Recently in Beckham Category

Sometimes it seems Galaxy midfielder David Beckham spends more time on a soccer field showing off his abs than his set pieces as he wanders the field shirtless at the end of games.

So this soft porn excerpt ad is nothing new to most soccer fans and will likely be one of the few Super Bowl references you'll find here this week ahead of Sunday's game between two teams that are not the Packers.

Here's a little background on the ad from today's press release:

Beckham's Bodywear line introduces nine underwear styles for men, focusing on quality, fit, function, comfort and design, and continues H & M's successful run of acclaimed guest designer collaborations - most notably Stella McCartney, Madonna, and Roberto Cavalli among many others.

Beckham and his design team spent 18 months developing the collection. The TV ad, filmed in Hollywood earlier this year, is slated to air during the second quarter of Super Bowl XLVI.

And here's the video, which includes the ad and the immortal line "I love underwear," which proves, I guess, that if he receives enough money Beckham will say he loves virtually anything:

And if you're one of those who pays more attention to Super Bowl ads than the actual game, now you have an extra 30 seconds Sunday to pull yourself away from the TV and score some more bean dip.

LA Lads: Anschutz Entertainment Group President and CEO Tim Leiweke, David Beckham and Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena pose during a news conference today at LA Live formally announcing the signing of the English star to a new two-year contract (AP Photo).

The Galaxy unveiled a new jersey, too, (white with a blue stripe).

The Galaxy is streaming a live interview with Arena here. It started at 4 p.m.

Reporter Phil Collin filed this story for the dead tree edition.

Or at least in this self-serving press release I'm reprinting in full below the Galaxy just released telling us all what we've known for hours anyway: That Beckham is back, although of course, he never really left.

Read on and you'll discover just how great Beckham has been for the Galaxy, soccer in general and the escalation of MLS franchise fees (yup, he gets credit for that, too).

Naturally it helps when a press release somehow manages to quote no fewer than two people who work for Beckham, conveniently ignore the ruinous 9-14-7 and 8-13-9 2007 and 2008 seasons (his first two years that sported the worst records in club history) the club has yet to recover from (Galaxy officials cite them as the reason the dominant club weren't selling out Home Depot Center with any great regularity last season) or the catastrophic reign of former coach Ruud Gullit (who was hand-picked by Beckham's management team).

Aside from those reasons, as well as his frequent absences through loan spells and injury, his inability to actually run anymore and questions about whether he can repeat his 2011 performance (which even Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena called Beckham's first real season in the league) he's been great.

A press conference is set for 2 p.m. Thursday at Staples Center, incidentally.

Still, readers of this blog overwhelmingly agree with the Galaxy's to re-sign Beckham, incidentally (and to clarify I do, too, at least at a reduced salary at his age).

But this loooong press release is more than a little over the top, IMHO:

CARSON, Calif. (Wednesday, January 18, 2012) - The LA Galaxy announced today that the club has re-signed midfielder David Beckham to a two-year contract, extending his stay with the MLS Cup Champions. Beckham, who had the best season of his five-year MLS career in 2011, helped lead the Galaxy to their first MLS Cup title since 2005.

Since joining the club as the first Designated Player in MLS History, the Galaxy have reached MLS Cup twice and won the Supporters' Shield twice while also seeing the club reach new heights in terms of international recognition and popularity.

"This was an important decision for me," Galaxy midfielder David Beckham said. "I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I'm still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy."

"I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here," he added. "My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here."

In five years with the Galaxy, Beckham was twice named to the MLS All-Star Team and finished the 2011 season with a career-best 15 assists, earning him a spot on the MLS Best XI. Beckham's individual success helped translate to team success last season as the club repeated as Supporters' Shield winners, finishing the season with a 19-5-10 record for 67 points, which were the second most in League history. That form continued into the postseason where the Galaxy won all four of their postseason games, culminating with a 1-0 win over Houston at The Home Depot Center in MLS Cup 2011. Beckham had an assist in that game, just as he did in each of the club's first three playoffs games, giving him a league-best four postseason assists on the year.

"I am thrilled that David has chosen to re-join the Galaxy, especially as he had numerous options where he could continue his career," Galaxy General Manager and Head Coach Bruce Arena said. "I felt that he was one of the best players in all of MLS last season and we could not have achieved the success that we did without him. We look forward to trying to replicate that success this season with David once again in a Galaxy uniform."

