While David Beckham was inside The Home Depot Center being introduced to a throng of reporters, photographers and cameramen, as well as a healthy number of ardent supporters, the Los Angeles Galaxy were going on about their day in a business as usual manner. Well, as usual as can be on what is possibly the biggest media event in league history.
Even from the practice pitch on the grounds of the HDC, players could hear the ovations coming from inside the stadium.
"We were heading out to training while everyone else was inside for the ceremony," said Cobi Jones on his way out of the locker room. "We could hear a few of the cheers and stuff like that going on over the loudspeaker."
Right before training began, the team met Beckham. All reports from players were that it was the typical meet and greet for any new player, and some of the squad even had a few laughs. Alan Gordon introduced himself and then jokingly pretended that he didn't know who Beckham was, asking him for his name.
"He did well today," said Chris Albright of Gordon's joke. "He's a young kid, but he's learning."
Even with the lighthearted nature of the meeting, it was obvious that it was a little bigger than the normal player introduction.
"It's a little overwhelming at first, even for him. Any time you're introduced to a new team it's one guy being introduced to 20 different teammates," said Joe Cannon. "On top of that I think half of AEG is here today. Let's be honest, Tim Leiweke wasn't here for Kelly Gray or me when I first came. (Beckham's) a big deal."
Despite the hoopla and media attention that has surrounded his arrival, the Galaxy players are excited to have a player who is ready to assimilate himself into the squad, and has already made a good first impression on everyone.
"He's a pretty laid back and cool guy. He's funny enough and unassuming," said Jones. "I think he'll fit right in."
When all the hype and attention does finally settle down, what it all comes down to is the impact that Beckham will have on the field.
"He's going to help out our midfield a lot. He's a great talent," said Albright. "Obviously we'll have to wait and see, but people are trying to downplay the impact that he'll have on the field. He's the kind of player that can change a game in a moment and that's what we're looking for him to do."
The timing of Beckham's arrival couldn't have been better. The Galaxy don't have their next league game until August 5th. Between now and then, the Galaxy will participate in SuperLiga and the World Series of Football. That guarantees the Galaxy no fewer than four games to try and get Beckham acclimated to the tendencies of his teammates.
"That's exactly it. It's good for (Beckham) to have this opportunity to get to know the players he's going to be playing with," said Jones.
The Beckham era arrived in the Galaxy locker room at about 9 a.m. There is no question that things will be different both on and off the pitch, and the entire Galaxy squad is itching to get on the field as soon as possible.
Greg Daurio is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
