FC series match at Kenan Stadium demonstrates growth of soccer in United States

Unlike Celtic FC’s goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, the typical American isn’t ushered into the world of soccer straight out of the womb. 

“The first place I went from when I was born in the hospital was a [soccer] stadium,” Schmeichel said. “I didn’t go home first, so [soccer] has been in my blood since the day I was born.”

Some fans who attended the FC Series match between Manchester City and Celtic FC on Tuesday at UNC's Kenan Stadium may have received their first opportunity to share that same enthusiasm for one of the United States' fastest-growing sports. 

The arrival of high-level European soccer tops a list of events the United States has hosted and will be hosting in years to come. International tournaments like Copa America, the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup will likely continue to bolster excitement surrounding a sport that's often overlooked by American crowds. And with Lionel Messi — one of the most recognizable names in soccer — signing with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer last season, the popularity of the sport is only growing with big names continuing to come to the United States.  

“I think the MLS grew up a lot in the last years,” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said. “I think the impact of Messi coming here also helped, to become this kind of figure for the MLS competition is an incredible boost.” 

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers echoed Guardiola’s point on soccer’s continued growth in popularity. In the teams’ first international friendly earlier this month, numerous Honduran fans came to support the club solely because of winger Luis Palma. 

The 24-year-old has been with Celtic FC for only one season, yet his success on the Honduran national team now fosters passion for his Scottish club. This can be accredited to the large percentage of Latin American supporters that compose one of the most diverse fan bases across the five major U.S. sports. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, the Hispanic community amounts to about 30 percent of Major League Soccer’s entire fanbase. 

This community was evident during the match in Chapel Hill when a handful of young fans ran onto the field to take pictures and embrace the Honduran star near the end of the game. The adoration toward Palma has shown Rodgers and others how much soccer can mean to certain fans.

The well-traveled manager has also seen the level of play in the United States increase each time he’s returned to the country. From a coaching perspective, Rodgers believes the tactics of the game have led to improvements in player development across the board. 

In his early days, the Celtic coach experienced what he described as the beginnings of soccer strategy. Now, he has praise for MLS managers such as DC United head coach Troy Lesesne, who’s work ethic and passion toward soccer is spreading to players at his club. 

For this reason, Rodgers believes U.S. soccer is poised to catch up with the rest of the world soon. And the Manchester City-Celtic FC match proved to be another chapter in propelling the sport forward. 

“The sporting excellence that’s here in many sports, that will spread to [soccer] for sure,” Rodgers said. “It’s absolutely brilliant to be here to feel it, and I’m quite sure it will continue to grow and evolve.” 

@cadeshoemaker23

@dthsports | sports@dailytarheel.com