The Galaxy enter the MLS Cup Playoffs eyeing their first title since MF David Beckham’s arrival in ’07, and if he “doesn't re-sign with the team -- and there's little indication he will -- it could be his last chance to leave an indelible mark on American soccer,” according to a cover story by Mike Foss of USA TODAY. Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said, "People are going to look back to the Beckham years and be in awe of what he brought to this team and this league." Beckham's on-field performance this year “has helped the Galaxy produce their best record since his arrival,” and his off-field appeal “is equally significant.” 11 Sports Media Managing Dir Josh Keller, a former MLS player, said, “The league is certainly in a much stronger position now than it was five years ago, and Beckham's presence helped achieve the sustainability we see today.” MLS “signed a TV deal with NBC in August,” and since '07, the league “has added seven teams and nine new stadiums.” Beckham's popularity also “has translated into increased interest for Galaxy games.” In five years with Beckham, the Galaxy "have averaged 23,008 fans at The Home Depot Center, an increase of more than 10% from 2006." When they play on the road, average attendance is 23,600, "an increase of 16% from 2006.” AEG President & CEO Tim Leiweke, whose company owns the Galaxy, said, "He absolutely made (the Galaxy) a topic of conversation here and internationally. He absolutely did a phenomenal job in recruiting players” like Red Bulls F Thierry Henry from France and F Robbie Keane from Ireland. Beckham's work “as an international diplomat for soccer is coupled with his influence on the fashion and entertainment worlds.” He has partnered with H&M “for a line of underwear in addition to his own fragrance line, a joint venture" with his wife, Victoria. His endorsements include “a long-standing deal with Adidas, along with Electronic Arts and Diet Pepsi” (USA TODAY, 10/25).
FOREIGN IMPORTS: USA TODAY’s Foss notes MLS decided to “implement the Designated Player rule at the start of the 2007 season.” Presently, the rule “allows each team to sign up to three designated players, with only the first $335,000 of their contracts counting toward the team's salary cap.” There are “23 designated players currently on 12 of MLS's 18 teams” including Henry, Keane and Chivas USA F Juan Pablo Angel. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "We've transformed the product that we can offer our fans. We are in a position now where we can add players who earn more money and have been more successful on an international stage in a very prudent, strategic matter." Garber “is pleased with the league's steady growth … but doesn't dismiss the indelible impression Beckham has made on MLS.” Garber: “It's hard to imagine that we or any league could replicate that status that he has and brought to us" (USATODAY.com, 10/24).
