Friday, March 14, 2008

Several reasons for Beckham to play in Saturday’s game against FC Dallas

By Erin Rice

FC Dallas and the L.A. Galaxy will face off in the name of charity (and fan payback) Saturday night at Pizza Hut Park. The two teams last met in July 2007, when they presumably set any number of MLS records in the 11 goal match. Tomorrow's game is being dubbed a "friendly" from which all money raised will be donated to UNICEF, the Frisco Miracle League, and an LA charity to be chosen (hopefully not spent entirely at the "Pleasure Chest").

This reminds me of a dream I had...

The Galaxy confirmed earlier this week that David Beckham will indeed play despite a late injury against Shanghai Hong Kong United. He reportedly played all 90 minutes of the following game and will be healthy enough to take on FCD. According to the Brit's latest blog post, he's looking forward to playing in Dallas owing to last season's miss and our "rich sporting history with the Cowboys of the NFL and the Mavericks in the NBA." The FC Dallas Hoops of the MLS are no doubt similarly eager.

Beyond a chance to participate in Dallas sports history, this game could set the stage for Beckham's place in English football history. According to ESPNsoccernet, England National Team coach Fabio Capello will send out his team of spies to determine whether Beckham should be called up to play a friendly against France later this month. If he plays, it will be Beckham's 100th cap in the English kit and will make him one of only five players to achieve the distinction.

While fans will likely fixate on Becks (the player, not the beer; though it is the Saturday before St. Patty's...), FCD players are more likely anticipating the return of Carlos Ruiz, who was traded to the Galaxy earlier this year.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.

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