Amateurs Audition to Bend it With Beckham
Feb. 10, 2007 — -- Auditioning to make it to the big time is not just for aspiring singers on "American Idol" anymore. The concept has spread to finding the new teammates for soccer-star David Beckham.
Beckham's new team, the Los Angeles Galaxy has had open tryouts before but only about 150 players showed up. But, today, some 800 hopefuls turned-out to try-out for the Galaxy, looking for their shot at professional soccer and the chance to play alongside Beckham.
Twenty-year-old Joe Horlock came all the way from England for his chance and believes that might give him an advantage over his competition.
"The game is a lot quicker in England," he said, "and that's what I'm used to. So hopefully that will stand me in good stead coming over here."
Steve Wright, an auto mechanic from Redono Beach, Calif., came out just for the fun of giving it a chance.
"You never know what happens," he said.
The Galaxy is looking for any undiscovered talent and may need to sign some less expensive players after they invested $250 million in Beckham's contract.
The record deal was part Major League Soccer 's strategy to draw larger crowds by bringing in higher-profile players.
Major League Soccer attendance pales in comparison to other pro sports in the United States. The average Major League Soccer game draws about 15,500 fans, compared to the National Football league average of 67,000.
While soccer is America's most popular youth sport, the MLS is struggling to keep fans interested once they grow up.
"Having soccer in your life is one thing," said Alexi Lalas, the general manager of the Galaxy, "but having professional soccer in your life is another thing. And that's a hurdle that we still haven't figured out."
The signing of Beckham has had some initial success in attracting a bigger audience. Already, the Galaxy has sold 5,000 additional season tickets.
Yet some remain skeptical as to whether Beckham can work miracles and draw larger crowds for the entire league.
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