Beckham, already a classic
We're not quite sure how a 5-4 kickball game instantly becomes a classic, but since the original game was probably not seen by the average spectator and shown only on Fox Sports Soccer channel and other network we're not aware of, ESPN Classic has decided to add last Saturday's Galaxy-New York Red Bulls contest as an "Instant Classic" to repeat Thursday at 4 p.m. It's the first MLS game to ever receive such a classy designation.
David Beckham played classically in all 90 minutes and had three assists in the game witnessed by some 66,000 at Giants Stadium. It was the 11th time in league history (that's 11 years) that two teams combined for at least nine goals. You'd only hope that'd happen more often.
There were three lead changes and three ties, for those scoring along at home.
The presentation of this game will end 30 minutes before ESPN2 carries the Galaxy-Chivas USA game from Home Depot Center (at 6:30 p.m.), which Beckham is scheduled to play in if his flight back from England isn't delayed. (And the same goes for Landon Donovan and Jonathan Bornstein, who are playing for Team USA in Sweden on Wednesday).
ESPN says Bob Ley will add come credibility by hosting an expanded 30-minute edition of MLS Primetime Thursday live from Home Depot Center. Dave O'Brien and Eric Wynalda call the game, with Lisa Salters and Allen Hopkins on the sidelines. The game is also on ESPN360.com.
Now, does anyone have tape of that game at Home Depot Center from a while back when Beckham scored his first goal?