Soccer Buzz

DC United defeated the LA Galaxy 1-0 Thursday night at RFK Stadium, but I have a feeling many people aren’t going to remember the result of this game. David Beckham made his MLS debut, appearing as a substitute in the 72nd minute.

It wasn’t the ideal situation for Beckham to make his debut. He had hardly had practiced with his teammates since he arrived about a month ago. Plus, the soggy pitch had to create more doubts about the condition of his left ankle. Finally, Kyle Martino didn’t make things easier when he was sent off for a horrid tackle on DC United midfielder Fred. It appeared Beckham was ready to check in just before the red card, and perhaps his introduction to the match was delayed so Galaxy boss Frank Yallop could alter his tactics.

Still, there were encouraging signs from Beckham. Despite his relative unfamiliarity with his teammates, he was comfortable showing for the ball and trying to pull the strings in midfield. He delivered a fantastic through ball for Landon Donovan late in the game that was foiled only by a smart and brave challenge from DC goalie Troy Perkins. He also had set up a chance on a free kick, but Carlos Pavon couldn’t direct a header on goal.

Finally, Beckham better hope that Pavon, Alan Gordon, and/or Edson Buddle learn to finish quality chances since all three, particularly Pavon and Buddle, missed glorious chances to equalize (although Tommy Smyth had a good point when he said Beckham got used to watching that poor finishing from watching Andy Cole at Manchester United).

It’s a shame Becks has to find himself in the middle of the mess created by Yallop and Alexi Lalas. I suppose Donovan, Joe Cannon, Abel Xavier (he has been a pleasant surprise for LA), and the injured Chris Albright would be a welcomed addition for every team in this league, but the rest of the squad is nothing but a bunch of has-beens, unfulfilled potential, and simply talentless hacks.

The worst part for the Galaxy is that their reckless wheeling and dealing may prevent them from keeping Donovan on the squad next year. Donovan’s high salary (about 900k a year plus bonuses) was exempt from requiring the use of a designated player slot this season, but he would count as a “DP” next season. Unfortunately, the Galaxy only have one DP slot this year, and it’s obvious who occupies that. It seemed obvious that LA would trade for another DP slot to keep Donovan with the Galaxy when Beckham signed with the club, but what do the Galaxy have to offer? Herculez Gomez was traded to get Cannon, they used an allocation (if you have questions about such terminology, please ask) to acquire Nate Jaqua, who turned out to be a flop in LA and was traded to Houston for Kelly Gray (so that’s essentially an allocation for Kelly Gray. Does anyone see a problem?) Then, they trade US U-20 defender/midfielder Nathan Sturgis and promising forward Robbie Findley for an over-the-hill Chris Klein. I’m sure some combination of those players and the allocation could fetch a DP slot.

Maybe the Galaxy can come up with another DP slot. Maybe the league will make up some silly rule to allow Donovan to stay with the club without a DP slot. Still, that doesn’t excuse the horrible player management by the Galaxy. I know the British tabloids have called Galaxy a “pub team”, but I have a feeling there are plenty of regulars at your local soccer bar that could have done a better job putting this team together.

As for the team this year, Beckham will obviously add leadership and class to this team.  Donovan will no longer have to carry the team offensively, and perhaps other players will benefit from Beckham’s vision and skill.  Of course, they will probably also learn how to draw fouls from about 25 yards from goal.

Still, I doubt Becks to perform a miracle and make this team a playoff contender.