We’re big fans of American Soccer – how it’s played by the US National teams (all incarnations) and how it’s played across this great country in the Pro, Men’s, Women’s, College and youth competitions.  It’s a unique set-up for playing and spectating.  It’s a unique landscape in global soccer and we at ASC NY are completely unapologetic about it. 

ASC’s leadership is bound by a common belief in the underlying strengths of that American soccer landscape – which has only been revealed from time to time on the men’s side of things.   Many would say that we saw the best example of that on the global stage was seen with the 2002 Men’s World Cup performance.  With a team coached by Long Island native Bruce Arena, the Yanks advanced to the quarter-finals with Germany barely squeak-ing by in that match to ultimately lose to Brazil in the final.  

We at ASC NY have always seen the New York metro area of Manhattan to Montauk presenting a microcosm of that American soccer landscape.  In fact, in a single season a young player can be competing against Greek American in Astoria, and Brooklyn Italians in Brooklyn, Irish Rovers in Woodside, Polish-American Eagles, Mineola Portuguese, German Hungarians, NY Serbia in Glendale Queens ..... the list goes on.  

And while the cultural backgrounds are varied, the “Noo Yawk” permeates the game in every corner of the local area.  Players and coaches and spectators are busy – busy all the time because it’s New York, not Wichita, Kansas.  Everyone is in a bit of a rush to get somewhere.  We’ll take a cab or the subway to the match as quickly as we’ll get in the car.  We’re loud (and proud) but – for the most part – respectful.

And if you want to be a respected player in the NY metro soccer landscape – lace up your boots, pull on the shirt, step on the field and show us what you’ve got.  Engage in that battle with the other team’s top striker and get some cuts and bruises along the way.  Then, after the match laugh about it in the Pub with some deli sandwiches or NY pizza and sometimes – sometimes – that dirty SoB with the #9 shirt that you battled with for 90 minutes and some of his teammates will be in the Pub with you and buy you a beer.  Respect earned – in the NY area soccer landscape.  High praise indeed.