United States goalkeeper Tim Howard believes America's soccer fanbase will continue to grow if the team keeps winning. With the next World Cup four years away, former USA star Landon Donovan discussed the outlook for the men's national team and the potential of the 2018 squad.
USA fell in the knockout round to Belgium, 2-1. Simply reaching the second round exceeded the expectations of analysts, who didn't think the United States would escape the group stage.
Although the U.S. lost in extra time Tuesday, Howard's performance inspired praise across social media and indicated Americans could have an appetite for soccer, which doesn't enjoy the same popularity as sports such as football and basketball in America.
To grow the soccer fanbase in the United States, Howard believes the solution is simple: Win.
"I suppose it's talked about in that context where it is on our shoulders to grow the sport. We go out and play a beautiful game -- or at least we try to -- and the supporters are either attracted to that or not," Howard said Wednesday on ESPN Radio. "The numbers have been staggering -- people want to watch. That's all we have to do. Go out there and try to win.
"America loves winners, we know that. So if we can keep winning and keep playing well, the rest of it will take care of itself."
Howard, 35, is unlikely to suit up for Team USA in 2018. Although Howard hasn't ruled out playing in the next World Cup, the American team likely will need a new face.
Donovan, who also spoke Wednesday on ESPN Radio, assessed the future of the U.S. national team.
"What we have is a lot of young, very talented players -- obviously DeAndre Yedlin, Julian Green yesterday, Aron Johannsson's a young guy who didn't get much time in the tournament, Mix Diskerud is a young kid who didn't get any time in the tournament," Donovan said. "I would say that the part that needs to develop is the leadership part.
"[For 2018] you certainly are going to have Michael Bradley there, that will be a big plus, but losing Timmy [Howard], losing Clint [Dempsey], losing DaMarcus Beasley, losing a guy like Kyle Beckerman, all those things are going to hurt for sure.
"And now it's who is going to step up and fill that role in that way? Yes, Michael Bradley will be one and yes, keep your eye out for who else is going to step up in that way if we are going to be successful in 2018."