In 74 career regular season games in a Galaxy uniform, Beckham has 31 assists to go along with 11 goals with the club going 15-2-4 in the past three seasons when he scored a goal or recorded an assist. Additionally, the 36-year-old has helped lead the Galaxy to the postseason in each of the last three seasons, tallying seven assists in 11 postseason games. The Galaxy also qualified for the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League for the first time in club history last season, with Beckham playing in four of the club's six games while setting up a pair of goals in the competition.

In addition to Beckham's on-field success, the former England captain has also had an historic impact on the game in the U.S. and globally. His mid-season arrival in Southern California coincided with the launch of the club's new logo and colors, strengthening the Galaxy's reputation in the global game and making the club's jersey the best-selling in MLS and one of the best in the world.

"There has been much speculation in the past four months on where David was going to play and we did not get caught up in this and remained focused on re-signing him," said Tim Leiweke, President & CEO, AEG. "David had many options and we are pleased he felt comfortable, not only with our organization but also with Los Angeles, and will remain an important part of our club, our AEG family and our City".

"The Galaxy had an unbelievable year in 2011, David had a great year individually and the club were deservedly crowned Supporters' Shield winners and MLS Cup Champions," added Leiweke. "The 2011 Galaxy team may have been the best club in MLS history and like David, we are focused on repeating that success in 2012 and fielding the most exciting team for our fans."

"When David and I discussed making the move from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy back in 2007, our minds were firmly focused on the massive opportunity of helping to grow soccer in the United States," added Simon Fuller, Beckham's Business Partner and Manager. "We have made great progress over the past 5 years in raising the profile of soccer domestically and the MLS on a worldwide stage, and we are encouraged by all the results. However, clearly this is an ongoing mission and this new deal confirms our commitment to continuing our journey and making sure the world's biggest sport, soccer, continues to grow in the world's most passionate sports loving nation, the USA."

In the past five years, the Galaxy emerged as a truly international club with worldwide recognition through tours that have drawn record crowds and major sponsors in such countries as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Korea. Locally, the Galaxy have hosted sellout crowds against international powers such as AC Milan, Barcelona, Boca Juniors, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid, playing in front of more than 330,000 fans at The Home Depot Center, L.A. Coliseum and Rose Bowl in those matches.

Major League Soccer has also experienced exponential growth in the first five years that Beckham has played for the Galaxy, growing from 12 teams in 2006 to 19 teams this season, including the expansion Montreal Impact. In that time, the expansion fee for clubs has quadrupled from $10 million to $40 million, with $170 million being raised in expansion fees since the start of the 2007 MLS season. In that same time, nine new soccer-specific stadiums have been built in Major League Soccer, giving the League a total of 15 in 2012, while average attendance rose to 17,872 last season, making MLS the 10th best attended league in the world.

"What David has accomplished since joining the Galaxy five years ago is truly remarkable," said Jeff Frasco of Creative Artists Agency (CAA). "While David has been a tremendous ambassador for soccer in the U.S., he has set further goals for himself, both professionally and personally, and we are pleased to be part of the team to help him achieve these and more."

Beckham and the LA Galaxy will open preseason ahead of the 2012 MLS season next week at The Home Depot Center.

*Post updated

Adman: Because, after all, if you had an H&M underwear ad running Super Bowl Sunday would you want to be stuck in France? (AP/H&M Photo).

*David Beckham has reportedly reached terms on a new contract with MLS and the Galaxy.

It's probably no coincidence the news comes ahead of Beckham's live interview on his YouTube channel at 9 a.m. Thursday, which also precedes his first Google+ "hangout."

*Update

Beckham's new contract is for two years.

"This was an important decision for me," Galaxy midfielder David Beckham said. "I had many offers from clubs from around the world, however, I'm still passionate about playing in America and winning trophies with the Galaxy."

"I've seen first hand how popular soccer is now in the States and I'm as committed as ever to growing the game here," he added. "My family and I are incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending many more years here."

*Two suspects were arrested in the murder of El Camino High School goalkeeper Francisco Rodriguez.

*Former Real Salt Lake goalkeeper goalkeeper Tim Melia, 25, has signed with Chivas USA.

*Former Chivas USA striker Maicon Santos continues his grand tour of MLS, joining D.C. United, the club announced today. The 27-year-old Brazilian scored one goal and an assist in nine matches with Chivas USA in 2010 before moving on to Toronto and then Dallas.

