Beckham hasn’t meant too much

With David Beckham poised to move to AC Milan on a loan deal, it is worth considering: What is he leaving behind here?

The Galaxy, wrapping up another losing season, has failed to reach the MLS playoffs in both of Beckham’s seasons with the club.

MLS is not appreciably more popular than before Beckham arrived in Carson. Replica jersey and Home Depot Center ticket sales have increased, but the league remains lower tier in the mainstream American NFL-NBA-MLB-NASCAR culture and in the eyes of serious soccer observers.

Soccer itself, however, is doing fine here. As it was before Beckham joined the Galaxy.

. . . If he makes a difference, for England, for Milan, that will be more than what MLS has to show for the first two seasons of Beckham In America.

Mike Penner