By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (May 28. 2010) US Soccer Players — Rooting for the US National Team is no joke to Drew Carey. The actor-comedian and host of the wildly-popular game-show “The Price is Right” has devoted nearly as much time to soccer as his career in recent years.

The 51-year-old Cleveland native grew up a rabid baseball and football fan, but found a place in his heart for soccer in 2003 after attending a Los Angeles Galaxy game. Carey was hooked almost from the first kick. Carey’s combined his growing love for soccer with another hobby, sports photography, that allowed him to get FIFA credentials to work as a shooter at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. His time as a photographer was later chronicled on a Travel Channel show called Drew Carey’s Sporting Adventures.

Carey is also a partial owner of Seattle Sounders FC and currently serves as chairman of Sounders FC Alliance, the team’s member association. Carey also joined the board of the USA Bid Committee trying to land the World Cup in either 2018 or 2022.

I recently caught up with Carey, where the comedian discussed his love for the US National Team, his plans to travel to South Africa next month and how he has failed to convince the rest of Hollywood to follow his soccer passion.

How did you become a soccer fan?

I started going to Galaxy games, believe it or not. As a Clevelander, I couldn’t root for the Lakers or Dodgers or anyone here in LA so I decided to start watching Galaxy games because I missed going to sporting events and having a local team to root for. Then I started following the National Team and that was it.

You also are a sports photographer and have moonlighted as a pro over the past few years. How did that ever happen?

I needed an excuse to be on the field for games. Photography seemed like as good an excuse as any.

What would be your photo dream assignment?

Already did it — the World Cup in Germany.

You are by far the biggest celebrity to back the US National Team. Have you been able to convert any others in Hollywood?

No.

What was the most exciting soccer game you ever saw in person?

Poland-Germany at the last World Cup and the USA-Italy game. Poland-Germany ended with a score in the final minute. And the USA-Italy game was epic for how physical it was and how many ejections there were. It was a real battle.

Are you planning to travel to South Africa to see the World Cup?

Yes. I'll be there the whole month.

As you said earlier, you’re a big Cleveland sports fans of both the Indians and Browns. Looking forward to the Indians as much as Seattle Sounders FC?

I love all the Cleveland sports teams and look forward to every season. I'm a huge sports fan.

The Sounders won the US Open Cup last season and you were very excited about it afterwards. Can the MLS Cup be far behind?

Depends on how we play, but I like to think we're going to be contenders every year.

Do you play any soccer?

No.

One last question. You're known for spending a lot of time with Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion. Ever watch any good soccer games there?

Hef’s more into jazz music and old movies than soccer.

Clemente Lisi is the author of “A History of the World Cup: 1930-2006.” His new book "The US Women's Soccer Team: An American Success Story" will be available in June. Contact him at: CAL4477@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter at: twitter.com/ClementeLisi