* Fox formally announced today that the network will lead off NFC Championship Sunday with its first-ever live EPL game on a U.S. broadcast television, showing Arsenal and Manchester United from the Emirates Stadium. Coverage begins at 7:30 a.m. Sunday from Los Angeles with former ESPN commentator Rob Stone making his debut with Fox accompanied by analyst Eric Wynalda and CNN talk show host and Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan.

*Post updated (but American goalkeeper Tim Howard upstaged both Galaxy players today - see more below).

It's the MLS offseason and David Beckham and Landon Donovan are nonetheless making headlines here and in Europe.

Galaxy fans are still awaiting a decision from Beckham on his next move - and it's pretty clear what the popular sentiment is - while Donovan hopes to repeat his success of two years ago with Everton and could make his EPL debut of the season today against Bolton Wanderers (noon Fox Soccer Plus).

Everton isn't the team it was two years ago and Donovan too may have lost a step as he closes in on 30, but it appears Galaxy fans will be as much behind the MLS club's most influential player as they were then. My guess: Donovan will come on as a second half sub while the cautious David Moyes, the Everton manager, sizes up his match fitness.

And, after all, the drama is tiding us over until MLS camps open later this month.

It's Newcastle United-Manchester United at noon on Fox Soccer for those of you without the premium channel, BTW.

Updated

Donovan got the start for Everton today - and he's wearing the #9 shirt.

Lineups:

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Donovan, Neville, Heitinga, Osman, Stracqualursi, Saha. Subs: Mucha, Bilyaletdinov, McFadden, Cahill, Gueye, Rodwell, Anichebe.

Bolton: Bogdan, Steinsson, Cahill, Knight, Ricketts, Mark Davies, Muamba, Reo-Coker, Petrov, Eagles, Ngog. Subs: Lynch, Robinson, Sanli, Kevin Davies, Klasnic, Pratley, Wheater.

Updated

Diving Donovan? I didn't think so - and replays appeared to agree, - but Bolton defender Sam Ricketts wanted to make sure Landon Donovan didn't make a meal of the opportunity and draw a spot kick today in England (AP Photos).

Landon Donovan got the attention, but it was American goalkeeper Tim Howard - yeah, Howard - who got his name on the scoresheet for Everton against Bolton today in game played in howling wind and incessant rain that saw the Toffees succumb to Wanderers, 2-1.

From the hour or so I saw over lunch Donovan slotted right in to an Everton team desperate for an attacking spark and almost drew a penalty just before the end of the first half. Replays were inconclusive, however, and proved the ref was right in not giving Everton the spot kick.

Donovan played the entire 90 minutes and was a constant threat for Everton playing in a wide and withdrawn role.

Sticky proposition: Bolton and Sam Ricketts found Donovan a handful tonight in England, although Wanderers ultimately prevailed against the Toffees despite a Tim Howard goal.

You've heard the news, now take the poll:

And if you've got more to say, feel free to leave a comment

Happy 2012 folks.

Hope you enjoyed the holiday break; I know I enjoyed the respite from what can be a blogging grind. Let's bring ourselves up to date with what's been going on over the holiday break:

*While David Beckham has reportedly decided against signing for French side PSG, (before we feel flattered it has everything to do with his four kids and nothing to do with MLS) fellow Galaxy designated player Robbie Keane has joined former club Tottenham Hotspur - but only to train.

*The Galaxy's newly-signed Jose Villarreall and teammate Jack McBean are among 36 players called into the U.S. U-20 squad that began training Monday in Florida.

*At the same time 24 Development Academy youngsters including the Galaxy's Justin Dhillon, William Raygoza and Jaime Villarreal (younger brother of Jose) and Chivas USA's Marco Delgado and Ben Spencer are training at the same time and place as the U-20 squad. The roster.

*The USWNT will open camp Saturday at Home Depot Center with 29 players called into the squad ahead of Olympic qualifying later this month.

*Bruins Kelyn Rowe and Chandler Hoffman signed Generation Adidas contracts with MLS, while the league also signed UCSB striker Luis Silva ahead of the MLS Combine that starts Friday in Florida.

Lastly, this is a little over the top, but hey, how much hype does MLS usually get?

Bouncing Brazilian: The Galaxy will have two holes to fill in midfield next season if the dual reports of both David Beckham and Juninho, seen here playing in Indonesia in one of his last times in a LA jersey, moving on are accurate. Which begs the question, which is the bigger loss? (AP Photo).

