If we’re being honest, the Portland Timbers’ atrocious defending set the stage wonderfully for David Beckham.
But don’t get too hung up on that. So very many players couldn’t coax the balls that Major League Soccer’s most illustrious right foot did so effectively on Saturday, even when afforded opportunities of such high possibility.
Beckham’s two goals Saturday were absolute stunners.
Yes, he had acres of space to line up that first goal, that highlight-maker that dropped behind Timbers goalkeeper Troy Perkins with such ruthless precision. But, again, how many times have we seen an uncontested shot from 25-30 yards fly harmlessly high, agonizingly wide or drop comfortably into the goalkeeper’s gloves?
Beckham took a look, set the sights and convinced his shot to go right where he wanted – as if the doggone things was laser-guided. And key to the effort was the wisdom of the years; Beckham didn’t need to crush the ball. It was moment that called for calm and finesse rather than bare-knuckle brawn.
On to his second strike:
Fouling a Galaxy attacker anywhere near the 18 is never a wise move. I mean … Beckham!
So, the former England international’s second act of high marksmanship was equally predictable in some ways. And yet, we see free kicks around the penalty area come and go each week in MLS, almost always finishing “more sizzle than steak,” as they say.
Not Beckham’s shot, which had room to spare as it fell with jaw-dropping effect into the Jeld-Wen Field goal.
His two goals also ask this question: is the Galaxy man about to take out his Olympic frustration on the rest of Major League Soccer? Answer: only the most un-wise of sides will provide such glistening opportunities to do so.
