Because it is really hard to attain great, or even good, stick skills. And the game becomes very difficult without them. There are plenty of great athletes (soccer included) that transition over to lacrosse and have an impact at the high school level, and even at some colleges. But they will play defense or defensive middie. The reason your soccer stud won't get passed the ball very often is because turnovers in lax are a killer. And your soccer stud likely will have terrible stick skills. Lax is harder to sport to master. Fact. That's why there are so many soccer players in comparison. And yes, with those huge numbers, harder to advance. But also a MUCH easier game. And boring as heck as well.