Team USA Loses 4-1

[FakeNoose]

47. In many areas of the Midwest, soccer is more popular than football, especially for schools

Certainly for girls' sports, they're definitely more likely to play soccer in school. Much of this is at the instigation of parents who want their kids to participate without the fear of serious injuries.

So even though you're correct that the professional athletes gravitate to football for the money, the scholastic programs have encouraged soccer for the high schools and some colleges.