Donovan, Beckham Duo Tearing up MLS in Early Season

Last year when David Beckham first imagined that he could help trigger a soccer revolution in the United States, he might have envisioned games such as the one last weekend.  The LA Galaxy battled Chivas USA before emerging triumphant after a wild 2nd half, 5-2.   After all, the game was a sellout, featured impressive goals and even had the requisite celebrity cachet, with Tom Cruise and Wayne Gretzky among those in attendance.

Landon Donovan's talents have been known for some time. The midfielder/striker holds the US national team records for goals (35) and assists (30). He has won three MLS titles, two with the San Jose Earthquakes (2001, 2003) and one with the Galaxy in 2005.   He's a special player, Landon," Beckham said. 

Yet Donovan has often received the brunt of criticism when his team, whether national or club, has fallen short. The Americans. crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in 2006, while the Galaxy failed to reach the playoffs over the last two seasons. Objectively speaking, other players were probably more to blame for the disappointments, but because of Donovan's ability, more was expected of him. Statistically, Donovan has never really had a poor club season, he has been absolutely on fire, leading the league with eight goals after five games.   Beckham has accounted for a goal and four assists thus far and the Galaxy are averaging over two goals a game thus far.

His partnership with Beckham has brought out new aspects to his play -- revealing a player who is taking full advantage of the upgrade in quality that the England international offers.  "Having David healthy and fit takes pressure off me," Donovan said.  Beckham has used his mantle of celebrity to bring more exposure to MLS. The focus on Beckham has been so intense that some speculated Donovan would feel neglected and his play would suffer. Instead, he has thrived in the role of sidekick.

"It's nice for both of us to be in the position that we're in," Beckham said. "He also takes the pressure off me, because he's scoring some great goals. He's scoring goals that are winning us games. I can do my job. I can do my assists and that's what I do."

The duo accounted for all of the Galaxy's goals this season until substitute Alan Gordon headed in the game-winning goal in the 76th minute of the second half, breaking a 2-2 deadlock.   With Beckham beside him, Donovan is more liberated,  free from much of the media hassle he once faced, free from having to always create for his team, free from having to guide the squad. Donovan has, in effect, been cut loose to just play. "I feel like I'm being more assertive and aggressive," Donovan said. "I know I have that ability and lately I've felt good doing those things."