Waving the MLS Flag

First, an update to the Free Beer Movement's "Operation: Deflower". First, we need a better name. Second, I thank the following people for stepping up and indicating interest:

(Quick Update for those that missed it the first time: In accordance with We Call It Soccer's call to convert people to MLS via beer, the idea is that we'll schedule one or two dates where various soccer bloggers will take someone who has never been to an MLS game before to their local home team (or team that they support). Each blogger will buy their guest a beer. Each blogger will interview their guest about what they liked and didn't like about the game, and post about it afterwards. Note that "Beer=Sierra Mist" in Utah.)
- Kali from Real Salt Lake Blog

- John from Pseuso Corner Kick

- Joe from We Call It Soccer

So, once the MLS schedules come out, I'll try and identify a promising timeline, and see if we can get a few more people to sign up.

Now, as to why I wanted that Deadpin commenting invite. After some thought, I've come to the conclusion that MLS soccer fans are somewhat invisible. Too often we hang out in among our peers, but don't integrate enough with fans of other sports. When we do, we're very quick to say "Well, soccer is superior because we have no [time outs/free substitutions/Sammy Sosa/etc...]" I don't think that attitude gets us anywhere except into a direct conflict with The Jim Rome Experience. Consequently, anyone we might win over views us as just another hyper side. Instead, I hope to simply provide general sports commentary when I can, and if anyone says "Does MLS have any real fans anyway?" I can simply respond with "Well, yeah. Me, for one." I don't intend to present soccer as a superior sporting choice option, but instead as a viable one. It's enough simply to have people think "hey, there are soccer fans" and to wonder why on their own, rather than take the "OMG, if you don't like soccer, YOU ARE TEH STUPID!!!11!! LOL!11!" angle. At least, that's what I think now.

Oh, and once I figure the comment system out, I'll be happy to try and get invites to any of my soccer blogosphere comrades that are intereted. You hooligans.