Beckham Could Bring Title to Go With Headlines
Beckham's American adventure could have a happy ending on the field Sunday.
By KURT HELIN
Updated 9:21 AM EDT, Sat, Nov 21, 2009
David Beckham has sold a lot of Galaxy jerseys. He’s made a lot of headlines, particularly with his flirting and playing with AC Milan while under contract in Los Angeles. He has become part of the celebrity culture in the city, often seen courtside at Lakers games. He's made a lot of money.
The soccer… six months ago the word everyone was using was “disaster.”
But on Sunday Beckham can rewrite that part of the equation. The Galaxy, led by himself and Major League Soccer MVP Landon Donovan, will play a one-game championship match against Real Salt Lake.
Back in July — when Beckham returned to the Galaxy from a loan to Madrid — things were not pretty. He was greeted by many fans who saw him as a traitor that would rather be playing in Europe. Beckham nearly got into an altercation with a fan at one home game. And a new book came out where Donovan called out Beckham’s leadership qualities.
But if there is one constant in Beckham’s career, it’s that when he looks washed up and done, he plays his best soccer. It was the case in 2006 when he was booted off the English national team, only to be welcomed back and is now expected to be on the 2010 World Cup roster for his country.
The Galaxy turned it around with Beckham being more of a teammate off the pitch, if not always a huge force on it (he has just two goals this season). However, his presence in the midfield and his great crossing passes have made his teammates look good.
Ironically, Beckham and Donovan will not be the key to this game for the Galaxy. Sure, they will be involved and likely part of Los Angeles’ scoring, but it will be the team’s defense that will get the test. Real Salt Lake is an attacking team with a lot of speed, a recipe that has given the Galaxy trouble in the past.
But if the defense can hold up, Beckham can finally earn some headlines in America for what he has done on the pitch. Which will be a welcome change of pace.
Copyright NBC Local Media
First Published: Nov 20, 2009 6:07 PM EDT on NBC Los Angeles
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