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Grant Wahl - 'How Beckham Blew It'
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Courtesy: Crown Publishing | By Grant Wahl
Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated
After his five-month loan to Italian superclub AC Milan, David Beckham is expected back with the Los Angeles Galaxy and scheduled to play on July 16 against the New York Red Bulls at Giants Stadium. But when he takes the field the mood will be far less giddy than the one that heralded his arrival in the U.S. in 2007. In Beckham's two years with the Galaxy he has successfully sold jerseys and served as celebrity eye candy, but the soccer story has been an epic disaster, from his injury-plagued season in '07 through a loss-filled campaign in '08.
Beckham's side made sure he became team captain, and later they engaged in a behind-the-scenes takeover of Galaxy management. Yet L.A. failed to reach the MLS playoffs both years. By the end of the '08 season Beckham was barely speaking to his teammate Landon Donovan, MLS's leading scorer, who questioned the Englishman's commitment to the team.
The Beckham Experiment is a story of worlds colliding, bringing together the planet's most famous athlete with teammates who earned as little as $12,900 a year. But that inequity was only the start of a downward spiral that, on the eve of Beckham's return, has turned into a soccer fiasco.
To continue reading this article, click here.
Grant Wahl's book, The Beckham Experiment, comes out on July 14. You can pre-order it here.
Reprinted from The Beckham Experiment, by Grant Wahl. Copyright © 2009 by Grant Wahl. Published by Crown Publishers, a division of Random House Inc.
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - 05:18 PM |
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Cronin, Gerba To Compete for Gold Cup
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 Press Release
Toronto FC announced Thursday that midfielder Sam Cronin and forward Ali Gerba will both be representing their respective countries in this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup that begins July 3. Cronin (U.S.) will depart for the American camp in Seattle, Washington on June 30, while Gerba (Canada) has already left for the Canadian camp being held in Oxnard, California.
Cronin, 22, is making his debut with the U.S. National team earning his first ever call-up. After being drafted 1st round, 2nd overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Cronin has started all but one game this season for Toronto FC in MLS play. He’s added a goal and two assists in 1,215 minutes of action. The midfielder has also started three of four games in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.
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Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 06:53 PM |
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Harmse Dealt to Goats for Allocation Cash
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Press Release
Toronto FC announced Wednesday that they have acquired allocation money from Chivas USA. In exchange, Chivas receives midfielder Kevin Harmse.
"The entire staff wants to wish Kevin all the best," said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. "Kevin requested a move back to the U.S. We tried very hard to hang on to him, but this move is what's best for Kevin right now."
Harmse, 24, was acquired February 29, 2008 from the Los Angeles Galaxy. The midfielder leaves Toronto having played a total of 30 games played, 21 of those as a starter. He compiled 1,882 minutes over two seasons and scored once this season in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship match at home against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 6.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 10:20 PM |
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Reds Sign Striker Gerba
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Press Release
Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has signed Canadian international forward Ali Gerba. Due to international transfer rules, Gerba will not be available to Toronto FC until the MLS transfer window opens on July 15, 2009.
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009 - 06:34 PM |
Continued... |
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