The Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer are embattled in a playoff race. These games could be the end of David Beckham’s tenure in the United States. Beckham is certainly in the twilight of his career, but he’s still an effective player, and best in the world at set pieces..
The Galaxy take on Real Salt Lake in the conference final as the cloud of Beckham’s questionable future with the club hangs over the team. He still has the ability to play an elite level by garnering fifteen assists in twenty-six regular season contests. His two assists thus far in the postseason have also come at crucial times.
In addition, he took one for the team recently, as he was the player leveled near the net in game two to allow for the penalty kick to occur.
Every time that there is a World Cup, American pundits offer analysis as to why there is a coming resurgence of the sport in the United States. The popularity of the sport among females and the changing demographics of the country are often cited as two major factors in the growth of the sport.
The success of our national teams has also bolstered interest somewhat. The women’s team run to the final was a national sensation, and it made both Hope Solo and Alex Morgan two of the most iconic female athletes in America today.
Soccer hasn’t taken off to the extent that some have previously thought, but it is still relevant. The emergence of the Fox Soccer Channel is worth mentioning and ESPN airs soccer matches during the crucial November and May sweeps periods.
David Beckham has not been bashful about his affinity for Los Angeles. His wife appreciates it for her entertainment career and the weather is picture perfect. There have been rumblings that Landon Donovan and Beckham haven’t always agreed on issues throughout their time together in Southern California. They have obviously coexisted successfully because the team has been the leader in the standings of the regular season during the last two seasons.
Beckham makes so much money from endorsements that he has all over the world that he should simply play wherever he wants to at this point. The salary shouldn’t matter. The length of the deal should also be something that he considers. When someone has played at the level he has, diminishing returns are not taken lightly by a superstar’s ego.
There is a rumor that a French pro team is making a run for Beckham’s services. He brings attention and notoriety to any club that he joins. His effectiveness recently on the field has proved that he is healthy and still talented enough to play with the world’s elite. He has plenty to play for: a MLS title, a spot on England’s World Cup team, and a new contract.