Real Madrid Latest News

[colocolo]

Sept 3, 2006

Real Salt Lake Owner Blasts Mastroeni And Rapids Following Real Salt Lake's 1-0 loss at home to the Colorado Rapids, Real owner David Checketts released a public statement condemning U.S. international Pablo Mastroeni and the rest of the Rapids for their post-match antics at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

The game was a hotly contested affair, as both clubs entered the match competing for the Rocky Mountain Cup -- a rivalry competition between the two MLS franchises. But more importantly they entered the game tied on points, which left them tied for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The only goal of the match was a flash point in and of itself, as the Rapids continued to play on despite a Real player injured on the pitch. Niko Hernandez scored an impressive header, and the teams got into a shoving match when Real protested the goal in vain. Seven yellow cards were issued in the second half following Hernandez's goal.

Then, upon the final whistle, Rapids players celebrated wildly on Real's home pitch, something that did not sit well with the home supporters. Colorado's Pablo Mastroeni ripped off his jersey and swung it around in the air before stuffing it in his shorts and continuing his post-match celebrations. Salt Lake owner David Checketts and other members of the Real front office allegedly confronted Mastroeni and his teammates on the pitch, and things got nastier from there.

Moments ago, Checketts released a statement in which he labeled the Rapids' actions as "appalling" and "obscene."

"We at Real Salt Lake have spent nearly two years building a soccer culture here in Utah, one that characterizes the sport as a unifier of all cultures and holds sportsmanship and respect for the game in the highest regard," reads the opening of Checketts' statement.

"It is especially appalling to me that tonight, as we celebrate Youth Soccer Night, in front of a crowd in excess of 17,000 fans, that a group of players involved in Goal.com - United States - Real Salt Lake Owner Blasts Mastroeni And Rapids would exhibit the obscene behavior towards our fans during and after the Colorado Rapids’ Rocky Mountain Cup celebration.

"We have spent countless hours in recent weeks and months working with the world’s most accomplished club – Real Madrid – to assure them of the character values held in American soccer. I am both outraged and embarrassed that players in this league – especially a World Cup star like Pablo Mastroeni – would engage in obscene behavior towards our fans, and am dismayed that noone from the Colorado organization was present tonight to discourage such boorish behavior.

"This is NOT what this league is about, nor is it representative of what Real Salt Lake or MLS stands for as we provide family-friendly entertainment and spirited competition. I personally will provide video evidence and detailed accounts of what happened here to the league’s highest levels, with the express intent of ensuring that incidents like this do not mar our competition or overshadow our role in this community," Checketts concluded in his statement.

With the loss to the Rapids, coupled with Los Angeles's win over Kansas City on Saturday night, Real suddenly find themselves last place on goal differential in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

[colocolo]

MLS Roundup: United blasts CD Chivas

The Associated Press

CARSON, Calif. - Christian Gomez scored two first-half goals as D.C. United beat Chivas USA 2-1 Sunday.
Gomez scored goals in the third and 33rd minutes as United (14-3-8) won for the first time in six games. D.C. entered the game having already clinched a playoff spot with Kansas City's 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy on the same field a day earlier.
Chivas (8-7-10) remained in fourth place in the Western Conference with 34 points, just two points ahead of both Real Salt Lake and the Galaxy.

Fire 2, Red Bulls 1: At Bridgeview, Ill., Chris Rolfe and Diego Gutierrez scored to lift Chicago over New York. Rolfe stole the ball from New York's Amado Guevara in the 13th minute, made a run and blasted the ball past a diving Tony Meola for a 1-0 Fire lead.

[colocolo]

Real Salt Lake not giving up on playoffs

Real Salt Lake 1, United 1

September 9, 2006


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Freddy Adu scored on a free kick, but Chris Klein responded with a second-half goal to lift Real Salt Lake to a 1-1 tie with D.C. United Saturday night.

League-leading scorer Jeff Cunningham added his 10th assist on Klein's goal, making him the ninth player in league history to contribute 15 goals and 10 assists in a season.

Real Salt Lake (9-12-6), which entered the day two points out of the Western Conference playoffs, is 1-2-1 in its last four matches after enjoying a four-game win streak from late July to mid-August.

