Uncovering Untold Stories in American Soccer
When Maurer began writing about soccer in the early 2010s, he focused on stories that explored the sport's cultural, historical, and sociological dimensions beyond mere match reports. He notes that, unlike baseball or American football, many of these narratives remained untold, offering a wealth of material. Over the years, he has discovered that American soccer, both past and present, intersects with various aspects of society, including politics, business, and culture, demanding comprehensive coverage that balances seriousness with light-heartedness.
Reflecting on Pele's horseback entrance, Maurer emphasises that such moments are just a half-century old, highlighting the relatively recent yet rapid evolution of soccer in the US. His appointment is part of the Guardian's expansion in covering American soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup, alongside new hires Jeff Rueter and Ella Brockway, underscoring the sport's growing significance.
