In 2006, Major League Soccer was in huge trouble. The league had been in the red since its inception in 1996. Most teams place in cavernous, and most importantly, empty football stadiums. TV viewership was at an all time low and the on-field talent was nothing to be proud of. The league was in very real danger of folding just like the NASL (North American Soccer league) did back in the early 1980's. American soccer needed a hero, and the owners knew it.
In 2007, news was released that David Beckham had agreed to a five year, 250 Million dollar contract to come play with the LA Galaxy. David was a prolific midfielder, whose pedigree consisted of a long stay with Manchester United, as well as Spanish giants Real Madrid. He was the star that the MLS had been longing for. He was charismatic, attractive, had a high profile wife, and wasn't a slouch out there on the field either.
When he made his first appearance in a game, a sold out crowd welcomed him with a thunderous applause. The people in charge must have felt pretty confident in their new signing. But unfortunately for Beckham, the spotlight soon faded. Even with his help, the galaxy failed to make the playoffs for the next two years. Even Beckham himself seemed less than interested in the league, often missing games to go train with European sides or compete for a spot on the English national team. In his first two years, Beckham missed 55% LA's games. Soon his teammates and fans began to turn their back on him. Landon Donovon, captain of the galaxy and star of the US national team, openly criticized Beckham's lack of allegiance to the team. Fans soon followed, in 2009 he returned from a loan spell in Italy to fans openly booing him during games. Many were announcing the Beckham experiment a complete failure, nothing more than an overpaid sideshow in a country completely disinterested in soccer.
Just when MLS was ready to admit its mistake, something changed. The change originated in the man himself. Beckham made peace with his teammates and began to show real dedication on the field. He ran for the full 90 minutes, constantly making dangerous runs deep into the opponents territory. He helped out on defense. But most importantly to the fans, he began to score. With his efforts, the galaxy turned 2009 into one of its best years on record. With this new found skill, Beckham also began to interact more with the fans who had turned their back on him. he stayed after games to sign autographs, Spoke highly of the league to the media, and generally began to be the ambassador that the MLS had signed him up to be. His loans out to other teams stopped, and to the fans at least, he seemed to finally come to terms with the decision he had made back in 2007.
Since then the profile of the league has skyrocketed. Beckham has opened the doors to other Euro stars, such as Thierry Henry, Rafa Marques, Robbie Keane, Frank Lampard, and more to join the MLS. With these new stars, the quality of play has increased dramatically. Most teams now play in purpose build soccer stadiums. Soccer fans now flock to games and spend their money on merchandise. TV deals have come rolling in. With the galaxy Beckham has won two league titles and attracted thousands to the game.
Beckham played his last game in a galaxy jersey at the beginning of December, and despite the rocky beginning, I think it is accurate to say that the Beckham Experiment was an unrivaled success.
Patrick S.
KIN 332I Sec 03
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