The World’s Game

United States vs. South Korea

Preview

• History in South Korea

• Korean League (K-League)

• History in USA• Major League Soccer

(MLS)

• The World Cup• Fan Support• Similarities• Differences

History in South Korea

• Korean League (K-League) started in early 1980’s.

• 5 teams--Hallelujah, Daewoo, POSCO, Yukong Elephants, Kookmin Bank.

• Among the oldest and respected clubs in Asia.

K-League Today

• 13 teams

• Local Cities

• Focus primarily on team rather than individual

• Less flashy compared to other asian clubs.

• Fans show up in the millions.

History in USA

• NASL (North American Soccer League) in 1968-1984.

• Had foreign players play in our league.

• Pele

• Failed--over reliance on the foreign players and short sighted spending.

Major League Soccer

• MLS-- 1993-present.

• Created in exchange for World Cup

• Has yet to be accepted as one of the professional sports leagues

• Becoming popular

The World Cup

• Every 4 years

• Held in USA in 1994

• Most recent World cup held in South Korea (2002)

Lack of Fans

• America has not caught on to the “foreign game”

• Few or low goal scoring

• Few set plays

• No fixed positions

• Yet to be accepted by mainstream society

Similarities

• Average salaries

• MLS's maximum salary is only $236,750--less than the NBA's minimum salary.

• The minimum salary in the MLS in 20,000

• Both leagues considered “cheap”

Differences

• South Korea fans vs American fans

• Style of play

• Recruiting

Style of Play

• South Korea• More reserved• Defensive• Team defending

• United States• Attacking• Individual attacking• One on one defending

Programs for Soccer in USA

• Youth Leagues U-9 up until U-19

• College Soccer D1, D2, and D3

• Men’s and Women’s League for 21 and older

• ODP (Olympic Development Program)

Programs for Soccer in South Korea

• Little amount of organized soccer

• Children play in streets

• Little amount of college soccer

THE END