Max Bretos (right) interviewing soccer star David Beckham a few years ago. (Photo credit: Max Bretos)
Editor’s note: Max Bretos anchors ESPN’s studio coverage of Saturday’s MLS Cup (ESPN, 4:30 p.m. ET) which will signify the end of David Beckham’s six-season MLS career. Front Row asked Bretos, who has covered the league since its inception, to give his thoughts on the “Beckham Effect” and what his invovlement in the league has meant for soccer.
It is a day I can vividly remember. I was in Indianapolis for the 2007 NSCAA Convention. I came into a convention hall, full of everybody who was anybody in American soccer. They were all buzzing with news that the David Beckham move to Major League Soccer was imminent.
Max Bretos
It was amazing, the most recognizable player in the world, a year or two away from his prime, was coming to the United States’ fledgling league.
And now, after six seasons, “Becks” has announced Saturday’s game will be his last.
Ever since his arrival, Major League Soccer has done nothing but move forward, at times taking major strides. Was it all due to a “Beckham effect?”
Probably not. But he was the guy that seemed to set it all off. Soccer-specific stadium construction ramped up, an infusion of great young talent from Central and South America entered the league and MLS is in better shape than when Beckham arrived.
Things were much different in MLS B.B. — Before Beckham. continue reading…
