Texan here. The Dallas-Ft Worth area was a major soccer hotbed in the 70's and 80's while I was growing up - played year round with club and school in leagues and tournies. I played a little like Gareth Barry - defensive-minded with good vision and touch but a little unathletic in the speed and jumping dept.
Never followed world soccer closely until last fall when I decided to pick a team and learn the EPL/Euro scene. Picked City because it was Noel Gallagher's favorite team - I get a kick out of his interviews and music. Craig Bellamy gets a little credit, too, for the way he marauds his enemies. Had no idea when I chose City that they had just become the richest team in the world - ha, lucky me! My fellow US EPL fans denounced my choice [usual reasons] but it has been BIG FUN following the team since last fall, lurking Blue Moon and visiting the MCFC homepage daily. This is my first summer transfer go-round and it's been nuts following the rumors and acquisitions.
P2P online streaming makes it possible to see every game and all the highlights. Doubt if I could maintain my growing City passion without it. Nobody pull the plug, ok?