The Modern Creation Story American Soccer Didn't Know It HadBy the late 1980s, U.S. soccer had solidified its reputation as a global laughingstock, a sporting oxymoron akin to Jamaican bobsledding:• Starting in 1950, the richest, most powerful nation on Earth had gone 0 for 9 trying to qualify for the World Cup.• Once the North American Soccer League petered out, U.S. sporting culture proved unable/unwilling to replace it.• Soccer on TV? Post-1984, only the odd indoor match might be found there — late at night, on content-starved cable outlets, after competitive lumberjacking.Today, the phenomenon of U.S. soccer development is almost taken for granted:• Live matches from Major League Soccer and a half-dozen foreign leagues are routinely beamed into American households, seven days a week.• World Cup participation is routine, thanks to wildly popular men’s and women’s national teams. Americans don’t just compete in World Cups. We host them (the next one arrives in 2026).• Nationwide, millions of Soccer Moms preside over the game’s grassroots, securing its growing place in the broader cultural tableau.Generation Zero profiles this epic transformation by spotlighting the national team players and fans who made it happen. Conventional wisdom assigns American soccer progress largely to an event, World Cup ’94, but history shows the tipping point arrived five years earlier. With a single victory — against all odds, on a small Caribbean island, just as the Berlin Wall fell — soccer’s haphazard, indeterminate development in the U.S. instantly became inevitable, headlong growth. Raised on the game and tempered by hardship, Generation Zero produced both ends of the formative equation: a national team good enough to break through and an audience that would care, the country’s first legitimate soccer fan base.Featuring rare imagery from the 1989-90 U.S. Men’s National Team photographer and candid snaps from the players themselves, Generation Zero is must-read for anyone who appreciates the fulsome futbol culture we enjoy today but wonders, “How did we get here?”
✔ Author(s): Hal Phillips
✔ Title: Generation Zero: Founding Fathers, Hidden Histories & the Making of Soccer in America
✔ Rating : 5 out of 5 base on (24 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: B0B5KXB9QJ
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Generation Zero by Hal Phillips
Shark Davey
Delve into a dystopian world where survival hinges on ingenuity and courage. The author's vivid descriptions and fast-paced narrative keep you on the edge of your seat. The protagonist's journey is filled with thrilling moments and unexpected twists. The world-building is detailed and immersive, creating a believable and haunting setting. It's a gripping tale that explores themes of power, resistance, and hope. Ideal for fans of dystopian fiction.
Jaylynn Fernandez
Discover the magic of first love and self-discovery in this enchanting coming-of-age story. The author's lyrical prose and relatable characters create a heartwarming narrative. Each chapter explores the joys and challenges of growing up with sensitivity and insight. The emotional journey is both poignant and uplifting. It's a story that resonates with readers of all ages. Ideal for fans of young adult fiction.
Louise Russell
Experience the emotional journey of a character discovering their true self in this moving novel. The author's empathetic writing and rich character development create a deeply resonant narrative. Each chapter explores themes of identity, acceptance, and love with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged from start to finish. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and self-discovery.
