The Los Angeles Galaxy confirmed today that David Beckham will not join the club for their match this Sunday versus the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Head Coach Frank Yallop made the decision Friday afternoon after evaluating Beckham's condition following last night's Galaxy match with Chivas USA, in which the midfielder played the full 90 minutes. Beckham left the field limping last night after a hard-fought game and was seen grimacing in pain throughout the contest, which was Beckham's third in six days.
"While it's regrettable that he will not get the opportunity to play in Colorado this season, we have to focus on healing David's injury," said Galaxy President and General Manager Alexi Lalas. "He will rest this weekend in LA while preparing for our SuperLiga final match on Wednesday."
"I'm really disappointed to not be able to play my first match in Colorado, when I was there for the All-Star Game it looked like a fantastic stadium," said Beckham. "I'd love to be on the pitch with my team this Sunday, but our training staff has advised me that it would be detrimental to not only my health for this game but for the rest of the season as well. Thanks to all the fans that have supported me these last few weeks; I look forward to making it out to Colorado for our next scheduled match there."
"While we were looking forward to hosting David here in Colorado, the Rapids' game against the Galaxy is still a huge match for us this Sunday, it's basically a six-point game," said Jeff Plush, Managing Director of the Rapids. "The Galaxy not having their best player helps us out on the pitch as we make our final push to the playoffs, and having that 12th man support in the full building Sunday night will only help us against the Galaxy.
"We applaud Beckham's efforts as a competitor on the pitch over this last week, and we believe if he could play on Sunday, that he would. We wish him a speedy recovery, but at the same time I look forward to seeing all the fans that will be at the fifth sellout of the year at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Sunday supporting their Rapids in this all-important match."
The Los Angeles Galaxy visit the Colorado Rapids on Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 4 p.m. (PT) at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in a game that can be seen live on FSN West.
