with apologies to King of All Lists Jeff Bradley -- here is a rundown of what is catching my eye these days:
EVERYONE LOVES A HAPPY ENDING: Happen to catch The New York Times cover story recently about the youth soccer team in Georgia made up of refugee kids? Well, Hollywood did, and Universal Pictures anted up millions of dollars for the movie rights, most of which will benefit the kids and the sport.
A SUPERSTAR WITH A HEART: Nice job out of Becks the other day, who took the time to place a call to a big Canadian fan who is struggling while battling cancer. When Becks called, the girl's mom said she was sleeping, but when Becks identified himself, a quick wake-up was in order. A few days later, according to the Hamilton Spectator, a Canadian newspaper, a personalized and signed jersey showed up at the girl's house. Unfortunately, word is the girl passed away earlier this week, but still, solid.
RED BULL IS NOT TALKING WITH NICK RIMANDO: The reason I know - besides the fact they just signed the big Dutchman - comes from Jeff Agoos' answer to rumors that the Red Bulls are bidding for Rivaldo after Ronaldo went to AC Milan: "We're not talking to Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho or any other player whose name starts with R and ends with O."
Now want proof that I need a life? I was actually curious about how many players in MLS history have names that would preclude them from being courted by the Red Bulls currently. On the list, in alphabetical order, are Andrew Restrepo, Nick Rimando, Angel Rivillo, Alberto Rizo and Isaac Romo.
Yup, I clearly live the glamorous Hollywood lifestyle.
SO WHO WILL GET THAT LAST SPOT AT RED BULL? Sources tell Michael Lewis of the New York Daily News that The Bruce might be eyeing Run DMB, who just scored for Manchester City the other day, to make an MLS return.
ANOTHER CUP FOR LAMAR: My Hoops and the Crew will go head-to-head in the inaugural Pioneer Cup on March 11 at Pizza Hut Park to honor the late Lamar Hunt. The game will raise money for both team's foundations, with the loser having to cough up for the winner. The game will be preceded by an alumni game.
LINE ABOUT DAVID BECKHAM THAT MADE ME LAUGH: "Hopefully I can get some of that as well." -- Dwayne De Rosario on Beckham's salary.
LINE ABOUT BECKHAM THAT MADE ME SLIGHTY UNCOMFORTABLE: "He is a very masculine hero." -- photographer Annie Leibowitz, who photographed the Galaxy midfielder (love saying that) for a new Disney campaign in which the Galaxy playmaker (love saying that, too) portrayed Prince Charming. Becks joins my second wife, Scarlett Johansson, as a Disney spokesperson.
THERE WILL BE NO JORDAN RULES IN MLS: MLS executive Ivan Gazidis came out this week to put the kibosh on any thoughts the refs will give Becks special treatment above any other creative type. "Beckham's a pretty tough character. I think he will be able to handle himself in MLS," Gazidis said.
ONLY ON PLANET LA - OPEN TRYOUTS GO HOLLYWOOD: Open tryouts used to be like the American Idol auditions, except pretty much everyone would've gotten yelled at by Simon Cowell. But out here on the Planet, things have gone high profile.
With Becks on board, everyone and their plastic surgeon now wants to try out for the chance to suit up with Becks. Man, nothing is easy anymore, huh Galaxy staffers? Sure glad I don't work there.
And over at Los Goats, Univision has turned the Chivas USA tryouts into a reality show, Sueño MLS, that will air Sundays on Univision. It took just eight hours for all 2,000 available spots to be filled, with applicants coming from more than 40 states.
Only on the Planet, kids.
BUT THAT'S ONLY 8,675 IN U.S. SEASON TICKETS: Have you seen the ticket sales numbers for Toronto FC, who have yet to kick a ball? They have sold more than 11,000 already. Wow.
ELDRICK ROLLS OUT THE WELCOME MAT: Tiger Woods told the media he is happy to have Becks coming to L.A.: "The Rams and the Raiders moved out. Now we're looking for something else, and I think with David's star power there, I think it will bring another notch and another thing for all of us in southern California to come out and watch."
Too bad Tiger doesn't win many golf tournaments these days, or he might be able to afford some decent seats.
ONE GOAL = TWO CAMELS, IN CASE YOU WERE CURIOUS: United Arab Emirates striker Ismael Matar was given a gift by a big fan after scoring the goal in 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia that put his country's national team in the Gulf Cup final: two camels.
But thankfully, Matar did not let the camels go to his head: "I don't think about these personal gains. All I'm thinking about is winning the title for my country."
During the season, The Clean Sheet runs each week on MLSnet. Views and opinions expressed in this column views and opinions are the author's, and not necessarily those of Major League Soccer or MLSnet.com. Send any questions and comments to tcsresponses@yahoo.com
