LA Galaxy and MLS Await Beckham
Injury Delays Appearance of Former Real Madrid and England Star
Aug 2, 2007
David Beckham arrived in America at the beginning of July with all the razzmatazz that Hollywood could offer. LA Galaxy had invested heavily, $128 million, to bring him to the MLS and America’s soccer enthusiasts eagerly awaited his first appearance.
However, since his arrival Beckham has been restricted to a brief cameo appearance in the prestigious friendly game against Chelsea. This had been billed as his debut for his new American team but he sustained an ankle injury while playing for England in a crucial European Championship qualifying game. He then returned to his club, Real Madrid, who were involved in an exciting struggle with Barcelona for the Primera Liga title. Beckham, although still troubled with the injury, played for Real in their final two games which saw them claim the title for the first time since 2003.
Fans Frustrated
Beckham has been unable to take part in any of LA Galaxy’s games, a great disappointment to the American sporting public, many of whom had booked advance tickets for the games in order to see the former England captain. He missed LA Galaxy’s latest win in Dallas to the great frustration of the home fans. The game had been a 20,500 sell-out, with all the pre-game publicity focusing on the anticipated appearance of David Beckham.
LA Galaxy’s future games have also been marketed on Beckham playing in America and it is reported that eight of their eleven away games are completed sold out, while the other three matches which are to be played in big grid-iron 60,000 capacity stadiums are currently showing sixty percent capacity.
Beckham's Signing: Major Coup
The signing of Beckham from Real Madrid last January was a major coup for Galaxy. At that time Beckham’s star was on the wane and having lost his place in the England team, he was struggling to make an appearance for Real who told him that his contract would not be renewed.
There were few options open to Beckham and he agreed a five year contact to play in America. This suited him and his family as he appeared to be coming towards the end of his career.
Beckham on the Rise:
However, in the following six months his prospects greatly improved as first he regained his place with Real as they mounted a challenge for the title in Spain and then was recalled by England manager, Steve McLaren.
By the end of the football season in Europe, Beckham had any number of clubs wanting to sign him, but as a man of principle, he stood by his original decision and moved to LA Galaxy.
Unfortunately, his persistent ankle injury has prevented him from playing and he has been left to become a show-piece ‘ambassador’ promoting the game in America rather than the football playing star, he so eagerly wants to be.
LA boss Frank Yallop has expressed concern that Real Madrid played Beckham in their final two games although he was struggling with injury, so anxious were they to win the Spanish title. He understands the public’s disappointment that Beckham is not playing for Galaxy but assures them that the player is just as frustrated with the situation and is eager to play.
Following their thrilling 6-5 victory in Dallas, when Beckham did not travel with the team, it appears that he will not be available for their next game in Toronto on Sunday. LA Galaxy have four consecutive away games through August with games against DC United, New England Revolution and New York Red Bulls to follow before returning to LA for a match against Chivas USA in three weeks time.
Pele Critical of Beckham
LA Galaxy and their fans will be hoping that Beckham will have overcome his injury problems before then so that he is available to make his competitive home debut in that match. Pele criticised Beckham in a newspaper interview last week, claiming, "David Beckham is more of a pop star than a player." If this sentiment is not to become a widely held view, then LA Galaxy need David Beckham doing what he does best, playing football.
