1. Dissecting the Reddit Debate: Will Soccer Ever Gain Popularity in the US?

The expansion of the discourse on Reddit regarding the popularity of soccer in the US revolves around issues pertinent to the sporting culture, media coverage and the significance of national identity.

One of the key arguments brought forward within the discourse revolves around the counter-sport culture in America. Numerous Redditors believe that Americans are more inclined towards traditional and more established forms of sports such as Football, Baseball and Basketball. Soccer, despite being a global sport, does not hold the same historical importance within the US. The argument is further solidified by the fact that soccer matches do not align with the traditional commercial breaks that are usually prevalent in other American professional sports.

A rebuttal within the Reddit community to this argument is built around the shifting nature of sports consumption habits, especially among younger generations. Millennials and Gen Zs often have more global awareness and diverse interests than their predecessors. This is particularly due to their global interconnectedness through the digital age. The appeal of the English Premier League and the Champions League, facilitated by easy streaming options, can boost soccer’s popularity in the US.

A second discussion point raises the issues around limited media coverage for soccer games as compared to other mainstream sports. With limited opportunities for American audiences to watch games on television, the reach and exposure of soccer are indeed limited. The media narrative around soccer also often fails to capture the kind of energy and excitement that is synonymous with other sports' reporting.

Yet, some Redditors beg to differ, indicating that as viewership for soccer continues to grow; media will naturally respond to the changing market. Recent years have seen increased television coverage for the sport. Various platforms are now dedicated to broadcasting soccer matches and offering in-depth analysis and discussions.

Lastly, an argument that often underlies the Reddit discourse on US soccer popularity is the matter of national identity. Being a soccer-loving nation isn't part of the current American identity. This perspective implies that, unlike Latin American and European countries where soccer is deeply entrenched in cultural narratives, the U.S doesn't hold soccer as part of their heritage.

Counter-arguments propose the increasing role of immigrants and their influence on American society. With a rise in the Hispanic population, who are generally passionate about football, the American sports landscape is being reshaped. The fact that the US Women's soccer team has enjoyed extensive success on the global stage also contributes to the national pride associated with the sport, strengthening the argument that soccer can deflate the skepticism around it.

The Reddit debate about the popularity of soccer in the US is an interesting one because it raises two important questions. The first is whether or not soccer will ever gain popularity in the US and the second relates to the reasons for its current lack of popularity in comparison to sports like football, basketball, and baseball.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for the lack of popularity of soccer in the US has to do with the nature of the sport itself. Some argue that soccer is a low-scoring game which many Americans find boring. This argument is further supported by the assertion that Americans prefer sports with more breaks in play, like football and basketball, which give time for replays, analysis, and advertisements.

However, there's an opposing viewpoint that suggests that the real issue is not with the sport itself but rather with the way it’s marketed and presented to the American audience. While other major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB have managed to build a massive following through aggressive marketing and promotion, Major League Soccer (MLS) is often criticized for its lack of visibility.

Another key argument is that the lack of a distinguished history and tradition associated with soccer in the US contributes to its lessened popularity. Unlike in countries where soccer—or football, as it's known outside of the US—represents deep-seated national identity, the US has historically leaned towards sports like baseball and American football. In fact, these sports have been part of the national fabric for more than a century, shaping cultural narratives and national debates.

Adding to the complexity of the issue, some argue that the structure of soccer in the US is a significant factor. They argue that the "closed system" model of the MLS, where there's no promotion or relegation, is a deterrent to the growth of the game. Outside the States, most soccer leagues operate in a system where teams have to earn their spot in the top-flight league, which creates a fiercely competitive and entertaining dynamic.

But the debate isn’t all doom and gloom for US soccer. Many point to recent growth in viewership and attendance at MLS games and the increasing performance of the US national teams, particularly the women's team, as a sign that soccer is on the rise.

Furthermore, the changing demographics in the US could give soccer a boost. With a growing population of immigrants from countries where soccer is a dominant sport, the future of soccer in the US could look very different.