Jan. 12, 2007
OFFSIDE REMARKS
Beckhamania has only just begun

By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor

Indianapolis -- OK, by the time you've read this story, you've probably been Beckham-ed out.

You have read more than you want about the Los Angeles Galaxy's newest millionaire -- that he signed a five-year contract, that he's going to earn in the neighborhood of $1 million a week from his salary and (mostly from) endorsements and that his presence will herald in a new era for MLS.

Well, if you've already had enough after one day of hype, you should be forewarned that his is only the beginning.

First of all, the signing is an obvious shot in the leg for MLS, which has had very little buzz around the soccer community over the past several seasons.

In terms of publicity alone in the United States, the Beckham signing transcends the Cosmos' signing of Pele. Back in 1975, it was a big, big story of Pele coming out of retirement. It got headlines around the soccer world and in the sports sections of newspapers.

This time around, it's bigger than that. Mainstream media covered it.

You name the news program and the Beckham story led off it or had a sizable amount of time.

When the next issue of People hits the stands, I'll bet money that there will be a story about Beckham and hiw wife, Victoria.

Pele started a soccer boom among the youth in the U.S. over a generation ago. This time Beckham could very well spark another boom, perhaps among adults. Who doesn't know or heard about him?

Saying that, here's come thoughts from someone who not only remembers the Pele signing, but reported about it and those heady days of the old North American Soccer League.

As a player, Beckham must:

* Play well most of the time. He will be under scrutiny like few players in MLS.

* Stay healthy and keep away from opponents who are looking to make a name of themselves by denying him with some physical play (hmmm -- I just wonder if the league winds up, ahem, bending the rules a bit and putting out a directive telling opponents to stay away from Becks).

* Make sure he has some teammates to take advantage of his talents, who can play and turn his passes, crosses and some free kicks into dangerous scoring opportunities and goals. Yes, the Galaxy has Landon Donovan, but as we already know, soccer is more than a one-man or two-man show.

And just remember his game and his strengths. He will not run the attack or dribble through defenses and power a shot into the lower right or left corner.

His forte is the free kick, whether he is slicing a shot on goal or setting up a teammate. He also is quite adept at crossing the ball from the right wing for a teammate to head home (yours truly remembers what he accomplished during England's 3-2 victory over Colombia in an international friendly at Giants Stadium in 2005).

Off the field, Beckham has another challenge as well -- fill the seats and sell the game to mainstream America.

Over the short term, it is to create excitement and sellout stadiums. The Galaxy attendance is a given. Every game will sport a capacity crowd (it better or else). Season ticket sales on Thursday went through the roof. When the Galaxy is on the road, attendance must rise when Becks and L.A. come to town. Moreover, it will be interesting to see how the opposition draws in the next home game after Beckham and company has departed, whether anyone who normally doesn't attend games caught soccer fever.

Ultimately, Beckham's true impact will be measured over the long haul -- over a year, three years, five years and even 10 years. How much growth and awareness of the sport and league will there be over those increments of time?

Beckham's signing should open the door for only well-known players to at least consider playing in MLS. They have to realize that there won't be a $250 million payday that Beckham will earn, but there should be enough millions to make their journey worthwhile.

I just hope the powers that be in MLS have learned from history and don't turn the league into an old-age home for many aging South America or European stars.

Beckham's signing has fueled the rumor mill once again that Ronaldo will join the Red Bulls, perhaps as early as next week.

These certainly are exciting times for MLS.

And just remember, this is just the beginning.

Michael Lewis can be reached at BigAppleEdit@aol.com.