United (14-3-9), which had only two shots on goal despite enjoying the majority of possession, is now 1-2-4 in its last seven, but has already clinched an Eastern Conference berth.

Adu put United ahead in the final minute of the first half, bending a 23-yard free kick over the defensive wall and into the top left corner.

Klein tied it in the 65th minute, collecting Cunningham's low pass from the right side of the penalty area and driving it off the inside of the left post.

United had the best chance to win in the final minutes, with Salt Lake goalkeeper Scott Garlick making a diving save on Clyde Simm's long-range effort.

D.C. was without two of its three leading scorers. Christian Gomez (10 goals) and Alecko Eskandarian (seven goals) were both serving one-game suspensions for yellow-card accumulation.

[colocolo]

Chivas USA 1, Colorado Rapids 0
CHV - Mendoza, 34'

Chivas USA jumped into second place in the Western Conference, moving clear of their opponents, Colorado, and also edging past Houston by one point in the standings following a 1-0 win Saturday night at the Home Depot Center. Francisco Mendoza scored the only goal of the match in the 34th minute. The shifty little midfielder took a pass from Jonathan Bornstein and jinked past Dan Gargan and Aitor Karanka before left-footing the ball past Rapids keeper Joe Cannon for his third goal of the year. Brad Guzan was the other hero for Chivas USA on this night. The Rapids out-shot Chivas 12 to 5, and Guzan made a host of crucial saves and moves off his line to cut out crosses in the second half as Colorado hopelessly sought an equalizer. Fortunately for the Rapids, they maintain a playoff position for now, because Real Salt Lake, trailing by three points entering the weekend, lost earlier in the evening.

[colocolo]

FC Dallas 2, Real Salt Lake 1[:@]

FCD - Ruiz, 9'
FCD - Cooper, 14'
RSL - Cunningham, 48'

FC Dallas clinched a playoff spot and avenged a loss last week to Real Salt Lake, as they made two early goals stand up at home. Carlos Ruiz picked up where he left off last week with a ninth minute goal for the Hoops. Ruiz's goal was followed five minutes later by a stunning goal from strike partner Kenny Cooper. The former Manchester United reservist looped a cleve shot from the left corner of the penalty area over RSL goalkeeper Scott Garlick and inside the far post. Real Salt Lake fought back, though, and Jeff Cunningham, who missed last week's game, scored his league-leading 16th goal of the season just three minutes into the second half. However, the Hoops held on for a deserved victory and were unlucky not to score more than two goals except for Garlick making six saves on the night for the visitors in a losing effort. The loss means RSL remain on the outside looking in of the Western Conference playoff picture, having squandered a chance to pull level with the Colorado Rapids, who lost Saturday night.

[colocolo]

As of today Sunday Sept 24:

Current MLS Standings

EASTERN CONFERENCE
PTS - TEAM
55 - D.C. United - x
44 - Chicago Fire - x
39 - New England Revolution
34 - Kansas City Wizards
32 - New York Red Bulls
27 - Columbus Crew

WESTERN CONFERENCE
PTS - TEAM
49 - FC Dallas - x
42 - Chivas USA
41 - Houston Dynamo
39 - Colorado Rapids
36 - Real Salt Lake
33 - Los Angeles Galaxy

x - clinched playoff spot

[kah26]

Lionel Messi:Messi is a talented Penalty Kick taker. Not to many people like him. Messi is the youngest on both Barcelona and Argentina.
Cicinho:Cicinho was the best defender in the U 20 world cup in 2004. Cicinho just Joined Real Madrid This year That's why he met a lot of new people in his club. He is now the captain of Real Madrid.
Ronaldinho:Ronaldinho is the most fastsest, talented ,skilled player on Barcelona he is the captain because of his anmazing ability. He was rewarded best player 2004 and 2003.
Raul: Raul is the best Center Forward of all time and he is only 27 years old and he's so good. man he is the future Ronaldinho. Christiano Ronaldo said he is a Real Madrid Allstar.



BARCELONA :1998 2003 2006
REAL MADRID:1994 2004 2005 2007

VOTES ON THE INTERNET

R. MADRID 135
BARCELONA 233

WHO DO YOU THINK IS BETTER?

