David Beckham in the Big Apple making his first MLS start

Tickets were selling fast, 60,000 of those as advance purchases, and the atmosphere at the Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ was truly electric. Amazing how a team averaging a little over 11,000 spectators per game now played in front of a nearly sold out stadium. Needless to say that David Beckham may have had something to do with it.

First half kickoff and the New York Red Bulls were all over the Galaxy for the first minutes of the match. The home team needed 4 minutes before Juan Pablo Angel scored from a free kick. I was a bit concerned about him especially Xavier being out due to an injury. However, the visiting Galaxy needed only 2 minutes from New York’s go-ahead goal to tie the game with Carlos Pavon’s header assisted by guess who…yep, it was David Beckham recording his first career assist in the MLS. Carlos Pavon strikes again only a few moments later with a brilliant header assisted once again by number 23, David Beckham. The roaring crowd and the players’ extra emotions caused a few nasty looking tackles and even Becks got a bit upset. The game continued with both teams creating great scoring opportunities and I was already hoping that Los Angeles would be able to take a breather at the half time leading by one goal but Clint Mathis of the Red Bulls tied the game in the stoppage time. The first half was back and forth action and the fans of soccer were able to experience Beckham’s precise passes, Carlos Pavon being on fire scoring both of the Galaxy’s first half goals, Landon Donovan’s explosive speed and some excellent saves by the Galaxy goaltender Joe Cannon. Beckham was limping a little bit during the first half but I’m hoping he will be able to play at least part of the second half. Halftime and I’m going to need to do something to make my pulse go down.

Second half and I was happy to see Beckham starting. Pavon had another great attempt in the first minute from Beckham’s pass but without the desired result. The fans of the home team got what they wanted and saw another go-ahead goal this time scored by Jozy Altidore. Looks like both teams left their defense in the locker room, so many good scoring chances there has been. Not to mention the total number of 5 goals at this point. Somehow I have a feeling that there will be more. The back and forth action continued and now it was Altidore’s turn to score his second goal. Galaxy’s young defense wasn’t able to stop the talented striker. I blinked and missed LA coming back within one goal right after Landon Donovan decides that the game is not over until it’s over and scores. Unbelievable action continued when Beckham shot corned kick number eight and the rebound off the post was put in the net by Edson Buddle. The game was tied again and 66,237 fans who arrived to watch the game at the stadium are getting their monies worth and more. And there was more to come; now it was Red Bulls’ turn to score and Angel gets his second goal of the night. Joe Cannon got a piece of the rebound but was unable to get the ball outside. Great effort though. Four minutes stoppage time was not enough for the Galaxy to come back and tie the game anymore and the home team wins the match 5-4.

Nine goals scored, over 66,000 in attendance, Beckham playing the entire game and enough highlights to use 30 minutes of ESPN’s Sports Center. The Big Apple received a soccer show that will hopefully ignite the interest in the city. What a game! Soccerfinn Jani signing out, ‘til next time.