Major League Soccer crumbles, signs big-name, washed-up player

I had heard rumors that the LA Galaxy were throwing out feelers to acquire David "Spiceboy" Beckham and optimistic that it could be done to give the MLS popularity without bankrupting the league. The MLS has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Soccer is not a novelty in the US, but it is certainly a stretch to call it popular. Without the big names of club tradition and superstars of Europe, or the raw talent of Brazil, the MLS needed to build its reputation from the outset with good, tough play from its players and smart signing decisions from its teams. Beckham's multimillion dollar contract gives the MLS neither a hard working player, nor a sound investment. 32-year old Beckham has already peaked in his career. Dropped by England's national team and Real Madrid, Beckham only hope for remaining competitive option for European football was in the scandal-ridden Italian league at Milan. Given Beckham is already a household name in the US, and with Los Angeles the entertainment capital of the world, it is no stretch that Beckham would strongly consider entering the twilight of his career there. There is no doubt that Beckham still has some strong soccer left to play; but it remains to be seen whether his 10 million a year presence will be a blessing for the budding MLS or a financial crisis. After all, he is no Pele. Let's hope his name brings fans over the country to the stadiums and the MLS can sustain his exorbitant salary. Otherwise, the MLS will follow in the footsteps of the NASL.