Does this discussion need to happen every time?  "Soccer" is derived from "Association Football" and it was done in England, not the US.  Hence news articles in far off places like Yorkshire ran this in 1958.

In the US the sport was actually called "Football" for decades under the USFF, until the 60s when it changed to USSF and "Soccer" given the popularity and confusion with "American Football".

You see this trend in other countries that have versions of "Football" such as Ireland, Australia and Canada.  I mean, no one give Italy grief for calling it "Calcio" of all things.

I use both terms depending on who I am talking to in order to avoid confusion.  Mostly football, but I know will just confuse people not familiar and call it soccer for them.  To me the important part is loving this amazing sport,

Wow... mind blown... I thought Soccer was invented by the americans since the name Football was already taken in America by a sport played with the hands

Anyway let them call it whatever they want, as long as America get into football thats OK for me. I would be a huge benefit for CONCACAF and CONMEBOL. I really wish one day we could see a LIbertadores Cup with the best CONCACAF team from Mexico and USA> Way better than play against 3rd best (worst?) team from Bolivia on 4000 meter altitude. 

 The term soccer originated in England, first appearing in the 1880s as an Oxford "-er"abbreviation of the word "association"

Moving on now, I think we're a few years away from really pushing in international competitions.  Mexican sides still rule in NA, and until that changes doubt US or Canadian sides will be in Libertadores. As a side not excited about Copa America in US as should be a great tournament.

While true, I should explain why people such as myself follow and love MLS.

It's our league and we follow our club.  I have no grand illusions that DC United is close to a Manchester United or Bayern Munchen, but it is mine.  It is about standing and jumping and singing for our club.  If you're concerned with the highest level, watch the UEFA Champion's League and nothing else.  If you love the sport and seeing local club, happy to have anyone along, even if as a DC fan obligated to hope anything NY related crashes and burns.

Rivaldo is one of the most underrated players ever and one of the best players I've ever see (this). He won the 2002 World Cup for Brazil.

OT: Yeah, this team is OK for MLS. In general, the players are not too old.

I'm going to try and get into soccer as a the first New York team, NYC FC, is joining (the Red Bulls are in New Jersey, which is disgusting). I'm going to ignore the fact that NYC FC makes no sense to me (City's name is 'New York' and 'FC' makes it seem like a European team). But they have a cool logo so all is forgiven.

   First thing first... It is not called soccer but football.

Now, some questions;

Is the roster any good? http://www.nycfc.com/players (Mix Diskerud isn't listed on the site yet.)

 I do not know pretty much all players, but Villa and Lampard. Lampard is an amazing player, so good that Mancheste city is keeping him for six more months. Villa is an amazing stricker, fast, strong and a killer in the box. Good team.

What age do soccer players begin to breakdown?

 Depends, not all palyers are the same.

Does David Beckham know what he's talking about here? http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/1770788/david-beckham-says-mls-salary-cap-needs-to-goreport

 I think he is right since he wants good players to go the MLS thus increase fan excitement and profits; however Europe will keep attracting the best players. Caps will make sure, teams are economicly responsible, thus ensuring sustained growth.  

Manchester City are majority owners of NYC. Will Manchester use this to abuse and screw over NYC?

 The owner is an incredibly rich man, so he will most likely increase his investments in NY, which is good... Welcome to your new Muslim ruler!!