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Major League Soccer’s past, present and future all converged at on Saturday night. One of the most prominent events of the opening day of the league’s 24th season was the LA Galaxy unveiling a statue of David Beckham before their 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire. Beckham played six seasons with the Galaxy and led them to two championships.

Beckham‘s signing gave higher prominence to the league internationally as more high-profile players arrived and fan interest increased. “No doubt our league wouldn’t be what it is today if David didn’t make that decision,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said during a pregame ceremony. “At that time we were a fledgling business and trying to figure out if soccer would make it in America. His signing told the world that Major League Soccer could be the league of choice.”

One of the most influential players in #LAGalaxy and @MLS history. | #BeckhamStatue pic.twitter.com/cHmsHeaTOP

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from US news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2UdRC0U