I fell in love with soccer during my visit to Europe in 1973. I remember seeing some of the games on television in Europe especially Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.

During this time, my first team was Brazil and its player Pele [who are still my favorites along with Spain, Germany, Cameroun, Manchester United, Chelsea, and of course the USA].

After my return to the USA, I started to listen to the games on my shortwave radio and enjoying them. In the late 1970’s, I moved to Venezuela and was able to appreciate the 1978 FIFA World Cup on my shortwave radio and cable TV.

RAE which was the shortwave service from Argentina broadcast the games live. It was thrilling hearing and seeing the games. I also discovered the existence of a player named Maradona.

When I returned to America, it was listening to football/soccer games on my shortwave radio. The same applied when I studied medicine in the Dominican Republic.

I did not miss the 1982 World Cup from Spain when studying medicine. In fact, my relatives kept me informed by sending me news clippings. It was also great to hear the World Cup live on shortwave.

While continuing the routine, I discovered that the USA would host the World Cup in 1994. It was thrilling being able to hear and see the World Cup in the USA. My fear was that soccer would remain a fad.

The 1998, 2002, and 2006 World Cups proved to the world that the USA is indeed soccer country. I could still I could still remember how the MLS was formed and people scoffed at the idea.

I was beginning to convert to being a supporter of the US Soccer Team and found potential in this team. I was also seeing the formation of various clubs such as the Miami FC.

I went to one of the games between Miami FC and the Charleston Battery in front of a packed audience at Tropical Park in Miami Florida.

Who could ever forget the CONCACAF Game between Mexico and the USA at Chicago, Illinois? Who could forget the first game of the MLS Team in Seattle? They were played in front of an audience and a packed stadium.

The time has come to bring the World Cup back to America with some of the games being played in Miami.