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Originally Posted by agrant
Is Hockey any different?
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Yes. Due to factors unique to hockey (e.g. boards which keep the puck in play, smaller playing surface, faster passing, etc.), teams are better able to control the puck and generate more scoring opportunities. This fact is reflected by the vastly greater number of shots on net and goals in hockey, despite its having a goal 1/10th the size of a soccer goal. Hockey achieves a better balance.
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These are all pointless points.
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Yes, they are pointless to
me, who doesn't really have a vested emotional stake in soccer's success in North America. But they shouldn't be to
you, who seems to care about whether soccer succeeds here. Because it is precisely these points which limit soccer's appeal as a form of entertainment to a critical number of North Americans, and until these points are addressed it is unlikely that professional soccer will ever thrive here in a way that will really please you.
It is this unreflective attitude which harms soccer's chances of success on this continent. Contrast this attitude to the NHL, NFL and CFL, which all have special committees that constantly review their rules and annually propose changes where changes will improve the game. For instance, the NHL eliminated the two-line pass rule and introduced 4 on 4 overtimes and shootouts; the NFL eliminated sudden death in overtime for playoff games; the CFL introduced mandatory 2-point conversions in overtime. All three games are now more exciting as a result.
MLS would do well to adopt this more thoughtful, self-critical approach.
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