[kah26]

I Think R. Madrid is better because They have beaten Barcelona more then at least 48 times and they won this year's Spanish Primera championship.

[***soccerstar***]

yer cuz ronaldinho may hav awesome skill but his not a brilliant player, i'd real madrid aswell

[***soccerstar***]

like u said kah26 there've won more times so over all real madrid are better, but also olympiakos signed Raul Bravo from R.madrid but i dout that will make any diffrence.

[Freddy Adu]

NEWS: Benfica, Sporting C.P., and Real Betis will participate on August 3-5 in the popular Algarve Tournament Torneio do Guadiana. Benfica and Sporting C.P. will play on August 5th

[Oscar Cardozo]

All Real Madridlatest news will be posted here.

[Oscar Cardozo]

Any news that involves Real Salt Lake will be posted here.

[Freddy Adu]

Madrid to negotiate Reyes transfer fee

Real Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic says they will try to sign Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes in a cut-price deal.

The 23-year-old Spanish international recently enjoyed a successful season-long loan with the newly crowned Spanish champions and has not hidden his desire to leave the Premiership outfit this summer for a permanent switch to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Madrid are thought to have the option of signing Reyes on a permanent deal this summer after his initial loan deal was a success, and Mijatovic says they will try and negotiate a bargain price with Arsenal for him, who are believed to have already tabled a £6million offer.

Mijatovic told the News of the World: "We will negotiate for Reyes again.
"We will talk this over with Arsenal and negotiate a lower fee."

[Freddy Adu]

Real Madrid have reiterated that Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is still a transfer target, despite the youngster insisting that as long as Arsene Wenger stays at the Gunners, he stays.



Speaking to Spanish-based Marca, Real’s sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic confirmed that Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the midfield playmaker: “Of course we are interested in Cesc.”



“We've been interested in him for over a year now and we are still interested. He is a great player and I expect all the big clubs will be interested.”



News of the interest will come as no surprise, and is unlikely to please Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger, who has nurtured the youngster’s talents since he arrived from Barcelona at the age of fifteen.



Having already lost a key figure at the Emirates in the shape of Thierry Henry, he will be keen to hold on to Fabregas, who is earmarked by many in the game as Arsenal’s big hope for the future.



Speculation over the Spaniard’s future has been rife in recent months, but, as covered earlier this week on Goal.com, recent comments from his representatives suggest that his loyalties remain with the north-London club

[Freddy Adu]

Real Madrid have reiterated that Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is still a transfer target, despite the youngster insisting that as long as Arsene Wenger stays at the Gunners, he stays.



Speaking to Spanish-based Marca, Real’s sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic confirmed that Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the midfield playmaker: “Of course we are interested in Cesc.”



“We've been interested in him for over a year now and we are still interested. He is a great player and I expect all the big clubs will be interested.”



News of the interest will come as no surprise, and is unlikely to please Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger, who has nurtured the youngster’s talents since he arrived from Barcelona at the age of fifteen.



Having already lost a key figure at the Emirates in the shape of Thierry Henry, he will be keen to hold on to Fabregas, who is earmarked by many in the game as Arsenal’s big hope for the future.



Speculation over the Spaniard’s future has been rife in recent months, but, as covered earlier this week on Goal.com, recent comments from his representatives suggest that his loyalties remain with the north-London club

[Freddy Adu]

Madrid to negotiate Reyes transfer fee

Real Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatovic says they will try to sign Arsenal striker Jose Antonio Reyes in a cut-price deal.

The 23-year-old Spanish international recently enjoyed a successful season-long loan with the newly crowned Spanish champions and has not hidden his desire to leave the Premiership outfit this summer for a permanent switch to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Madrid are thought to have the option of signing Reyes on a permanent deal this summer after his initial loan deal was a success, and Mijatovic says they will try and negotiate a bargain price with Arsenal for him, who are believed to have already tabled a £6million offer.

Mijatovic told the News of the World: "We will negotiate for Reyes again.
"We will talk this over with Arsenal and negotiate a lower fee."

