Brilliant! Beckham at the Dome

An announcement several months ago proudly claimed that David Beckham and the L.A. Galaxy would be visiting the Metrodome to play the semi-pro Minnesota Thunder. This summer had been filled with Becks mania, but the British Michael Jordan struggled with injury and the excitement of his U.S. arrival quickly fizzled by fall. Due to those injuries, it was uncertain up until yesterday whether or not the former Real Madrid/Manchester United star would even appear on the field in Minneapolis when his MLS team finally arrived in November.

Tonight under the lights of the dome, Beckham not only showed, but played 74 minutes that left the fans wanting more. His passing brilliance shined on a first half bent cross from the left side of midfield to the heart of the box where his teammate received, turned and struck a ball into the net for the game's first goal.

The Thunder impressed as well, with a goal of their own in the second half, and held on for a tie to end regulation. With both Landon Donovan and Beckham out at this point, the rest of the Galaxy lined up for a penalty shootout to decide the winner of what was coined the first annual "Copa Minnesota". A 3-2 PK victory for the Galaxy was how Beckham's debut in MN finished.

Overall Beckham was clearly the most intelligent player in the game. Each pass was precise and strategically planned. His choices were quick, unselfish and always kept the purpose of the game in mind: to put his team in a position to score goals. Still, his free kicks were very disappointing (considering his reputation) and his level of aggression seemed non-existent. I'm sure upper management within the MLS and the Galaxy carefully warned him not to put himself in a position to get injured again, particularly when his English national team is calling on him for the next few matches and he's playing in an exhibition game.

The crowd was flat and unenthusiastic; mostly filled with families, youth soccer teams and teenage girls. Comments overheard made it clear that few in the dome understood the game well or knew much about Beckham's true talent; they just wanted to be in his presence the same way millions flocked to arenas to see Jordan worldwide. It's hard to say if his impact will truly be felt in America, at least until he plays a full season, but if one iconic man can draw 20,000 to Minnesota in the middle of November, then maybe there is hope for the beautiful game in this country. I continue to hope.