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THE DIARY PROJECT RETURNS

Typically in soccer circles the term ‘Yanks Abroad’ conjures European images, but surprise!, Americans are living in other countries…

Typically in MLS circles the league’s competition (or lack thereof) is viewed in a European context, but surprise!, soccer is being played in other countries…

Typically only European super clubs like Real Madrid or Manchester United go on World Tours, but surprise!, MLS is getting into the act…

Like in Australia, where the country’s top league holds a similar footing as MLS in the United States and where the Los Angeles Galaxy were welcomed last week on the first leg of their South Pacific roadshow. Fortunately for TIAS, Travis Clark was there when the two leagues collided. His impressions are after the jump.

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For the last four months I have been living in Australia. I brought little else than my passion for soccer with me. While never a die-hard fan of any MLS team, I have attended almost every home match of the local club here, Sydney FC of the Australian A-League. The games have been entertaining mostly because I sit in the supporters section, nicknamed “The Cove,” after the original name for Sydney when it was first settled—Sydney Cove.

That addiction found an interesting twist this past week as the LA Galaxy Beckham world tour landed here on November 27. And as in the U.S., the marketing marvel has his work cut out for him in increasing the stature of soccer Down Under.

Similar to America, Soccer plays second fiddle to other sports in this sun-baked country. Rugby, Cricket, and Aussie Rules Football reign as fan favourites over soccer. The A-League is brand new, in only it’s third season. There is a long and complicated history of soccer in Australia, and while this is neither the time nor the place similarities between the A-League and the MLS are numerous.

They have a designated player rule, are known for a tough, physical brand of soccer, and can be seen as a retirement league for some of the older Australian players. Aside from the topical, a lot of Australians see soccer as less than a man’s sport. I’ll admit that while hitting each other repeatedly without pads is pretty hard core, the popularity of a cricket game which can last days causes me to scratch my. No matter though, this past weekend every Aussie sports fan turned his and her head towards Beckham.

I knew that something was different when earlier in my stay I noticed that all the Galaxy games were telecast on ESPN. Having left for Sydney in mid-July, I missed most of the mania that Beckham’s actual arrival into a Galaxy jersey caused. I knew of its impact and his injuries, but the round the world ripple effect surprised me. When I found out that the Galaxy were coming here for a friendly, I snatched up a ticket, eager to catch a glimpse of whatever it is that draws people to this man. And although I knew little about Sydney FC at the time, getting to see one of the world’s best, regardless of his diminished skill, was something I was more than happy to do. I did not do so begrudgingly.

Sydney FC matches before the Galaxy’s arrival were on par with MLS. Sydney’s marquee player, Juninho, member of the 2002 Brazilian World Cup team, didn’t really perform to standards; the team struggled at home. It wasn’t until October 28 that I finally saw them win a match when I was in attendance. Then November rolled around, and it was time for the madness to commence.

The sold-out match was scheduled for Telstra Stadium, the site of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics in 2000. The stadium was scaled back after the games, but still held more than 80,000 spectators.

As expected, there was huge hype surrounding the game. The Australian media was going wild; this was Beckham’s first time in the country. Four different television stations ran specials on him; they had him kick Aussie Rules Footballs and Rugby balls with some of their stars into the Sydney Harbor (he did similar stunt in New York); his every step was documented. I thought it was ludicrous. For him, that’s life; must be weird.

At the Sydney FC home game they day before, the Galaxy were introduced at halftime. The supporters in the Cove did not greet him warmly, but it’s a safe bet that every single fan there would be in attendance the following night…

Telstra was packed to the brim, empty seats few and far between. I was unable to get my usual seat, but I could still feel the power of The Cove from the opposite side of the stadium. It was time. There was that sense of relief that comes once an overly hyped attraction finally opens.

Nearly every single person in the stadium was there to see one man. I sat dumbfounded wondering why that is. It’s so strange; I can’t think of a situation better fit for the word ‘phenomenon’. After a build up like that, it was hard not to worry that the game would turn into an after thought, but it didn’t. I think the insanity may help opposing teams focus their energy better. Like maybe never before they have a chance to steal some of that sheen coming from #23.

Sydney scored the first three goals, and were up 3-0 just about 30 minutes into the game. The Galaxy looked sluggish, almost disinterested. I would be struggling too, because the trans-Pacific flight to get here is no fun. Playing just two days after getting here would be a nightmare for most people, even professionals. Oh, and they have barely even met their coach. While classified just a friendly, things became heated when Sydney midfielder Brendan Santalab slipped and collided with Beckham. Everyone in the stadium held their collective breath. It was clear Beckham was in pain as he limped around the stadium for the next 10 minutes, but he played on.

During the first half, every corner kick and free kick drew a blinding amount of flashbulbs from around the stadium, as everyone waited for greatness. Every time a Galaxy player would get fouled in proximity to the goal, a cheer rose from the crowd. Same with the ball going out for a corner kick. Ludicrous, but expected; after all, this was the Beckham show. And it couldn’t have gone by a better script: right before halftime, he popped in a vintage free kick.

Maybe it was the incessant bulbs blurring my vision, but MLS might be on to something here. People all over the world now know of both the Galaxy and the league. Though once my sight returns maybe I’ll see it for what it might really be, a farewell tour. A chance for both the league and Beckham to cash in on one more gig. This soccer team as a rock band reunion pulled out of Sydney en route to New Zealand, where they played in front of more than 31,000 people and kids were let out of school early to attend a Galaxy practice. That stop was victorious, as was no doubt the consensus from MLS’ marketing and merchandise departments. Boxes of merchandise lead the parade and will be left behind when the carnival moves on. The cardboard will be thrown away, recycled at best. Hopefully the same won’t need to be said for the sport, both in this part of the world, and the USA.
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Travis Clark, 22, is working toward a Masters of Publishing degree from the University of Sydney and has aspirations to write about soccer for a career. You can read his exploits on the school’s blog. You can contact Travis at travismclavy@gmail.com.

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banner photo: Telstra Stadium. Credit: Travis Clark