Wow. Do you remember in my post on Saturday when i told you to watch this game? Well i hope you took my advice, because it was FANTASTIC. Some people are calling it the greatest MLS game ever, though i think that might be a little hyperbole. Regardless, it was a game the MLS will be showcasing for a long time as an example of what the league is capable of. End to end action, lots of shots and goals, Beckham doing his free kick thing, and a lot of current, new, and up and coming stars getting into the act.
The game itself was much more fast-paced and fluid than most MLS games tend to be, mostly i think due to the quality of players involved in this game.Their truly were some great talents on display, and not just David Beckham. There was Landon Donovan for the Galaxy, doing what he does best, taking a ball 60 yards through the defense and scoring a goal. Even Joe Cannon, despite giving up five goals, looked spectacular at times with some great saves in goal.
On the other side of the ball, there were three people who stood out. Clint Mathis, in place of an injured Claudio Reyna (who is another great talent), looked fantastic, scoring one rocket goal off of a volley and setting up the game winner with his shot from outside that was put in on the rebound by Juan Pablo Angel. And speaking of Angel, for those of you who don't know (all of you), he was probably the biggest signing of the year in the MLS other than Beckham. Since joining Red Bull New York, he has scored 12 goals in 14 games, including two in this one. Similar to Beckham, Angel is an aging star that came to the league looking to make a big impact. He has done that, turning into a goal scoring machine.
And finally, also playing for RBNY, was Jozy Altidore, who you have heard me talk about before. At just 17 years old, this kid is quickly becoming one of the best players in the league, as well as getting plenty of international attention. A star on the US Under-20 team at their World Cup last year, Altidore has continued his torrid goal scoring pace, notching two in this game against LA and getting robbed of at least one or two other goals. Jozy looks a step faster and a touch smarter than most players on the field, and at just 17 is amazing to watch. Unfortunately for fans here in the US, i don't expect him to be around next season. Much like many of his young teammates on the U-20 team, Altidore i expect will be looking to make a move to Europe after the end of the MLS season. And who can blame him, as he wants and needs to go up against better competition than he is finding in the MLS so he can mature and evolve as a world class player.
One more thing to add about the game was the atmosphere. With 66,000+ fans in Giants Stadium, it was the largest crowd to ever see an MLS game. While admittedly most were there to see Beckham, it was both TEAMS that put on the show, combining for a highly entertaining game that left the crowd satisfied. It was also a very boisterous, noisy, and soccer savvy crowd, which i enjoyed listening to through the TV. They knew when to cheer, when to boo, and showed respect not just for Beckham but the Galaxy as well. Most reports and stories have described the atmosphere as 'electric', and as far as i can tell that's about dead-on.
Oh, and as for Beckham? Two assists on four goals, could have been three as his corner led to the 4th goal for the Galaxy. His free kicks from outside the box in the second half looked a little shaky as they kept hitting the wall, but blame it on him getting tired because he had not played a full match in months. His corners once again looked deadly, as did some of his through and release balls to the forwards. Beckham should rack up assists like crazy in this league, especially with LanDo up top finishing those through balls.
The Galaxy return to action this Thursday against Chivas USA at 7pm Pacific Time on ESPN2. I know i sound like a broken record, but tune in. You don't want to miss this, trust me.
Finally, a few links related to the game from some sites i enjoy for soccer. Check them out!
Game Highlights, via YouTube
About That LA-NY Goal Fest The Other Night..., via The Offside Rules
Live From New Jersey, via That's On Point
