About the Author

Phil West is an Austin, Texas-based writer, a lecturer with The Writing Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a contributor to MLSSoccer.com, Howler, and SB Nation's Stars and Stripes FC. His articles have appeared in numerous publications, including the Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times, Austin Chronicle, and San Antonio Express-News.

Reviews

[Showing] the commitment of select owners at the beginning, the rise of the supporters groups, and, yes, Don Garber's leadership in sustaining MLS for these 21 seasons--this book proves to be a keeper.

A brisk and informative look at Major League Soccer's first 20 years. . .West gives MLS fans a worthy chronicle.--Keir Graff

The definitive text on MLS . . . West's masterpiece is an enjoyable read from cover to cover, something any American soccer fan would genuinely appreciate. It is indeed a special piece of soccer literature.

This book should occupy an important spot on the shelf as far as soccer books go. It offers a glimpse of the future, from a man who has his finger on the pulse of the beautiful game, and a league that shows little intention of slowing down . . . This book will offer something to fans who have followed the league since its inception, as well as a retrospective for new or casual fans to appreciate the league's existence.

West brings a historian's approach to his book, rather than a pundit's. The pages brim with research, with vintage news reports and opinion pieces intermingled with plenty of solid original interviews with players, execs, soccer media members and supporters alike . . .This is a solid read for anyone interested in how the league they love came to be.

West employs a fan's-eye view to explore the travails and innovations of Major League Soccer . . . his narrative serves as a series of engaging case studies on the business and marketing of sport.

West tells the intertwined story of the rise of MLS and its fan base in this reasonably crisp narrative . . . Fans of MLS will appreciate West's perspective, and those who are not yet fans may be convinced by this brief, worthwhile history.