Across The Pond
David Beckham, Eddie Lewis & LA Galaxy
David Beckham was back in action for the LA Galaxy on Saturday, this time away at the Kansas City Wizards.
It seems as though the hostility between the Galaxy fans and the former North End midfielder is not going to die down immediately after Beckham was involved in yet another altercation with a fan.
The fan, donning an England shirt, was reported to have hurled, what Beckham described as, “disgraceful” abuse towards him. The Leytonstone born midfielder shook the hand of said fan in a bid to resolve the issue before concentrating concentrate on the match itself.
On the football side, Galaxy’s run of impressive form continued with a 1-1 draw with the Wizards making it 5 games unbeaten. Beckham was again the savour by providing an assist for Landon Donovan on the 33rd minute after the Galaxy went behind to a stunning Claudio Lopez strike in the 26th minute.
Beckham was nearly credited with another assist as soon as the 4th minute after sending a long ball to the edge of the box towards another former North Ender Eddie Lewis. Lewis struck his shot well from 18 yards out but was unable to beat Kevin Hartman in the Kansas goal who palmed the ball away to safety.
Kansas took the lead, though, and in superb fashion too. Former Lazio striker Claudio Lopez capitalised on a mistake from Omar Gonzalez on the halfway line by hitting a Beckham-esque strike from inside his own half. The ball sailed over Rickets in the Galaxy net after catching the stopper flat-footed and off his line. 1-0 and even David Beckham himself would have been proud of that one.
However, Galaxy were soon back in it after Beckham won the ball in midfield and giving it short to Landon Donovan who only had one thing on his mind. The former Bayer Leverkusen man advanced with the ball and let loose with a low shot that went in via the left hand post.
Just before half-time Beckham nearly provided another goal for Donovan. Becks played an intelligent ball through from near the halfway line to Donovan who was on the edge of the area. The USA international tried to slot it past the advancing goalkeeper with the outside of his right foot but could only hit it straight at him meaning the danger was averted.
Beckham’s passing was a constant thorn in Kansas’ side and, hopefully for him, if such form continues he will be able to play his way back into the hearts of the LA fans.
Danny Dichio & Toronto FC
Unlike David Beckham, Danny Dichio had to make do with a cameo role during Toronto FC’s 3-2 defeat to Columbus Crew. The former QPR striker came on as a late substitute on the 87th minute in a bid to salvage a draw but to no avail.
Meanwhile, Brian McBride was nowhere to be seen for Chicago Fire’s goalless draw with Seattle.
MLS Fixtures:
LA Galaxy @ New England Revolution Saturday 8th August 2009
Toronto FC @ New England Revolution Saturday 1st August 2009
Real Salt Lake @ Chicago Fire Saturday 1st August 2009