UK supporters can't understand American commentators? The boy Moran deserves a spotters badge for that.

The Smilin' Cat, Cheshire, UK

In the 1980s, the British media regularly used the term 'association football' or its abbreviation 'soccer'. 'Football' was until recently short for rugby football, Australian football, Gaelic football, American football, Association football, Canadian football, and so on.

All these games involve use of the feet. Just some more than others.

The American use of 'soccer' is just one of many, many examples of US English retaining traditional usage while British English alters. Hooray to Bill Gates for restoring our own traditions to us.

Tim Saunders, Auckland, New Zealand

Perhaps I haven't noticed the American vernacular because I'm so used to it, but it seems that most American "soccer" commentators use traditional "football" terminology: "pitch" instead of "field," "side" instead of "team," "nil" instead of "zero," not to mention "fifty-fifty ball," "selling the dummy," and so on. There appears to be a concerted effort to fit in with international terminology while still giving it a distinctive American flavor.

Peter Pampusch, Santa Monica, California, USA

But the point is, why on earth would you use terms from completely different sports to describe terms in football. How is baseball in any shape or form similar to football?? We wouldn´t do that to American sports. We wouldnt call a pitcher a goalkeeper, or drop goal to refer to a home run. Its completely irrelevant, and makes a mockery of what Beckham is trying to promote.

To those who think we ´want´ Americans to embrace the sport, thats rubbish. FIFA tried and failed in 1994, where on English TV, there was a news article on it´s impact, where one lady asked whether the World Cup was a boat race.

So why should we take an interest? We only take an interest in Beckham, because the league he is playing in is more likely to negatively affect the English national team.

That´s nothing personal against Americans, he could be playing in any other league in the world, inferior to the top 10 leagues in Europe, and it would have the same effect.

Damian Williamson, Madrid, Spain

Ever tried listening to French, Italian or Spanish commentary? Each country has its own ideas about football and yes, I remember as a child in Manchester hearing football called soccer, or association football to distinguish it from rugby football.

Peter, Cheshire, UK

I could be missing the point here but is this not about the program in the UK that is showing the matches? That is the reason for the Tim Lovejoy reference? If so, is it not unreasonable to use the UK definitions?

Either way, if you are going to play the game you should learn the correct jargon along with the correct rules...

James, London, UK

I really dont think it matters what terms commentators in the usa use as long as the target audience ie Americans understand it.Ok so i am English but there is nothing to say the terms we use over here are the only correct ones to use its no wonder we come across to the rest of the world as pompous.Anything that helps Americans to understand and get involved with the beautiful game is ok in my eyes.

james, England,

Typical English bravado! The reason is simple. In order to promote the game on this continent, the announcers are trying to use familiar terms from hockey, football and baseball.On one hand you want us to embrace the sport, and on the other, you smugly insult our terms for objects and actions. I could get into the philosophy of "Language Games", but I'll remain low brow.
I guess if we should adapt any terms from the "established" football world, it should be from Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Germany or the Netherlands. They seem to be ranked higher, and don't continually try to insult North America. Oh ya, if I've misused "the Queen's English", don't bother correcting me. Thanks.

John Whiskeyjack, Edmonton, Canada

"They don't understand the game." Petty, provincial thinking.

I'm always baffled when it is said that American football isn't football because there is little foot contact with the ball. "Football" was named as such to distinguish it, a game played on foot, from games played on horseback.

As for so many different terms, look at the languages. American and British English are very different, and especially the slang. There are Britishisms American soccer fans adapt -- "pitch," "brace" -- that have no place in the American lexicon. (Here, it is always "field"; a "brace" is something you put on your injured leg.)

The idea that our terms aren't correct or aren't good enough is ridiculous. When in England, English terms are best. When in America, the American terms work just fine.

