If you take a low table Championship match, an average attendance of nearly 20,000 fans a game, a host of star players and some very 'unique' commentary you will have a reasonably clear picture of what the MLS (Major League Soccer) is like. The league in America has had many criticisms, ranging from its standard of play and over all quality, to the fact it's some kind of place for top class footballers to finish their career and cash in- but over the years the league has gone from strength to strength. 'Soccer' is fast becoming an incredibly popular sport in the country, with crowd attendance going up ever year and the quality of football taking great leaps. The 2010 World Cup was a testament to this, with the USA actually winning their group ( yes the same group England were in) and showing great promise.
David Beckham joined the LA Galaxy in 2007, the reasons were varied and was always a huge debate, but unquestionably one of his main goals was to boost the popularity and standard of the game in the states ( I'm sure the potential $250 million helped). A goal which he has definitely achieved. Following in his foot steps are the likes of Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and Freddie Ljunberg joining Landon Donovan and other USA internationals. Last year the Galaxy won the MLS cup after a truly entertaining season, and this season is set to be no different. The league kicked off in March and is proving to already be an eventful one ,with Thierry Henry getting his eye for goal back scoring eight goals in seven games , setting up five and sealing his first hatrick, David Beckham getting back on the score sheet with a screamer last week, and most games producing plenty of goals.
On my annual trips to New York I notice more and more posters and advertisements for the latest MLS games, people talking about the upcoming fixtures and rivalries just like you would back in England. I'm the first person to say the typical American doesn't know a great deal about football, and the commentators are literally unbelievable, making up words and phrases ( for example denied means saved, converted means scored, offensive and defence get said a great deal and in a manner I cant understand, air time means a long ball and PK is a penalty) like they are watching an American football game, but nevertheless it is without doubt incredibly entertaining.
In true American fashion when every time a goal is scored/converted confetti and fire works are fired and the fans go wild with music blaring, but why not? Football is a global game and embraced in many cultures.
One thing the MLS has not embraced completely though is the ever present pantomime that is apparent in European football. You very rarely see a dive and if someone is rolling around on the floor in pain it's usually for a good reason. Drogba spent six and a half minutes on the floor in the first leg of the Champions League Semi-Final. Compare that with David Beckham and how he deals with players trying to hack him down every game.He just stands up and shouts in the face of whoever fouled him and then takes his costless kick... I know which one I would rather have.
The next big game coming up is La Galaxy v New York Red Bulls on the 5th of May at the Home Depot Centre. It wont be the same as your top class Premiership match or Champions League tie, but what you can expect is entertainment, goals, and players such as Beckham and Henry, who we know and love ( most of us), still producing moments of class.