[Freddy Adu]

Real Madrid have reiterated that Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is still a transfer target, despite the youngster insisting that as long as Arsene Wenger stays at the Gunners, he stays.



Speaking to Spanish-based Marca, Real’s sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic confirmed that Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the midfield playmaker: “Of course we are interested in Cesc.”



“We've been interested in him for over a year now and we are still interested. He is a great player and I expect all the big clubs will be interested.”



News of the interest will come as no surprise, and is unlikely to please Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger, who has nurtured the youngster’s talents since he arrived from Barcelona at the age of fifteen.



Having already lost a key figure at the Emirates in the shape of Thierry Henry, he will be keen to hold on to Fabregas, who is earmarked by many in the game as Arsenal’s big hope for the future.



Speculation over the Spaniard’s future has been rife in recent months, but, as covered earlier this week on Goal.com, recent comments from his representatives suggest that his loyalties remain with the north-London club

[Freddy Adu]

Real Madrid have reiterated that Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas is still a transfer target, despite the youngster insisting that as long as Arsene Wenger stays at the Gunners, he stays.



Speaking to Spanish-based Marca, Real’s sporting director Pedrag Mijatovic confirmed that Los Blancos are keeping a close eye on the midfield playmaker: “Of course we are interested in Cesc.”



“We've been interested in him for over a year now and we are still interested. He is a great player and I expect all the big clubs will be interested.”



News of the interest will come as no surprise, and is unlikely to please Arsenal Boss Arsene Wenger, who has nurtured the youngster’s talents since he arrived from Barcelona at the age of fifteen.



Having already lost a key figure at the Emirates in the shape of Thierry Henry, he will be keen to hold on to Fabregas, who is earmarked by many in the game as Arsenal’s big hope for the future.



Speculation over the Spaniard’s future has been rife in recent months, but, as covered earlier this week on Goal.com, recent comments from his representatives suggest that his loyalties remain with the north-London club

[Freddy Adu]

Bernd sets sights on Fabregas

New coach Bernd Schuster has sent a chill down the spines of Arsenal fans by insisting Cesc Fabregas is the man to take Real Madrid forward.


Speaking on Monday after being confirmed at the helm at the Bernabeu, the former Germany international immediately identified the Gunners' young midfielder as one of his favourite players.

The 20-year-old has regularly been linked with a move back to his homeland, and in particular Real and Barcelona - where he spent time as a youth player before moving to England.

He had, however, appeared to commit his future to Arsene Wenger's side this summer in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure for Barca, but Schuster's comments seemingly make an approach by the Spanish champions inevitable.

"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing days," said Schuster, who left his role with La Liga rivals Getafe to join Real.

"He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach who I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players.

"I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."

The prospect of Fabregas following legendary striker Henry out of the Emirates Stadium is a nightmare scenario for the Gunners, although the club are unlikely to be receptive to any Madrid approach.

He signed an eight-year contract just last summer and recently insisted: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal. My team. I'm staying in London."

Bernd sets sights on Fabregas

[Freddy Adu]

Bernd sets sights on Fabregas

New coach Bernd Schuster has sent a chill down the spines of Arsenal fans by insisting Cesc Fabregas is the man to take Real Madrid forward.


Speaking on Monday after being confirmed at the helm at the Bernabeu, the former Germany international immediately identified the Gunners' young midfielder as one of his favourite players.

The 20-year-old has regularly been linked with a move back to his homeland, and in particular Real and Barcelona - where he spent time as a youth player before moving to England.

He had, however, appeared to commit his future to Arsene Wenger's side this summer in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure for Barca, but Schuster's comments seemingly make an approach by the Spanish champions inevitable.

"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing days," said Schuster, who left his role with La Liga rivals Getafe to join Real.

"He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach who I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players.

"I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."

The prospect of Fabregas following legendary striker Henry out of the Emirates Stadium is a nightmare scenario for the Gunners, although the club are unlikely to be receptive to any Madrid approach.

He signed an eight-year contract just last summer and recently insisted: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal. My team. I'm staying in London."

[link=http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2483596,00.html]Bernd sets sights on Fabregas[/link]

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona ace Eto'o back on Arsenal radar
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is being lined up by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Marca says Wenger will bid for Eto'o should he fail to convince Cesc Fabregas to ignore Real Madrid's interest.

