The Los Angeles Galaxy are finally in playoff contention for the first time since signing English star David Beckham. The midfielder joined the team in the middle of the season after finishing his load with Serie A side AC Milan. The question is how has Beckham done with the LA Galaxy since returning and his effect on Major League Soccer. The season is not over but here’s a look at his effect for this season.
How have fans recieved Beckham?
It was widely published that Beckham received a lot of boos including from the Galaxy fans. Many of these fans felt betrayed because they felt Beckham didn’t take MLS seriously. After the initial cold reaction, many of the boos have faded as Beckham has shown he’s still a world class player. On the road, it’s been a mixed reaction for the midfielder as he has a high number of female fans who are very supportive (high pitched screams) but many of the serious fans won’t cheer players on the opposing team. His reception made news initially but the controversy has died down.
His performance on the pitch
For all the publicity off the pitch, what’s most important to the Galaxy is Beckham’s play in matches. Playing for AC Milan and the English National Team kept him in good form for the Galaxy. Beckham generally plays in a center midfield role where he looks to set up his teammates. One of the notable differences with the Galaxy this season compared to the last two years, is the team is in the playoff race. Beckham joined a team that was playing well and has been able to adjust into the team without disrupting their form.
The Galaxy are playing as a team and much of the credit should be given to manager Bruce Arena. Beckham is no longer the captain which has taken some pressure off him, (that responsiblity if Landon Donovan) and he finally seems to be adjusted to MLS. He’s always a threat off free kicks (including scoring on one in a friendly against Barca) and has provided a few key goals. The team is now playing as a team and not 10 players just watching the English star.
Here are Beckham’s stats for 2009 with the LA Galaxy through Thursday, October 1, 2009.
| UNF | POS | PLAYER | GP | GS | MIN | G  | A | SHT | SOG | FC | FS | C | E |
| 23 | M | David Beckham | 8 | 8 | 623 | 2 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
And here’s the latest Western Conference Standings through Thursday, October 1, 2009.
Western Conference v • d • e | |||||||||
| Club | Pts | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Dynamo | 43 | 27 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 35 | 26 | +9 |
| 2 | Los Angeles Galaxy | 41 | 27 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 33 | 31 | +2 |
| 3 | Colorado Rapids | 39 | 27 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 40 | 32 | +8 |
| 4 | Chivas USA | 38 | 25 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 26 | 25 | +1 |
| 5 | Seattle Sounders FC | 38 | 27 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 32 | 26 | +6 |
| 6 | Real Salt Lake | 34 | 27 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 38 | 34 | +4 |
| 7 | FC Dallas | 33 | 27 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 45 | 43 | +2 |
| 8 | San Jose Earthquakes | 25 | 25 | 6 | 12 | 7 | 31 | 43 | −12 |
| Club | Pts | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | GD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Columbus Crew (E1) | 46 | 26 | 12 | 4 | 10 | 40 | 28 | +12 |
| 2 | Houston Dynamo (W1) | 43 | 27 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 35 | 26 | +9 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Galaxy (W2) | 41 | 27 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 33 | 31 | +2 |
| 4 | Chicago Fire (E2) | 41 | 27 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 38 | 33 | +5 |
| 5 | Colorado Rapids | 39 | 27 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 40 | 32 | +8 |
| 6 | Chivas USA | 38 | 25 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 26 | 25 | +1 |
| 7 | Seattle Sounders FC2 | 38 | 27 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 32 | 26 | +6 |
| 8 | New England Revolution | 37 | 26 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 31 | 35 | −4 |
| 9 | D.C. United | 36 | 27 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 40 | 40 | 0 |
| 10 | Toronto FC1 | 35 | 27 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 35 | 40 | −5 |
| 11 | Real Salt Lake | 34 | 27 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 38 | 34 | +4 |
| 12 | FC Dallas | 33 | 27 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 45 | 43 | +2 |
| 13 | Kansas City Wizards | 31 | 26 | 8 | 11 | 7 | 28 | 34 | −6 |
| 14 | San Jose Earthquakes | 25 | 25 | 6 | 12 | 7 | 31 | 43 | −12 |
| 15 | New York Red Bulls | 18 | 27 | 4 | 17 | 6 | 22 | 44 | −22 |
| MLS Supporters’ Shield, 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs, 2010 U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League 2010–112 | |
| 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs, 2010 U.S. Open Cup | |
| 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs |
Overall
David Beckham has been a success for the Galaxy, at least in economic terms as he’s sold thousands of jerseys and increased attendance throughout the league. This season he’s been able to join the Galaxy in the middle the of the season and continue their momentum. For the first time in his three years with the club, the team is in contention to make the playoffs. He’s been a solid part of the team and continues to provide leadership in the central midfield role. However, Beckham isn’t trying to do too much and the Galaxy are playing as a team. With Eddie Lewis and Landon Donovan, this is not a one player team.
The question cannot yet be answered (How has Beckham fared with the Galaxy in 2009?) but if the Galaxy can make the playoffs and possibly win the MLS Cup, it would be an enormous success for Beckham and the entire league.
