Since you say you miss watching football, I would recommend local sports like high school football games etc. There are always friends of friends too. Do you have any males in your family? Get yourself invited somewhere (this can always be accomplished at the offering of cooking a meal) and mingle.

Since you say you find it easier to connect with men over women, it should be a piece of cake! Just be sarcastic, witty and leave the girl talk & emotion out of conversation ;)