Total Futbol

Ladies, This One's For You.

In case you didn't see David Beckham on Jimmy Kimmel, here he is, talking MLS, family, hair.

Beckham: Will he stay or go?

MLS Cup, the day after

So, the LA Galaxy won the MLS Cup. Landon Donovan, who scored the lone goal against Houston, was the MVP, and deservedly so. David Beckham played like the star he is, and it's nice to see him get a trophy as his 5-year contract expires. Becks insists he hasn't decided what lies ahead, but my guess is he is done with MLS and will head to Paris and play for PSG. He and his family do like life in LA, so he could surprise us all and stay, but my gut says the 36-year-old icon will take on a new challenge.

After the game, he told reporters: "I need to sit back and relax and enjoy this moment and decide what I’m going to do. I might talk in the past tense every now and again but that doesn’t mean I’m not coming back. At the end of the day I need to decide what’s best for me, what’s best for the team and what’s best for my family. We’ll see. It’s been an amazing five years.”

Beckham won a title with Manchester United in 2003, and then left. He won a title with Real Madrid in 2007, and then left. Will he do the same with MLS?

By the way, give it up for LA coach Bruce Arena, who managed the egos and the expectations and led the best team in the league to the title it deserved. Arena wins wherever he goes, and remains the most accomplished American coach ever.

Finally, MLS honchos can't be too happy with the 0.8 MLS Cup TV ratings on ESPN. A taped Chelsea vs. Liverpool match earlier in the day on Fox drew nearly double at 1.5. Why do you think the MLS Cup didn't draw bigger audience? Certainly Beckham and Donovan should be big draws. Was it because of the 9:30 p.m. start? Or do people just prefer EPL to MLS? Share your thoughts.

 

 

On furlough...back on Monday

Dear Readers:

I am on furlough this week and not working. Check back here on Monday Nov. 21 when I re-enter the soccer universe :)

Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald Soccer Writer.

Who will win MLS Cup?

Late-night with Galaxy & Red Bulls

It's 12:44 a.m., and the LA Galaxy is 15 minutes from reaching the MLS conference championship Sunday against Real Salt Lake. LA is up on NY Red Bulls 2-1 (3-1 aggregate) after Landon Donovan buried a PK. The kick was awarded when David Beckham was fouled in the box.

This game has been fast-paced and fun to watch, and the rivalry has intensified because of a post-game melee in Game 1. LA midfielder Juninho and NY midfielder Rafa Marquez were suspended for Thursday's match because of their involvement in the brawl.

So, who do you think is going to win the MLS crown? you think Beckham will stay in the US or go back to Europe?

 

Should soccer players wear pads?

This post is rated PG-13. Violent content. Anybody who thinks football is more dangerous than soccer hasn't seen this video from Romania.

MLS Cup in Miami?!?

OK, so we don't have an MLS team in South Florida, but we DO have the MLS Cup trophy, for one day anyway..Check out this email I just got...

The Miami Ultras invite everyone to watch the MLS Playoffs featuring the genuine MLS Cup trophy!
Our special guest will be one of Major League Soccer’s best playmakers of all time, LA Galaxy and Salvadorian national team legend Mauricio Cienfuegos.
Come by Mickey Byrne’s Irish Pub & Restaurant http://www.mickeybyrnes.com/ in Downtown Hollywood on Sunday, Nov. 6, to catch some MLS playoff action and take a photo with the beautiful MLS Cup Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy, designed in gold and silver by Tiffany & Co.
 
WHERE:           Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub & Restaurant
1921 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33020, (954) 921-2317
WHEN:            Sunday, Nov 6 in the evening (time TBD based on TV schedule)
COST:              FREE ADMISSION