{"id":1278,"date":"2016-10-11T11:39:49","date_gmt":"2016-10-11T15:39:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsoccer.com\/?p=1278"},"modified":"2016-10-11T11:39:49","modified_gmt":"2016-10-11T15:39:49","slug":"2016-nwsl-championship-observation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2016\/10\/11\/2016-nwsl-championship-observation\/","title":{"rendered":"A 2016 NWSL Championship Observation"},"content":{"rendered":"

As I watched the 2016 NWSL Championship<\/strong> I noticed a lot of orange seats. I didn\u2019t see much of a passionate crowd displaying their agony and joy. Well, I saw few supporters but mostly kids.<\/p>\n

The first two NWSL<\/strong> champions won their medals on the opponent\u2019s soil filled with erupting fans. Houston was chosen to host the championship as a celebration of the success of the National Women’s Soccer League<\/strong>. The event should have been more of a house party.<\/p>\n

A 2016 NWSL Championship Observation<\/h2>\n

Women\u2019s soccer fans see the perception problem with the league. The reason why the NWSL can\u2019t become profitable even though the world\u2019s finest soccer talent plays on our fields. Having children attending the championship is necessary but kiddish for the adult fan to go to.<\/p>\n

The perception of the dreaded \u201csoccer mom\u201d attending pro women\u2019s soccer games still exists. The problem was broadcasted on a major network which reinforced stereotypes to detractors. \u00a0Alyse LaHue<\/strong>, long time general manager of the Chicago Red Stars<\/strong>, recognized\u00a0 this problem since the league\u2019s creation.<\/p>\n

As she addressed this issue to www.ourgamemag.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe experience of our games will not be a juvenile one exclusively. A group of 20-somethings can come, hang out in the beer garden, be vocal during the game, and still feel welcome…\u00a0Every game needs to be an \u2018experience\u2019 for fans of all ages, so there will be something for everyone. Young soccer players will be happy because they will have the opportunity to meet their idols after the game or get autographs, young adults will be able to drink beer and mingle with like-minded fans in the beer garden, and the overall game atmosphere and experience will not be focused towards one particular demographic, but inclusive for many.\u201c<\/p>\n

Major League Soccer<\/strong> tried to make the MLS Cup<\/strong> an event. They pulled the celebrations off nicely, but the people attending the Cup Final were a bore. They didn\u2019t show up when the last neutral site MLS Cup was in Toronto<\/strong>. Now casual soccer fans can see the guaranteed passion from MLS\u00a0 supporters at a Cup Final.<\/p>\n

There shouldn\u2019t be any complaints about the game. Championships and Cup Finals are usually nervy contests. The Western New York Flash<\/strong> and Washington Spirit<\/strong> were afraid of letting the match get out of hand.<\/p>\n

The atmosphere must be better. The NWSL front office is talking about being patient with expansion instead of the league collapsing. We did it. We have a successful American women\u2019s soccer league to watch. Now let\u2019s show the viewing world our love for women\u2019s soccer.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n