One of the wonderful things about having free time in the summer is the freedom to sit in a quiet and empty office, work at my own pace, and watch the beautiful game. I’m most of the way through my second game of the day (Tottenham Hotspur demolishing Derby County), and have several more to go. The only downside is that I’m missing my favorite side (Reading FC) because the student center where I can watch Fox Soccer Channel doesn’t open until noon during the summer.
Anyways, the big event for this evening is the New York Red Bull – LA Galaxy match. I never would’ve guessed that on a day with some big games around the world, the MLS might have the biggest hype, but that’s what David Beckham will do for you. Particularly so after his ridiculous showing in his first start (in the Superliga against DC United) midweek, where he scored an impressive goal on his very first free kick
It prompted this reaction from teammate Landon Donovan: “It was something special…We all watch on TV and you’re like: ‘It can’t be that good.’ When I turned around, I went: ‘Holy Jesus, you’ve got be kidding me?’ Unbelievable.”
It’s a fair reaction. Say what you like about Beckham (he was never truly one of the best players in the world and has certainly lost a step or two, he is enmeshed in a cult of personality and hype that sometimes gets in the way of simply appreciating the game itself, etc.), but you can’t deny he’s got style and class. And he’s still about as good a crosser of the ball or taker of a free-kick as you’re ever likely to find. I don’t think he should be the model for the future of the MLS, but I’m glad he’s here to give some panache and attention to the sport in this country.
Finally, as awesome as Beckham’s free kick was, it still had nothing on this gem from Steven Gerrard
That is just absurd. Absolutely indefensible. Talk about a world-class player.
Changing sports briefly, let me just ask why the Red Sox seem determined to blow yet another huge lead. It’s down to 5 games now, and while I’ve come to expect it, I still had this faint hope that this would be the year they’d just safely put the division away in August instead of stumbling along like a drunken sailor. Is that too much to ask. Sub-question: is Eric Gagne the worst stretch-drive acquisition in history?
Update: That may have been the most insane game I’ve ever seen. Scratch that…there is no doubt that was the most insane game I’ve ever seen. I was busy with something else until 7:45 so I missed the first 12 minutes and it was already 2-1. I was bummed out, thinking I had missed most of the excitement. I could not have been more wrong. Could MLS have had a better advertisement? Wow.
I feel bad for Beckham though. There’s only so much the man can do – it’s not his fault the back line was run roughshod over by Angel and Altidore.