In defense of the massive media coverage of men’s soccer recently, the broadcasting of the world cup in this capacity is an incredible step for our sport in this country. The time devoted to soccer in general will only increase interest in this international game overall. Though this is true, and accounts for this month’s massive increase in men’s soccer media, I would agree the gender gap is overly skewed on any normal month.

What bothers me most about the world cup media in relation to gender inequalities is the division in the commentating profession. While former male professionals announce and commentate for this world cup, (not to mention throughout the year for the limited women’s games on tv), Julie Foudy (the most prominent female commentator in the sport) has been shown only doing the public interest and social change segments broadcasted by ESPN. Providing a cultural history of South Africa, acknowledging apartheid, and using soccer in the social change movement are wonderful things to promote surrounding the World Cup. So why can’t we have Lalas do a bit of that and let Foudy give us a different, perhaps better, perspective on the game every now and then?