Wenger would only entertain the prospect of selling his Spanish midfielder if he can find a top drawer replacement ready to immediately move to Emirates stadium.

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona ace Eto'o back on Arsenal radar
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is being lined up by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Marca says Wenger will bid for Eto'o should he fail to convince Cesc Fabregas to ignore Real Madrid's interest.

Wenger would only entertain the prospect of selling his Spanish midfielder if he can find a top drawer replacement ready to immediately move to Emirates stadium.

[Freddy Adu]

Bernd sets sights on Fabregas

New coach Bernd Schuster has sent a chill down the spines of Arsenal fans by insisting Cesc Fabregas is the man to take Real Madrid forward.


Speaking on Monday after being confirmed at the helm at the Bernabeu, the former Germany international immediately identified the Gunners' young midfielder as one of his favourite players.

The 20-year-old has regularly been linked with a move back to his homeland, and in particular Real and Barcelona - where he spent time as a youth player before moving to England.

He had, however, appeared to commit his future to Arsene Wenger's side this summer in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure for Barca, but Schuster's comments seemingly make an approach by the Spanish champions inevitable.

"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing days," said Schuster, who left his role with La Liga rivals Getafe to join Real.

"He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach who I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players.

"I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."

The prospect of Fabregas following legendary striker Henry out of the Emirates Stadium is a nightmare scenario for the Gunners, although the club are unlikely to be receptive to any Madrid approach.

He signed an eight-year contract just last summer and recently insisted: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal. My team. I'm staying in London."

Bernd sets sights on Fabregas

[Freddy Adu]

Bernd sets sights on Fabregas

New coach Bernd Schuster has sent a chill down the spines of Arsenal fans by insisting Cesc Fabregas is the man to take Real Madrid forward.


Speaking on Monday after being confirmed at the helm at the Bernabeu, the former Germany international immediately identified the Gunners' young midfielder as one of his favourite players.

The 20-year-old has regularly been linked with a move back to his homeland, and in particular Real and Barcelona - where he spent time as a youth player before moving to England.

He had, however, appeared to commit his future to Arsene Wenger's side this summer in the wake of Thierry Henry's departure for Barca, but Schuster's comments seemingly make an approach by the Spanish champions inevitable.

"I like Cesc Fabregas, he plays in the same position as I did in my playing days," said Schuster, who left his role with La Liga rivals Getafe to join Real.

"He has improved a lot in England, and learnt a lot from Arsene Wenger, a coach who I admire and who has done over the years a very good job with young players.

"I believe he is one of the few players in his position that can carry a team on his back, and when I say teams, I mean quality teams."

The prospect of Fabregas following legendary striker Henry out of the Emirates Stadium is a nightmare scenario for the Gunners, although the club are unlikely to be receptive to any Madrid approach.

He signed an eight-year contract just last summer and recently insisted: "In 10 days I'll be back training with Arsenal. My team. I'm staying in London."

[link=http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,2483_2483596,00.html]Bernd sets sights on Fabregas[/link]

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona ace Eto'o back on Arsenal radar
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is being lined up by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Marca says Wenger will bid for Eto'o should he fail to convince Cesc Fabregas to ignore Real Madrid's interest.

Wenger would only entertain the prospect of selling his Spanish midfielder if he can find a top drawer replacement ready to immediately move to Emirates stadium.

[Freddy Adu]

Barcelona ace Eto'o back on Arsenal radar
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o is being lined up by Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

Marca says Wenger will bid for Eto'o should he fail to convince Cesc Fabregas to ignore Real Madrid's interest.

Wenger would only entertain the prospect of selling his Spanish midfielder if he can find a top drawer replacement ready to immediately move to Emirates stadium.

[Freddy Adu]

Beckham unlikely to require special protection



Major League Soccer has got their Golden Ticket, but before the league can cash in on the full value of David Beckham, he has to make a healthy return to the field.



Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
David Beckham's unlikely to be bothered by physical challenges in MLS.


Beckham already has a gimpy ankle, and the fragility of any sports star is fraught when so much depends on the fitness of that particular player.


