Rumor you didn’t hear: Marta to the LA Galaxy

If you watched the Women’s World Cup you wake up much earlier in the day than I do. You also saw Marta dominate the competition. The Brazilian forward was fabulous. She is without question the most exciting and talented female player today. Her performance has led some to wonder how she would do competing against the boys in MLS.

Cathal Kelly in the Toronto Star makes the case for Toronto FC giving Marta a shot. Along the way there is mention of rumors about Marta playing for the LA Galaxy, rumors that I’m fairly certain don’t exist, but are fun to think about nevertheless.

If the rumours are to be believed, the L.A. Galaxy are already interested. Given the Galaxy’s publicity stunt with David Beckham, the rumour makes sense. Knowing how low playing beside a woman would bring the reputation of L.A.’s media-battered superstar, it’s impossible.

Toronto, on the other hand, is a much softer landing point. Tick off the points in favour: young, struggling team in need of skill up front; an open-minded, sports-mad town; a sizable Portuguese-speaking community; the chance for the city to preen in the international spotlight.

Points against outnumber the positives by a wide margin: the pressure on Marta, on her new teammates or the fact that no gender crossover in team sport has ever worked. Don’t even mention which level of government would have to fund the new locker room.

But most of all, we fear the world’s ridicule. And it would be hastily forthcoming. From this contrarian’s vantage point, that’s half the reason to do it and have most of the fun.

I’m under no illusion that Marta could step in and compete in MLS, but you have to admit that she could do just as good a job of not scoring goals as Toronto’s forwards have done this season and she’d do so in much flashier fashion. She also could probably teach Landycakes a thing or two if she played for the Galaxy.

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Category: MLS, World Football