The English Premier League is back and with it the chance for me to answer the eternal question, “which club do you support?”
My answer tends to perplex some and annoy others because it varies from match to match, and even mid-game at times. The reason for the uncertainty is that I support whichever team is fielding an American player, and if said Yank is, well, yanked, my interest and support are withdrawn.
Many find it odd but as a sports fan I find it equally peculiar to live and die with the fortunes of a club that you have no natural connection to. For instance, I am a New York Yankees fan because I spent my early years in the Bronx. I remain faithful to the footballers and hurlers from County Offaly because my parents are from the midland county. Natural connections.
As for soccer, I cannot manufacture a connection to Liverpool, Manchester, or any other city or club, so I root for the Americans. This methodology probably comes from a hope that better outcomes for American players on the club scene will lead to progress for the U.S. national team. Admittedly, progress has been intermittent at best.
The overwhelming popularity of the Premier League can make soccer chat a bit awkward, given that I am as likely to be watching Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah line out for AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A , or checking in on Bundesliga and Borussia Dortmund to see if Gio Reyna has worked his way back into the squad, as I am to be watching the latest Manchester derby.
Christian Pulisic is now playing for A.C. Milan. [Inpho/Presseye/William Cherry]
Sure, it would be easier to pledge my troth to Arsenal but then I would have missed out on PSV’s near perfect Eredivisie season and the role played by American trio Sergino Dest, Malik Tillman, and Ricardo Pepi.
Which is all to say, that Friday when the Premier League kicks off I will dial up the appropriate streaming service and I will be rooting for Fulham and USMNT left back Antonee Robinson as they take on Manchester United.
It must be noted that Fulham does hold a somewhat special place in the heart of American soccer lovers for their early and often approach to signing American players — 16, so far. From Brian McBride, the rugged forward so beloved that a pub is named for him inside Craven Cottage, to the great Clint Dempsey, perhaps America’s best ever soccer export, up to the recently departed former Fulham captain Tim Ream, who has signed with Charlotte FC of MLS after making over 300 appearances for Fulhamerica.
So, go Fulham but remember, if Robinson moves on it’s right over to Crystal Palace and Chris Richards, or Tyler Adams and Bournemouth, if he ever gets healthy, and if things get dire, there is always the English Championship or Spain, Italy, or Germany.
