fishman Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 Bend it for Edmonton Beckham, Galaxy to play at Commonwealth Stadium this spring Vicki Hall and Dan Barnes, The Edmonton Journal Published: 1:31 am VANCOUVER - A Google search on soccer superstar David Beckham pulls up 11,800,000 hits and counting ... Those hits should continue to soar like a booming corner kick this morning with the news that Beckham will play at Commonwealth Stadium this spring. The world's most recognizable soccer player -- and, arguably, the most famous athlete on the planet behind only Tiger Woods -- will lace up his boots in Edmonton for a friendly match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Vancouver Whitecaps. Sources tell The Journal the exact date for the game has yet to be finalized, but initial plans call for it to take place in late April or early May. The date is expected to be confirmed next week. Beckham gained fame as a dominant midfielder for the England national team and Manchester United of the Premier League. At 32, his best soccer years are behind him, but his popularity remains unparalleled. Forbes magazine listed Beckham as No. 15 on their 2007 list of the world's most influential celebrities. "It's an event," said a source familiar with the negotiations aimed at bringing the Galaxy to Edmonton. "It's a one-off and he is one of the top five most recognized athletes in the world and he's a class act, a great ambassador for the sport." A similar game in Vancouver last November attracted a crowd of 48,172 to B.C. Place Stadium. Organizers apparently sold tickets only to the lower bowl until the demand forced them to open up the upper tier. A high percentage of the fans were women, not surprising given Beckham's sporty good looks. The Whitecaps, who play in the United Soccer League, and the Galaxy of Major League Soccer ended the game deadlocked in a scoreless tie. A source said the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League are involved in the promotion of the game. There's no word on whether Beckham will be accompanied by his wife Victoria, also known as Posh Spice from the Spice Girls pop group. A 1994 tune-up match between Canada and Brazil just prior to the World Cup in the U.S. drew about 50,000 fans to Commonwealth Stadium. Eddie Berlusconi became a Canadian soccer hero that day, scoring the 1-1 equalizer. The final game of the women's Under-19 world championship in 2002, featuring Canada and the U.S., drew a raucous crowd of 47,484 to Commonwealth. Canada lost a heartbreaker and settled for the silver medal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue and White Army Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 What about the Aviators? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue and White Army Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 What about the Aviators? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarnCherry Posted February 9, 2008 Share Posted February 9, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Blue and White Army What about the Aviators? Whitecaps are going to move to Edmonton because they can't get a new stadium built, and will change their name to Edmonton Aviators. StrobeZ will be hired to design their new logo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 This game is going to be sweet, I'm going to have to 'schedule a meeting at the Edmonton Office' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canucks fan Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 If it's someone or some group from Edmonton trying to bring in Beckham and the Galaxy for a game and they are simply inviting the Whitecaps because they're the closest team geographically, I think it's a great idea. However if it's the Whitecaps organization who are the main organizers/the ones behind this, I'd much rather see them bring high profile exhibition games to Vancouver (not necessarily Becks and L.A. again but other teams) rather than cities in another province. Although I guess when you dont have a large outdoor stadium thats kind of hard to do..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loyola Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Who's Eddie Berlusconi??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Yah, I laughed at that, too! Eddy Berdusco must be choked right now (or Silvio is) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmcmurph Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 "schedule a meeting at the Edmonton Office" I'll be attending the Big Rock conference at Commonwealth Stadium. I was thinking of sneaking out to the coast for a Whitecaps game but this is just a 3 hour drive. Wonderful what you can get with a real grass playing surface and 60,000 seat stadium. The Alberta Whitecaps... has a nice ring to it! [8D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Where on earth does one find 'whitecaps' in the barren prairies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 From an article in the Vancouver Sun February 9th... "The Vancouver Whitecaps are negotiating a late April or early May date with the Los Angeles Galaxy for an exhibition soccer game at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi said today." So it is a Whitecaps initiative it would seem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tmcmurph Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Richard Where on earth does one find 'whitecaps' in the barren prairies In winter you can watch the snow break over the fences as the wind howls. Come to think of it you may be right. How about the Alberta Snowcaps? PS. Hey Kerfoot, we'll have a stadium built for you before the port authority and civic politicians even give you approval. This is Alberta and we can get things done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Soccrman Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 And in late April/early May there will still be snow in Edm!! Could be cold as well!! Bit suprised that Commonwealth agreed to this as they don't usually let people play on the grass that early. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue and White Army Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 quote:Originally posted by Richard So it is a Whitecaps initiative it would seem. The original Edmonton Journal article made it sound like it was the CFL's Edmonton Eskimos who were behind this match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piltdownman Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 It will be on May 13th at 7:00PM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gian-Luca Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 http://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/2008/02/13/beckham_edmonton/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Streets Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 Really on Tuesday? