"Spin it with Beckham"

Yes, yes, I know! It's "bend it like Beckham." But the MLS and Los Angeles Galaxy are heralding David Beckham as the savior of soccer in America. The question is whether or not the excitement is warranted.

Beckham received the obligatory panic attacks (or applause, perhaps) every time he would simply receive the ball last Saturday night. The media covered the mess out of the game. Hollywood was watching. America, believe it or not, seemed to be watching as well. It was the first time I had ever seen a soccer game actually playing on the large screens at Buffalo Wild Wings at the Louisiana Boardwalk in Bossier City.

Sure, people are crazy about Beckham. But are they crazy about soccer?

I have news for you; if you didn't like soccer before (or don't know if you like it or not), David Beckham is not the one to make you a believer. He has traditionally played as a right midfielder. In other words, he is a passer. He is not a scorer. Yeah, he BENDS ONE IN every now and then with his spectacular free kicks, but he only scored 15 goals in 4 years of club play with Spanish giants Real Madrid. He's a setup man.

He's not fast. He's not particularly skilled with his dribbling. He's not flashy...except for his hair. He can't really use his left foot (understatement). He's NOT going to score a ton of mesmerizing goals. David Beckham is a passer. He is a REALLY good passer. He is one of the best set-piece players in the world, if not the best ever. But he's not awe-inspiring to an untrained eye.

Simply stated: David Beckham is not going to draw that many brand spankin' new LEGITIMATE fans to the sport. Giggling girls will line up to see him, but serious sports fans who have thus far been oblivious to the fact that the rest of the world is in love with the beautiful game are not going to be swooned by Beckham's metrosexual appearance and teeeeny weeny high-pitched voice.

So what can Becks bring to America? OTHER STARS!

If Beckham can increase attendance and revenues, not just for the LA Galaxy, but for the rest of the country, then the MLS just might be able to allure some other big-name stars. MLS needed Beckham, but he might be best used as the biggest lure in the sport. MLS needs a Thierry Henry or a Ronaldinho. Beckham might help bring someone like that across the pond.

Okay, that might be a bit unrealistic. Fine. MLS needs a Brazilian maestro, who does with a Soccer ball what Steve Nash does with a basketball. MLS needs FLAIR and refined talent, not just the methodical American players who permeate the league. MLS doesn't need hand-me-down Europeans and sub-par South Americans. MLS needs some big guns, much like the NASL had with Pele, Best, and Beckenbauer. The NASL handled everything wrong, of course, but it might have worked if managed properly.

The Galaxy is a below-average team (second from last in their conference). Beckham is a great, but businesslike player. MLS is short on style and deep in delusions of grandeur. The All Star team beating Celtic in a friendly isn't going to prove anything to anyone. The SuperLiga is a good way to gain respect. However, MLS isn't going to do it with its current crop of players.

I'm excited about the potential Beckham brings, but I'm still not sure if America is ready to understand, appreciate, and fall in love with soccer.

But one can wish...