When the mere presence of Beckham in a match is such a draw, the worry becomes about whatever factors might keep him off the field. It could be a random injury, it could be his tendency to accumulate cards, or it could be an injury inflicted by opponents.


Inevitably, that raises the issue of whether Beckham will be coddled, protected by referees to the point where any heavy tackle on the greatest acquisition by MLS could see the offending player get sent off. If that does happen, it's likely to be perceived that way.


Teams in smaller markets have long maintained that L.A. has seen distinct advantages go its way in past years.


Sigi Schmid, who went from coaching the Galaxy to a smaller market squad when he took over guiding the Columbus Crew, observed some preference as part of a natural tradition in sports.


"Look at the NBA," Schmid said. "There's senior guys, certain players in the league who get calls in their favor. The same thing sometimes happens in any professional sport. The veterans get some breaks and some calls that might go their way."


Defenders themselves expected such breaks to go Beckham's way.


"We're never going to be in agreement with the referees, and even more so with a guy like Beckham," said Columbus Crew defender Ezra Hendrickson, who won league championships both with the Galaxy and D.C. United. "People will think he's going to get all the calls that he wants."


If such a belief is widespread, there could be retaliatory tackles simply because players are frustrated at the situation that elevates Beckham to some special status.


"Once you step on the field, everyone is a player out there," said Hendrickson. "You don't want to injure anybody. But you don't want to go in soft on a tackle, either, especially as a defender. When I go in for a tackle, I go in for a hard tackle, or they win the tackle and the ball goes the other way and the team is in a bad position."


The players in the league say all the right things about the advantages of having such a well-known player bring new visibility to everyone involved.


"It's a great thing for the league," said Preki, the coach of the Galaxy's in-town rival, Chivas USA. "It's great to get that buzz around L.A. It's great for the sport in the U.S."


Beckham's credentials as a top player are just as burnished as before, given that he's arriving to MLS as a winner in his final season in Spain, where with his help Real Madrid claimed the La Liga title.


"I admire him as a good player," said Chivas USA striker Maykel Galindo. "There's all that other stuff, but for me, he's a great player who has won championships. This is good for the league. It will open doors because so many people will be watching the league."


Yet those in the midst of a MLS match don't have the time to stop and appreciate Beckham's value.


"You don't really think about who it is when you go in for a tackle," said Hendrickson. "You're just out there playing. If it's time for a hard tackle, you make a hard tackle. I don't have time to check the backs of the shirt to see who is playing."


Besides, many players are convinced that Beckham doesn't need particular protection.


"He still has a lot to give to soccer, because he was just champion at Real Madrid," said Chivas USA's Claudio Suarez, a long-time Mexican international. "Even though there's all that marketing around him, it goes along with good football. The most important thing is that you're a good player. I think David is playing well right now."


It's also not as if players in other leagues haven't defended the star physically in the past. Suarez viewed Beckham's U.S. experience as potentially more of the same.


"It's going to be hard for him, because everyone will want to mark him strongly and they'll be very motivated," said Suarez. "It's similar here as it is in England. There's a lot of physical contact. There's no need to protect him a lot."


In fact, given Beckham's own proclivity for sometimes awkward tackles, and occasional cards, what could keep him out of games might be the damage he inflicts on other players.


No matter how much the league might regard Beckham as the new golden goose bringing fans to games, for rivals, he's another obstacle in their way of a win.


"David has played in a lot of big games -- he's going to be fine," said Preki. "I don't think we have many malicious guys in the league. We expect him to play hard, like he did in Europe, and guys are going to play hard back. It's not going to be soft, but it should be fine."


The scrutiny will be not only on Beckham, or on those marking him, but also officiating in MLS, which has ranged all over the map at times. As much as some league observers feel MLS needs an influx of foreign talent to raise the quality, others believe there needs to be an similar importation of officials. Observers are expecting that more pressure than ever will be on MLS referees to prove their quality.


The players, for one, will be paying attention to how games with Beckham involved will be called. For anyone on the field, the most dangerous ref is often considered an unpredictable one.


