Everything is better when David Beckham is back. Seriously.

And even though he saw an expected 20 minutes of action in relief of Juninho (who also returned from his own matters on the other side of the Western Hemisphere), it was a manageable margin—yellow card, touches and all—in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 3-1 victory over the Columbus Crew at the Home Depot Center.

On the ninth anniversary of 9/11, the Galaxy got a little revenge for what their youth academy Under-20s did to them in Rockford, Illinois several days ago.

So now this one question sprouts out of the seeds of this relieved publian: will they make this a habit?

Tonight, the fans saw what they were accustomed to during the early part of the season. They were treated to crisp passing and solid defending from the back line of Omar Gonzalez, Leonardo, Sean Franklin, and Todd Dunivant, save for one blatant hiccup (more on that later).

As a matter of fact, this was the first time in recent memory that the back line played like a back line. It's been too long since I've given a rave review on this otherwise inconsistent foursome, but they got the job done. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Eddie Gaven, and Steven Lenhart got stymied once again by a team that needed this win.

The Galaxy NEEDED this win. This result was a breath of fresh air, a release from the smog that was the last two months.

Offensively, the Buddlevan Connection was back online...via an intermediary by the name of Sean Franklin. In the 13th minute, Buddle earned his 14th of the season from Landon Donovan and Franklin.

About 22 minutes later, Dema Kovalenko found real estate in Columbus's defensive third. You cannot give up that much space to Kovalenko; otherwise, his finishing touch will make you pay. And he did, giving Los Angeles a 2-0 lead and opening his scoring account in the process.

The icing on the cake came in the 55th minute, when Alex Cazumba's free kick found Jovan Kirovski for his fourth of the season.

But what really got the fans pumped up was the inevitable return of David Beckham.

A few minutes after the whistle blew, the flashbulbs were off as Beckham warmed up. The flashbulbs intensified as he took off his warm-up jersey and put on his game jersey. And as he took the pitch, the energy in Victoria Street hit a peak and the rest is history, as the old saying goes.

You know, I would like this to happen—and excuse me as I put my Bruce Arena hat on— have Beckham play the second half next week against D.C. United. Then—if he is in good stead, and feeling fit as ever—start him against the New York Red Bulls.

Picture this: Thierry henry, Juan Pablo Angel, David Beckham, Rafa Marquez, and Landon Donovan (oh yes, and Edson Buddle too) all on the same pitch. Better get Lalas Hill ready, ye men and women of the Galaxy Front Office. I feel a sellout coming on September 24. I hope...


Ins and Outs

Chicken Thief No. 8: Andres Mendoza

This 85th minute goal was a flat-out gimme. No help from the back line in what was essentially a reprise of the past misdeeds of the past twon months, and Donovan Ricketts was a lame, sitting duck hung out to dry.

Uh, guys in the back, when are you going to kick this habit of giving up howlers? Mercy!

Cue that McBain scene from the Simpson involving Rainier Wolfcastle.

I will go on the record to say that Mendoza, a feisty Peruvian with the heart of a lion, was the hardest-working player on Columbus, and I'll tell you why: he has no respect for Beckham. Mendoza challenged his recently-healed Achilles, and even though Becks didn't get hurt and should shake it off in time for next week's match against D.C. United, he earned his goal tonight.

This back line for LA is miles away from being the finished product, but aside from this gift, they are a step in the right direction. That being said...Leonardo, you owe the 19,000-plus in attendance some chicken, boy! Pay up!

Movin' right along...


"Just Call Me Joe!"

Earlier today I said my customary hello to the voice of the LA Galaxy, the one, the only, the incredible Mr. Joe Tutino. He perhaps went out to check his car and/or meet with some of his connections in the parking lot. In a twist of fate, instead of Mr. Tutino, he told me, "Just call me Joe!"

Boy what a gentleman. He's a down to earth guy and a great personality. One of the best in the business. Be sure to check out his "Cup of Joe" interviews fresh from the percolator that is LAGalaxy.com.


A cheap way to get a sound bite

Inside the press box, I noticed that a Nick Green of the Long Beach Press Telegram and a few others were using their voice recorders and gluing them to a television screen to get an interview from David Beckham on the pitch.

Now I thought that was a clever idea. Just amp up the tellies in the box, glue the recorders, and get the sound bites. Upload it to wherever, and watch the magic unfold.

At first I thought this was a hilarious gimmick, but after I thought about it, this was convenience defined. A serendipity doo dah, if you will. Smart, you lot.

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