Mark Shell, Los Angeles, CA, USA

The glossary is "outlandish" and "curious" you say? I think your reporter doesn't travel abroad that much. Why is he surprised that there are unfamilar terms and phrases emanating from another country? That smacks of provincialism and lack of worldliness. By the way, "soccer" comes from the UK. It's short for "association football." The term "soccer" is also used in South Africa, Ireland, Australia and Canada. All of us former colonies learned the word "soccer" from the English. I always laugh at Brits who don't know that "soccer" is a perfectly acceptable name for the sport.

Mariano Montero, Los Angeles, California

"In the wheelhouse" and "slow roller" are clearly borrowed from baseball. "On the doorstep" is a well-used football (NFL) term. Midfield stripe is pretty self explanatory, whether it's used elsewhere or not. Real Estate is another common phrase in basketball, hockey, etc.

"Match up" has multiple meanings, with the one in the article being one of the lesser usages.

And always remember. Soccer was a British term long before Americans, Canadians, and Aussies started using it.

Ben, Omaha, NE, USA

Some of these term come from American football. Personally I'd lke to hear some ice hockey terms like 'in the slot' (dead in front of goal), 'point' (corner of the penalty box) and that overused 'faked out of his jockstrap'

While in England there are two commentators with designated roles (commentary and colour), over here you have two commentatiors competing with each other and forever sparring verbally.

The real problem in the MLS is lack of quality: North American players are looking for the 'hero moment', for which soccer offers precious few, being a team game, and are just not skilled (quick) enough to penetrate the defence.

Rob, Wasage Beach, Canada

We all know that a great commentator can make a dreary game seem exciting. Similarly, a lousy commentator can make a thrilling game seem quite ordinary and pedestrian.
Some of the American commentators seem to view the game itself as an intrusion, an interruption of their profound monologue. Almost if they are the stars of the show. Painful to listen to, unfortunately.

Malcolm Scarratt, Bragg Creek, Canada

We're not obliged to call it US soccer as your headline suggests. Worldwide the game is known as football. So called American Football is played 99% with hands, go figure, as Americans say. I have lived over here for many years and refuse to call the beautiful game soccer just because it conflicts with a mis-named sport over here.

Ben Jarret, Boston, Massachusetts

Good point!..Roy of Hayling Island..lol. My daughter plays high school soccer here and after 3 years of watching her I still ask people to explain what happened when theres a whistle!

And Jerome or Milton WI...I agree with you too! But don't stop at soccer. I get sick of hearing the endless stats, and utter "who cares" commentary from the commentators of American football too!! You're right!! Its like they get paid by the word...no matter how mundane or idiotic it is! Frankly I'd rather have them put a few microphones in the stands so we could listen to what the fans are saying instead!

Murph, Madisonville, USA/KY

Jerome's complaint about the constant babble is spot on. Our American sports comentators can't shut up and watch *any* game -- baseball, basketball, football (gridiron, that is), or hockey. Real football (soccer to us leftpondians) suffers the same fate.

Steve MacGregor, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

It seems to me that some of your definitions for these terms are incorrect. Of course there is always the possibility that the announcers have no clue what they mean either.

In the wheelhouse: when the ball is within the optimal striking position for the player.

Match ups: how one man or team matches up with another.

Real estate: Having room (or lack thereof) - irrespective of the penalty box.

Some wheels: a player who is fast.

Mark T, Colorado Springs, CO

I watch Major Lleague Soccer frequently enough, in addition to the Premier League, but have not heard of most of the expressions above, save "midfield stripe." That is relatively easy to comprehend and should confuse no one, not even you Brits. "Full time whistle" seems fairly clear, as well.

What is truly annoying about MLS soccer is the constant babble from TV commentators. They dont seem to be able to shut up and let the game proceed. Instead, they fill the audio with meanless statistics and trite comment as though they were paid by the word. Now, for the most part, you Brits have at least that right.

Jerome Long, Milton, Wisconsin USA

We don't understand the commentary, they don't understand the game.

Sounds fair

Roy, Hayling Island, UK