Have a story idea? Contact us at sports@theotherpress.ca e Sports What is Becks going to do now? MLS contract comes to an end By Matthew Visser adies and gentlemen, the era of David Beckham in the Major League Soccer (MLS) league and North America has come to an end, and what an era it was. The British soccer phenom came to Los Angeles from Real Madrid in 2007 on a five- year contract worth $6.5 million a year, making him the highest paid player in the MLS (big surprise). Beckham’s contract with the L.A. Galaxy ended last Sunday after the Galaxy won the MLS Cup, which begs the question: if the goal of Beckham’s foray into American soccer was to improve the sport and make lots of money, was he successful? Looking back on the soccer superstar’s time in L.A., it seems that he was in several ways. First of all, while in L.A., Beckham had a total of 72 appearances, 11 goals, and 25 assists. Not too shabby for a guy who had the whole entire Galaxy organization put on his shoulders. Perhaps more significantly, Beckham’s move to the L.A. Galaxy has had an impact on perceptions of the MLS league. Following Beckham’s lead, more and more players like Freddie Ljungberg, Robbie Keane (who played alongside Beckham in L.A.), and Terry Henry have slowly come from Europe to play in North America. The world has realized that the MLS has talent—it’s not just a league of wannabe soccer players who think they can play the game that Europeans live and breathe for. Case in point? In the summer of 2010, a mouthwatering list of European teams including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, AC Milan, Manchester City, Juventus, Valencia, Glasgow Celtic, Fiorentina, Benfica, Paris in the MLS dream to play at as children. Still, Beckham’s success for the Galaxy has come at a price (aside from the millions). Before he was able to lift the MLS Cup last week, he went through quite a bit as a player and a human being. After leaving Real Madrid he endured two severe injuries that could have ended his soccer career, first spraining his MCL, and later tearing his Achilles tendon while in loan to AC Milan. So what's next for Beckham? He has hopes of playing for England in the 2012 Summer Olympics, and “The world has realized that the MLS has talent—it’s not just a league of wannabe soccer players who think they can play the game that Europeans live and breathe for.” Saint-Germain, Glasgow Rangers, Sporting Lisbon, and Bolton played matches in North America. The talent in the MLS can play against teams from Europe. Further, players in the MLS were able to play against and in the realm of Beckham, who has played at a level of soccer that the players in the meantime, it looks like he’s off to France to play for Paris Saint- Germain for 11.6 million pounds for 18 months (just enough time to play with the world’s best until the Olympics). After that, will Becks retire? Or should he retire now? He’s already 36 years old. But, knowing Aik Beckham, he will keep playing on until, well... is there anyone who could tell him he has to stop playing soccer, or that he can’t play with the big boys anymore? His wife, maybe. It doesn’t really matter, because with a name like David Beckham playing for your team, just think about how may jerseys you could sell. Let’s hope that the once-best-spot-free-kick-taker can again bed the ball into a top corner. Athlete of the Week: Drew Foster By Josh Martin, Sports Editor ho is that athlete, you say? Well, it’s Drew Foster—otherwise known as “Faucet”—of the Royals men’s soccer team! Last week I had a chance to sit down with the soccer player and ask him a few questions that I’m sure everyone will enjoy. What is your position on the Royals soccer team? I usually play outside midfield, the left or right wing. I play a little defence too. What is your number? 15. How long have you been playing soccer? Since I was five, and I’m 20 now—so 15 years. Where do you want to go with soccer? Are you thinking professionally? Well the dream is to play 20 professionally but that’s really difficult... especially in Canada. So [I'll] probably just finish playing college. I’ve got three more years left and then I'll probably play adult league. How many years have you been playing soccer here for the Royals? I’ve been part of the program for three years [and] I’ve been on the team for two years. How was this year for you? It was probably my break-out year, finally got a little more playing time. I finally scored my first goal for the school, so that was good. Looking forward to next year when we host nationals, so that should be fun. Were you super frustrated when you guys got kicked out [of the race for the provincial championship, due to an administrative error]? Yeah it was kind of frustrating but... life goes on. ® Drew Foster What team do you find to be the Royals’ biggest rival? I'd say probably everyone because everyone hates us equally, so every game is pretty important. I wouldn’t put my finger on any one team being more important than anyone else. What was your favourite game this year? Probably the second-to-last game against Quest [University Kermodes]; [we] went in when we were down a goal and tied the game up. I scored the tying goal. In front of the fans, it was pretty nuts. Who’s your favourite soccer team? Arsenal. How long have you been cheering for them? Probably, like, 10 years now. Is there anyone else in your family that plays soccer? My dad. Who is your biggest inspiration? Well my dad always got me into soccer but, you know I grew up watching him play. I grew up with him coaching me.