Now that David Beckham is back in his blue and gold uniform of the LA Galaxy (and after facing some tough questions from some of his detractors earlier this week), Becks and the Galaxy got down to biz last night at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ where the Galaxy faced the New York Red Bulls in Becks’s first game back with his team since he jumped ship to join AC Milan in Italy earlier this year. The Galaxy handily defeated the Bulls by a score of 3-1 … which inspired Becks and teammate Landon Donovan (who has been very vocal about his criticism of Becks’s commitment to the Galaxy) to kiss and make up on the soccer field … well, hug and make up at least. Despite his superb play (or mebbe because of it), some of the game’s attendees were not too happy to see David Beckham on the field and were very vocal about their displeasure, too:
David Beckham has brushed aside the booing he was subjected to on his return to Major League Football in the United States where his commitment to the game has been questioned in recent months. “I’ve had a lot more boos before in games,” Beckham said after starting LA Galaxy’s 3-1 victory away to the New York Red Bulls. It was his first appearance for the club since he completed a six-month loan spell at AC Milan and missed the first 17 games of the US season. “It’s to be expected,” the 34-year-old midfielder said of the hostility from the supporters in the Giants Stadium in New York. At 23,000, the crowd was just over a third of that which attended his first game in America two years ago. “There were a lot of people highlighting that I might get booed, but I expected it,” Beckham said. “It’s sometimes nice to get them. It gives you some inspiration. When we played like we did, the boos start to go away in time.” Part of the controversy over Beckham has been stoked by comments from his team-mate – and Galaxy captain – Landon Donovan who has questioned the midfielder’s commitment and professionalism. Donovan, who shared a podium with Beckham after the match on Thursday evening, alluded to the controversy. “People are talking about soccer in this country,” he said. “Not always for the right reasons in the last few weeks, but they’re talking about it. There’s no right or wrong reason. It’s just good that people are thinking about soccer, talking about soccer, following soccer.” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena hailed Beckham’s return. “A few minutes ago I became a better coach with the addition of David Beckham,” the former US coach said. “He brings confidence to the team. He stepped right in and he has a good attitude. It’s not easy for him with the scrutiny.” Asked about the abuse, Arena said: “I would think he’s been booed before. I would think this is almost a pleasant environment for him to play in. He’s been in bigger venues, in bigger games and with more hostile conditions. He can cope with all that. “He’s really a great pro, very observant and really understood how to fit in and make the group better. David’s been through things like this literally hundreds of time. He didn’t need my coaching on that aspect. Given the issues, he had a great game.” Beckham’s next match – his first home game for the Galaxy since his return – is sold out. But then he is facing Milan who, like Chelsea, are on a pre-season tour to the US.
Congratulations goes out to the entire LA Galaxy team … altho I have my problems with the way that Becks has treated his teammates, I’m glad that they are able to come together and operate as a solid, winning unit. Here’s hoping they can keep playing well and continue to win games. I’m also glad that Becks continues to strip off his jersey at the end of his soccer games. After the jump, check out photos of a shirtless Becks celebrating the Galaxy win last night …
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