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Photographs of David Beckham practicing at Giants Stadium yesterday by Mike Derer/AP
David Beckham and the LA Galaxy will be playing the Red Bulls tonight at Giants Stadium, and his importance to Major League Soccer overall is analyzed today in the various papers. The NY Times notes that while MLS had hoped last year Beckham would "transcend the sport of soccer in America and carry it on his shoulders," it hasn't been that dramatic--yet.
Beckham is well-aware of that and told reporters yesterday, “Soccer is definitely changing in this country. It’s getting bigger and it’s growing, but it’s going to take time. I said at the start that it’s not going to happen in a year or two. I think it’s going well so far. Attendance is up 20 percent, shirt sales are up 780 percent is what I heard.”
At any rate, he's excited about tonight's game, after the Galaxy and Red Bulls' previous meeting resulted in a 5-4 Red Bulls win that boasted the most goals scored in an MLS game ever. He said, "I'm happy to be back in New York, especially after the game we played here last year. It was an exciting game, entertaining, lots of goals. But for us, it was the wrong result. Hopefully we can change that this time around."
The game is at 6:30 p.m., broadcast on FSC/FSE.
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sad that Robbie Williams is now a better footballer then Becks now, and Williams is fat now. What sort of league makes you pay more to see a player who well over the hill and now better at wearing pants then crossing.
MLS is a joke. if you want real football its starts August 16 at 8am on Setanta and FSC
innit.
geezer?
Best of luck David. We love you. Our best wishes are always with you.
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Angel
Addiction Recovery New York
I was at Giants stadium yesterday and while the atmosphere was exciting, the game lacked last years. Beckham just played lazy this game. Maybe he was injured and wanted to play because 45,000 were there. Juan Pablo Angel played well and was fun to watch.
Yet again, and I find this strange and funny, people who were clearly there because of Beckham booed him every chance they could. Curious and hilarious at the same time.
Soccer has a long way to go here but if it hasn't surpassed NHL in viewership and attendance yet, it's only a matter of time.
redhookreject: Give me a break man...it's people like you who keep MLS lacking in its progress. You can't compare the MLS to the EPL or La Liga, but who said we're trying to compete with them right now? I think MLS has made great strides so far, and it's gaining respect (slowly) among the world's players. If the players in top-tier teams can show respect to MLS, why can't you? I love the EPL and La Liga, but I support our homegrown talent and league, even though it has a long way to go. Building takes time...and the support of REAL fans.
I was also at yesterday's game and was happy to see Rojas being productive for a struggling NY (even though he wasted two chances at goal). I think Angel is happy to have a CAM who can control and deliver the ball. Also, RBNY has a designated player slot for next season, and Thierry Henry has displayed an interest in playing for NY! If we can convince Henry to come to MLS, that would be a HUGE boost for the league. A new soccer-specific stadium and a world-class striker in NY would be amazing...and we could surely use some help in NY.
Also, for anyone who has any interest in soccer (MLS and otherwise), you should check out http://www.soccerbyives.net. He is (in my opinion) one of the best American soccer writers you'll find on the net, and always provides interesting information. His blog focuses on the MLS, but encompasses soccer worldwide.
After a couple of bad tocuhes at the beginning, Rojas was the best all-around player on the field, I thought. Van Den Bergh was a close second. RBNY hasn't been very good, but the new additions will make them much better, and Angel will finally get the support he needs.
As for the MLS haters ... who cares? Don't like it, don't watch it.
Also, the dude who posted about people booing Beckham ... many of us actually go to a lot of the Red Bull matches and are fans of the home team. We're supposed to boo Beckham, not squeal like the little girls for him. Duh.
Anyone got any videe footage of the thuggish behavior by security staff in Sec. 101 during half? Dummies almost caused a riot.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5ZPrG8mLho
They kicked out the RBNY's fan of the year, and banned him for life. He shouted to Beckham, saying he sucks, and apparently a woman had some words w/ him regarding "watching his language". She ultimately went to security saying he threatened her, and he was banned for life. NJSEA sucks. Oops, is that gonna get me banned from gothamist for life? I better keep quiet...