Why MLS Needs Blanco More Than Beckham

By: Daryl | March 31st, 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPFvHAzUgg8

Think it’s fair to say that Cuauhtémoc Blanco had a much better MLS 2008 Week One than David Beckham. While Beckham led LA Galaxy to a horrible 4-0 defeat at Colorado Rapids, Blanco scored a 92nd minute equalizer (above) for Chicago Fire at Real Salt Lake. And here’s why I think that’s important:

This might be overdramatizing things, but I like to think of MLS’s two most high profile DPs as being engaged in a battle for the league’s soul. On one hand you have David Beckham. He’s very PR savvy, very clean cut. He’s a brand all that. But friendly as he is, Beckham isn’t very exciting to watch. It’s all long passes and occasional free kicks.

On the other hand there’s Cuauhtémoc Blanco. He’s extremely exciting to watch, all flair and unexpected bits of magic and great goals like the one above. But he’s not PR savvy, which gives him an element of danger. He’s the kind guy who hides behind a wall, and hits Azteca TV reporters in the head (see video below)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uYGDcwvDMs

So, much as I wish Beckham success in MLS (and I really, really do) I wish Blanco even more success. I don’t want MLS to become a safe, boring league with a giant PR campaign that attracts perfect American families and fans of celebrity. I want MLS to become an exciting league where controversial things happen and the football takes your breath away.

And right now, I think Blanco’s winning.

Here are the rest of the goals from MLS Week One, compiled by Climbing the Ladder:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPEPhzVJ2To

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Category: MLS

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Daryl

True, Blanco played Beckham off the park last season, but Beckham had the excuse of being injured. This year he doesn't.
Alex

news flash....even last year when they both started playin in the MLS...blanco was playing way better than beckham....the problem is that you expect more of beckham cuz he came from europe, he has the look, hes a celebrity etc etc...so our hopes are high...but with blanco...nobody really cared...
Jeremy

If I am not mistaken, one of the news guys called him a rather derogatory word for homosexual. The MLS so needs el Temo.
Albert

Blanco still has some skills.

That reporter he hit was ESPN Deportes guy, David Faitelson. If you ever hear him talk on Futbol Picante, you would want to hit him in the head also. lol
Ian

Terrible background music as always, but some really nice goals. The fourth goal for Colorado, from Clark I think, was probably my favorite. Abel just got absolutely owned.