How to Make it in America
Galaxy Stars Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka.
As the Galaxy’s recent MLS triumph fades to an Icelandic data bank, it’s as if a preordained horoscope of events played out. There was a sense for much of the season that only a self imposed Mercury retrograde destruction – a David vs Donovan tryst – would deny them victory on the Home Depot sponsored home soil. The Galaxy after all had secured a triptych of US soccer marketing genius; Beckham, Donovan and later Keane. Heralded as Major League’s very own Galácticos, the brightest lights in Don Garber’s universe.
Each of the trio offered assured displays in their respective role. The homegrown boy/primordial man, expensive luxury import and Ireland’s Captain – a messenger to the EPL’s US audience; that footballers on an upward sloping yield curve* could indeed be wooed to the Major League. Though of course it was Beckham’s swansong that dominated the news, and his mission to end a 5 year MLS stint in adorned Hollywood style. The 1-0 championship win over Houston Dynamo seemingly drew the curtain on an LA adventure in true fairytale style, and Posh’s fashion line trended for a season too.
So, now attention turns to Beck’s next mission for global dominance. The 2012 Olympics and GB “dream team” is less than 10 months away. With Beck’s keen to stake a place in the team, exactly where he’ll cash in the chips next season has generated much digital conjecture. Will he be In and Out of London or Paris; QPR or PSG? Either way, we do know that Beckham’s contractual option allowing him to take control of an MLS franchise (no matter the stated fine print, or the outcome of the Wilpon case by trustees representing Madoff investors**) means that, the planetary pull of another Cosmos won’t be too far away.
* Past Performance Is No Indication Of Future Results.
** Past Performance Is No Indication Of Future Results.
Photograph: Getty Images
A tribute to Kasey Keller: A-maze-ing
A corn maze featuring Kasey Keller the former Foxes and Sounder’s goalkeeper opened in Washington. In true goalkeeping tradition, visitors can expect an earful as they navigate the maze, whilst answering questions on the goalkeeper’s pioneering football career – the first US keeper to hold a regular #1 spot at Bundesliga, Premier League, and La Liga clubs.
Keller who retires at the end of the MLS season said, “It’s certainly a unique tribute and very fitting given this is my hometown and my family has known the Schilter family for years and years. I honestly don’t think too many other athletes can say they’ve had their likeness featured in a corn maze, and that is what makes it really cool to me”.
Visitors to the farm in Olympia can also enjoy a petting farm, hayrides and hay jump – we’re there.
