The Los Angeles Galaxy are set to lose superstar David Beckham after Sunday’s MLS Cup Final, but they already have big things in mind for the post-Beckham era.
On Friday, the president of Galaxy ownership group AEG left no ambiguity as to which soccer star he wants in L.A. next. Beckham first joined the Galaxy when he was 31, and another star from Real Madrid is set to turn 31 right around the time Major League Soccer’s 2013 campaign kicks off.
“We’re well aware of Kaka‘s interest in MLS, and we in turn have made it very clear to him that he’s aware of our interest in him,” Tim Leiweke told Sports Illustrated. “We have a great relationship with Real Madrid, and just as we worked through a player with them six years ago [Beckham], I’m absolutely convinced we could find the right deal this time, too.”
Of course, Chelsea star Frank Lampard has been vocal about his desire to replace Beckham in Los Angeles, so this could be bad news for that theory. Nonetheless, the Galaxy now have an open designated player slot, and in MLS, big-name talent has a funny way of funneling in that direction.
Interestingly enough, the Galaxy seem to be supremely concerned not just with getting another marquee name but also in making sure that player fits into head coach Bruce Arena‘s plan. Is that a sign MLS is improving?
Who knows, but it figures that, going forward, the Galaxy will continue to attract huge stars on the downward side of their career.
Photo of the Night
This is about two minutes after tipoff at Philips Arena in Atlanta. Clearly the Hawks are doing well.
Quote of the Night
“After that game, I think we were all struck by the fact that so many people were leaving our building with a smile on their face. Normally, when a team loses, fans are down. But not with us. And that was an eye-opening moment.”
–Phoenix Suns president Jason Rowley introducing “Satisfaction Guarantee Night“
Tweet of the Night
It’s the New York Post. Is anyone really that surprised they’re being mean?
Next, @nypost will fly a photographer down to Dr. James Andrews’ office and mock Tommy John surgery patients for not being able to throw yet
— Jay Jaffe (@jay_jaffe) November 30, 2012
Video of the Night
We have no idea what the announcers are saying, but we bet they think that’s a really bad flop, too.