"I'm sure he's going to get some calls that guys are going to disagree with, but that happens to anyone," said Hendrickson. "As long as the refs are consistent, you can't really complain. I imagine that he's going to get some calls that people will argue and think there's some favoritism, but I think the refs are going to try to do their job to the best of their abilities."

[Freddy Adu]

Injury leaves Beckham's Galaxy debut in doubt


David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy debut against Chelsea is in doubt after the England star played only a limited part in his first training session yesterday.
The 32-year-old is in line to make his bow against the Blues on Saturday but has been nursing left ankle ligament damage he suffered during England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in June and subsequently aggravated as Real Madrid won the Spanish league title.
The ankle swelled up during the flight from London to Los Angeles last Thursday and despite a weekend of massage and treatment, Beckham could not take a full part in Galaxy's open training session at the Home Depot Center last night in front of around 2,000 fans.
Speaking after training, Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said the situation was being monitored regularly.
'Right now, he's day to day,' Yallop said.
'He's not done too much the last two days. His ankle is quite swollen but we're hoping it recovers quickly and he can have some part in the game on Saturday.'
After jogging briefly with the squad at the start of the session, Beckham split from the main group to work individually with a trainer, doing some stretching and balance work to strengthen his ankle.
He then went through short passing drills with fellow Galaxy injury victim Chris Albright before watching on as the rest of the squad took part in a short practice match.
At the end of the session, the midfielder was all smiles as he left the pitch with the rest of the squad but did not speak to the media.
Saturday's friendly against Chelsea is already sold out and will be broadcast live across the United States by cable sports network ESPN, who have been strongly promoting the game with plans for using 19 cameras at the Home Depot Center, including a Beckham cam.
However Yallop, whose side kick-off the World Series of Football tournament tonight against Mexican side Tigres, insisted that there would be no pressure on Beckham to play if he was not ready.
'Obviously we want to get him on the field as quickly as we can but we don't want to put him in danger of re-injuring himself,' he added.
'The injury has responded in the last few days. It was a long flight and it swelled up pretty bad and today he was not as comfortable as he should have been.
'But it's an injury that will quickly heal up as he hasn't got any structural damage.
'Each day it gets better and better so we're hoping that it's going to clear up by the end of the week and he can participate.'

[Freddy Adu]

Injury leaves Beckham's Galaxy debut in doubt
David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy debut against Chelsea is in doubt after the England star played only a limited part in his first training session yesterday.
The 32-year-old is in line to make his bow against the Blues on Saturday but has been nursing left ankle ligament damage he suffered during England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia in June and subsequently aggravated as Real Madrid won the Spanish league title.
The ankle swelled up during the flight from London to Los Angeles last Thursday and despite a weekend of massage and treatment, Beckham could not take a full part in Galaxy's open training session at the Home Depot Center last night in front of around 2,000 fans.
Speaking after training, Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said the situation was being monitored regularly.
'Right now, he's day to day,' Yallop said.
'He's not done too much the last two days. His ankle is quite swollen but we're hoping it recovers quickly and he can have some part in the game on Saturday.'
After jogging briefly with the squad at the start of the session, Beckham split from the main group to work individually with a trainer, doing some stretching and balance work to strengthen his ankle.
He then went through short passing drills with fellow Galaxy injury victim Chris Albright before watching on as the rest of the squad took part in a short practice match.
At the end of the session, the midfielder was all smiles as he left the pitch with the rest of the squad but did not speak to the media.
Saturday's friendly against Chelsea is already sold out and will be broadcast live across the United States by cable sports network ESPN, who have been strongly promoting the game with plans for using 19 cameras at the Home Depot Center, including a Beckham cam.
However Yallop, whose side kick-off the World Series of Football tournament tonight against Mexican side Tigres, insisted that there would be no pressure on Beckham to play if he was not ready.
'Obviously we want to get him on the field as quickly as we can but we don't want to put him in danger of re-injuring himself,' he added.
'The injury has responded in the last few days. It was a long flight and it swelled up pretty bad and today he was not as comfortable as he should have been.
'But it's an injury that will quickly heal up as he hasn't got any structural damage.
'Each day it gets better and better so we're hoping that it's going to clear up by the end of the week and he can participate.'