Flopping is to MLS as Steroids are to MLB

By: Jeremy | September 14th, 2009

After a 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo, I must admit that Columbus is a very good team. They are very skilled at what they do. Unfortunately, flopping is one thing they do very well.

I have been debating with myself whether soccer is even worth watching, especially now that football season has started. The debate started when I had a brief stay in the hospital and found myself with ample time to watch “the beautiful game”. I have no idea why soccer has been stamped with that moniker. The flopping is ridiculous and embarrassing. I feel embarrassed for the refs that continue to reward teams that flop, I feel embarrassed for the fans that embrace the flop as part of game, and I’m embarrassed for MLS who is challenged with marketing soccer in the United States. How can they successfully market a sport that is constantly marred by players that consistently flop? This, along with the lack of scoring, is one of America’s biggest knocks on soccer, yet it seems that flopping is inevitably rewarded.

I am not saying the Dynamo don’t have players that flop. We have a couple of players that occasionally test their flopping skills, but it’s not to the extent that it becomes the main focus of the game. And the refs, those poor incompetent refs… Why do they continue to reward flopping? Do they look at the grace and athleticism of the fall then base their decision on the theatrics rather than the rules the game? Is it kin to judging gymnastics or figure skating?

I will continue to watch, but I will probably never understand. I do understand that flopping will continue as long as it is rewarded by the refs. And until this nonsense stops, the sport will never be considered beautiful in America. If the MLS wants to successfully market the sport, my advice is to steer clear of Columbus as I’m sure flopping will continue to be a major staple in their game plan.

It is clearly evident in the post game comments that Columbus knows they flop but they are smart enough to get away with it. It is absolutely pathetic that this is the best team in the league. What kind of message does this send other teams? Best flops win? What happened to defense, scoring, passing? You know, the fundamentals of “the beautiful game”.

If this continues, the fans will be the ultimate losers. Who will want to watch that garbage? It will be the death of the league. Flopping is to MLS as steroids are to MLB. The difference is that MLB has history to help sustain it through the troubling times. Does MLS have enough history and tradition (or fans) to withstand the crap that continues to plague the sport?

Columbus Post Game
Houston Post Game

FOREVER ORANGE