Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Women's soccer in the United States: Yet another American ‘Exceptionalism’

2003; Taylor & Francis; Volume: 4; Issue: 2-3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1080/14660970512331390805

1743-9590

Andrei S. Markovits, Steven L. Hellerman,

Sports Analytics and Performance

Arguably, women's soccer in the United States has been among the best played and extensively watched in the world. Not only has the American national team won more international championships than any other national team, but the WUSA (Women's United States Soccer Association), a professional league, has become the top women's professional league in the world, attracting the best women soccer players from countries such as Germany, Norway, Brazil and China. Furthermore, in terms of female soccer players, the United States – with nearly 10 million registered participants – leads the world by a wide margin. Yet, unlike in many countries of the world, soccer remains a minute feature on the topographical map of American sports space. Why is this the case? This study will consider this fascinating dilemma.