Beckham's had abroad impact
Scott Wolf's column about David Beckham concluded the English star has made minimal impact on the profile of soccer in Los Angeles and the United States. Scott makes some good points -- but I think Beckham's most important influence has been on the profile of L.A. and U.S. soccer in the rest of the world.
It's no longer unusual to read articles on British newspapers' Web sites speculating about the England national team's lineup for an upcoming game, listing candidates like "Wayne Rooney of Manchester United, John Terry of Chelsea, David Beckham of L.A. Galaxy ..." People in the birthplace of soccer are thinking about the Galaxy, and that's got to be a good thing for a franchise and league trying to earn a place on the global sports map.
I Googled "Galaxy" and "MLS" this morning, and the first 10 news sources to pop up included six non-North American sites -- from England, France, Switzerland and India.
While American newspapers, writing about the anniversary of Beckham's MLS debut, have given his impact mixed reviews, some overseas observers have been effusive. Here's England's Telegraph newspaper.
"For every excited American awaiting his arrival in California, there was a critic ready to denounce the move," The Telegraph said. "Yet the Beckham effect has not only improved the profile of the club, but also put the midfielder back in the England fold, a member of the 'Century Club' now that he has passed 100 caps.
"On the field, Beckham has become a one-man show, responsible for the Galaxy averaging a league-best 25,513 at home and a league-high 27,094 on the road this year. The Galaxy website could not be accused of understating Beckham, describing him as 'one of the world's most recognisable people.'
"New York Red Bulls had a crowd of 46,754 for the visit of the Galaxy on Saturday. Usually around 10,000 watch their home games. The 66,237 -- an MLS record -- who went to Giants Stadium last August to see Beckham and the Galaxy was more than for their five previous home MLS games put together.
"Indeed, every away match the Galaxy have played this season has seen the home team's best attendance."
About this blog
Kevin Modesti watches sports from a new angle since his promotion from sports columnist to sports editor for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group. In his new blog, Modesti not only comments on the big sports stories of the moment-- he talks about what makes them big. Think of it as a conversation with readers about how these stories should be covered.
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