And this time both reports seem to have a degree of finality to them and a distinct lack of rumors (*see update at bottom of post).

Here's the David Beckham piece from the Associated Press:

PARIS (AP) -- David Beckham is set to sign an 18-month deal with French club Paris Saint-Germain, according to the local news media.

After months of negotiations, Beckham will sign his contract with PSG in the beginning of
January according to French daily L'Equipe.

The 36-year-old former England captain would earn 800,000 euros ($1.05 million) per month, French daily Le Parisien claimed.

If agreed, the deal would end Beckham's time in Major League Soccer, having led the
Galaxy to the title in the season just past. He still has ambitions of playing for Britain in
the Olympics in London next year.

Backed by wealthy Qatari investors, PSG has spent more than 85 million euros ($111 million) this summer to sign nine players.

*Juninho, according to Brazilian reports, has agreed a three-year contract extension with Sao Paulo, who had loaned him to the Galaxy.

Here's the Google translation from Globo Esporte's original piece in Portuguese:

At just 22 years, the steering wheel worked two seasons in the United States, and in 2011, was one of the main parts of the team of David Beckham to win the Major League Soccer, the main soccer tournament in the country. He served as a starter 33 times and scored four goals.

This is not the first time the board of St. Paul lends a young athlete to gain experience at another club and then reuses the main cast. With Hernanes, now in Lazio-ITA, the policy adopted was the same.

Despite the new opportunity, Juninho will not have it easy in 2012. Currently, the Sao Paulo against with Carlinhos Paraiba, Denilson, Jean Casimir, Wellington and Caio Rodrigo in the position of the wheel. Not to mention the former Cruzeiro Fabricio, who hit with the club in 2012.

*Finally, former Galaxy midfielder Andreas Herzog has joined Jurgen Klinsmann's national team training staff.

*Update

Can't we get this over with already?

By the way, I thought this was a good piece by Soccer America that puts in context exactly why PSG is prepared to give Beckham so much money. Hint: it ain't for playing soccer.

Pujols presented: Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno introduces Albert Pujols during a news conference Saturday in Anaheim (AP Photo).

Say, haven't we seen this before?

I thought so, too. Read today's column here.

Away from the laptop much of the weekend (happy birthday, mum) so if (like me) the last soccer action you noticed was Manchester City's Wayne Bridge artfully missing shaking the hand of Chelsea's John Terry before the two teams met Saturday, here's what else happened this weekend:

*UCLA's Lauren Cheney scored two goals today as the U.S. beat Sweden 2-0 to reach its eighth consecutive Algarve Cup final. The U.S. plays the winner of the Germany-China encounter in the final.

*David Beckham played 90 minutes Sunday for the first time since AC Milan's UEFA Champions League loss to Manchester United as Milan beat Atalanta 3-1 to stay second in Serie A.

*Flu-stricken Landon Donovan came on as a 63rd minute sub Sunday but couldn't prevent Everton losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotpsur. He missed a sitter with 13 minutes to go, failing to convert Jack Rodwell's cross from close range that would have been his second goal in 11 appearances for the club.

"This is just a really disappointing moment for me personally," Donovan told the Liverpool Echo. "I've put a lot into my time here and another goal would have been a nice reward.

"I got myself in a good position at the back post and was hoping Jack was going to put the ball across goal," he added. "He did that and it came perfectly for me.

"It's hard to understand what went wrong. I felt like everything was right but then I looked up to see the ball had hit the side netting.

"It's so frustrating because if we had scored then it's possible we might have gone on to win the game.

"It's tough but we've got to put this behind us now and move on. There are still a lot of points to play for."

*Fontana's Maurice Edu became an instant Ibrox hero Sunday when his lone stoppage time goal decided the Old Firm clash as Rangers beat 10-man Celtic, 1-0.

*The Galaxy beat the Kansas City Wizards 1-0 Friday evening on a Gregg Berhalter penalty kick in Arizona, but heavy rain canceled a Sunday rematch and the Galaxy headed home today.

Lineup: Josh Saunders (Kevin Guppy 45'); Alex Cazumba, Gregg Berhalter, Yohance Marshall, Sean Franklin; Chris Birchall, Bryan Jordan, Michael Stephens, Chris Klein; Jovan Kirovski, Edson Buddle (Mike Magee 31')

*Lastly, Chivas USA introduces El Salvadoran midfielder Osael Romero today. More on that in Tuesday's column.