Posted by
I believe on Thursday, January 25, 2007 1:43:33 PM
Spice Girl Victoria Adams (Posh) & international soccer icon David Beckham announced their engagement on January 25,1998. Roughly 9 years later the renowned couple travel to Los Angeles in an attempt resuscitate Major League Soccer just as Pele and German legend Franz Beckenbauer unsuccessfully tried with the NASL over thirty years ago.
Unfortunately, this is going no further than an extra minute on SportsCenter when he makes his initial debut for the L.A. Galaxy. In terms of business, it’s an exceptionally brilliant move despite the critiques of some sports analysts by presenting what appeared to be the largest contract in sports history when, in actuality, the Galaxy will share the responsibility with AEG of paying $8 to $10 million a year, not $50.
As far as the “Saving Soccer in America” campaign is concerned…forget it. The Europeans scoff at Beckham to United States because they already know (along with the South Americans, Asians, etc.) he’s only a name (not starting for his current club, Real Madrid). Everyone knows where the talent pool is: Spanish Primera, Italian Serie A, and English Premiership.
Don’t get me wrong, I fully appreciate the MLS along with its level of play; however, when I saw Manchester United play Barcelona in Philadelphia a few years back, I realized the international game is played at a different level no American soccer league will ever reach. It’s your standard filet mignon comparison.