Beckham? L.A. could wind up kicking itself
Freddy Adu, the former D.C. United player traded Monday to Real Salt Lake, might be on his way to Manchester United or another European club. David Beckham, the former Manchester United star now with Real Madrid, might be on his way to the Los Angeles Galaxy or another American club.
Got that straight?
Somehow, if Adu moves to a higher league and Beckham joins the MLS, promoters of soccer in the United States will claim it's double good news for the sport here: Adu gets world-class experience he'll be able to use with the U.S. national team, and Beckham delivers star power and technique to our domestic game.
But what happens after the initial intrigue of watching a young U.S. player test himself in the Premiership passes? And after the thrill of watching Beckham play for L.A. -- as an England fan, I'll be among the first 10,000 in line -- wears off?
Then we've lost a home-grown teenage prodigy who decided the MLS no longer is good enough for him. And we've taken on a thirtysomething who found he's no longer good enough the globe's top competition.
That's a good trade? That's the MLS's big PR push?