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasonm Posted February 13, 2008 Share Posted February 13, 2008 EDMONTON, AB - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the Whitecaps will play Major League Soccer's (MLS) LA Galaxy featuring David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Carlos Ruiz on Tuesday, May 13 ay 7:00 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium. The international friendly will be a rematch of last November's tilt where 48,172 fans filled B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C., to see the two teams battle to a scoreless draw. "We are extremely excited about the opportunity to play the Galaxy in Edmonton," said Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi. "One of our club's mandates is to grow the game of soccer and this match will allow us to do that by showcasing two of North America's most storied soccer franchises. Edmonton has successfully hosted some of the biggest soccer events in Canadian history and I am positive that this match will be no different." Founded in 1996, the Galaxy are widely considered one of the most successful clubs in the 14-team MLS, having won MLS Cups titles in 2002 and 2005 and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2001 and 2005. They also won the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) Champions' Cup in 2000. "We have a tremendous relationship with the Vancouver Whitecaps and share their view of growing the sport throughout North America," said Galaxy Assistant General Manager Tom Payne. "The first time that we played the Whitecaps the game ended in a draw, this time we are looking to score goals, entertain the fans of Edmonton and come away with a victory." England international David Beckham and U.S. international Landon Donovan highlight the Galaxy's star-studded line-up. Beckham's resume includes three FIFA World Cups and 17 goals in 99 appearances for his country. In addition to his success with England, the midfielder has helped Real Madrid win Spain's Primera Division in the 2006-2007 season and led Manchester United to six English Premier League (EPL) titles, as well as the 1998-1999 UEFA Champions League. Donovan, a veteran of two FIFA World Cups, is the U.S. national team's all-time scorer with 35 goals in 98 appearances. The forward has won three MLS Cup titles, including the 2005 championship with the Galaxy. In addition to Beckham and Donovan, the Galaxy's roster includes Guatemala national team striker Carlos Ruiz and two Canadian internationals in defender Ante Jazi#65533; from Bedford, Nova Scotia and former Whitecaps defender/midfielder Kevin Harmse, who hails from Coquitlam, British Columbia. Ruud Gullit, who is a former manager of EPL sides Chelsea and Newcastle United, coaches the Galaxy. In 1987, Gullit was named European Player of the Year and he captained the Netherlands to the European Championship title in 1988. The Galaxy open their regular season on March 29 away to Colorado Rapids. Further Information The Whitecaps play in the 11-team United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1) and boast a formidable roster. Long-time veterans include Canadian international midfielders Martin Nash and Jeff Clarke and defender Steve Kindel. Nash, the 2007 Whitecaps team MVP, has won three USL-1 titles and earned 38 international caps. All three members were key contributors to the Whitecaps 2006 USL-1 championship season. The 2008 edition of the Whitecaps will see former Icelandic international striker Teitur Thordarson, who has also coached the Estonian national team, at the helm. Thordarson will look to integrate members from the Whitecaps Residency program, which includes Edmonton natives Randy Edwini-Bonsu, Marcus Johnstone and Antonio Rago, as well as Ethan Gage who hails from Cochrane, Alberta, into the first team. Whitecaps soccer hails back to 1973. The current team was formed in 1986 and is the oldest soccer franchise in North America. The Whitecaps kick off their 22nd season on April 12 at Swangard Stadium against Montreal Impact. To ensure a successful event the Whitecaps and Galaxy will work closely with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. "As a community-owned team, the Eskimos are proud to help bring this very special event to our fans and the city of Edmonton," said Eskimos President and CEO Rick LeLacheur. "I'm especially pleased that Eskimo fans will have first chance to buy these highly sought after tickets. We're looking forward to a great night of soccer between the Whitecaps and Galaxy at Commonwealth Stadium." Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium has hosted some of Canada's biggest soccer events. In 1994, Commonwealth drew close to 50,000 fans for a friendly between Canada and Brazil. In 2002, a crowd of 47,484 saw the FIFA U-19 Women's World Cup championship match between the U.S. and Canada. Also, last summer, Edmonton was a host city for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in which three matches exceeded 30,000 fans in attendance. Individual match tickets for the May 13 friendly will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. and will range from $25 to $85. Seating configuration at Commonwealth Stadium will be limited to the lower bowl of 25,000. However, if demand permits, select upper bowl seating may become available. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/galaxy or call 604.669.WAVE (9283). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SthMelbRed Posted February 14, 2008 Share Posted February 14, 2008 I like that the 'Caps are building a good, solid working relationship with MLS' flagship club. If they can maintain that relationship, get the support of MLSE, and maybe work on San Jose (Yallop could be a useful ally) and Seattle (who will benefit from a natural rivalry with a club a couple hours up the I-5), the 'Caps can build some serious momentum when the time comes for MLS to decide on Vancouver's entry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
finchster Posted February 23, 2008 Share Posted February 23, 2008 Fans in Edmonton, every time Landon Donovan touches the ball, boo him relentlessly. When I was at the game in Vancouver I was pretty close to the field and every time he touched the ball I booed or when his name was said on the PA. I hate Landon Donovan, so everyone else should boo him too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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