Becks Draws Monster Crowd, Boos & Cheers

Record 66,000 watch his first start in US soccer at Giants Stadium
By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 19, 2007 6:49 AM CDT
Becks Draws Monster Crowd, Boos & Cheers
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham passes the ball during second-half MLS soccer against the New York Red Bulls, Saturday night, Aug. 18, 2007, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)   (Associated Press)

A record crowd of more than 66,000 turned out yesterday to watch soccer star David Beckham make his first US Major League Soccer start at Giants Stadium. New York Red Bulls fans booed him when he battled for his Los Angeles Galaxies—but cheered the shirtless Becks at game's end. “I’ve had that at many grounds—and worse,” he said of the boos.

 “It’s nice when you win and you can smile at the people booing you.” But despite his three assists, Becks' team lost 5-4. Bulls games typically draw 11,000 fans. Nobody in soccer "can sell tickets the way Beckham can," said a player. The goal count was so high that Beckham said it reminded him of games he played as a boy. (More David Beckham stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X