Briton should have big impact on MLS

Beckham-mania is coming to the United States, and Real Salt Lake players and officials, including owner Dave Checketts, couldn't be happier.

David Beckham, who is 31 years old, will move from famed Real Madrid to the L.A. Galaxy of Major League Soccer when his Madrid contract expires at the end of June.

"I have said that Major League Soccer was at an impact point and just ready to come rushing down to the mainstream in the United States," said Checketts. "... This is a huge, huge moment for Major League Soccer."

Just how big an impact will Beckham have on U.S. Soccer? Checketts said he received an email from a friend Thursday, which may give an indication of what's in store.

"He now rated MLS stock as a buy," Checketts said of his friend.

Beckham, who agreed to a five-year deal with L.A., is arguably the most well-known sports figure on earth and also one of the most recognizable faces on the planet. From a marketing standpoint, he'll undoubtedly inject a huge amount of interest into the league.

When RSL hosted Real Madrid and Beckham in an exhibition last August, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes watched the game from a suite at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"That's the kind of celebrity crowd he attracts," said Checketts.

MLS's complete 2007 schedule hasn't been released, but Salt Lake will face Los Angeles at least three times during the regular season, which begins in April.

Whether RSL gets to face Beckham during the 2007 season will depend on when it plays the Galaxy. According to reports, Beckham won't join his new team until August.

However, regardless of when it is, Real players are already looking forward to lining up against Beckham.

"In my opinion, he's going to come here and do very well," said forward Jason Kreis.

Rule changes by MLS last November helped pave the way for this move. At the end of last season, MLS implemented the designated-player rule, known as the "Beckham rule," which essentially allows each team to sign one player without being inhibited by the league's salary cap.

Asked whether RSL might use its designated-player slot anytime soon, Checketts said it won't be filled until after the team finalizes its stadium deal.

"The only way we would move it is if we got a major, major impact player in return," Checketts said. "I don't feel like I can do that until I know I'm going to be able to build a stadium."

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