Major League Soccer kicked off a new season on Saturday with 10 games and a tribute to football great David Beckham, whose arrival in 2007 helped usher in a new era for the then upstart league.
A statue of the former England captain was unveiled by the LA Galaxy outside its stadium in an emotional ceremony prior to its 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire.
Beckham's former Galaxy coach Bruce Arena and teammate Robbie Keane, as well as Beckham's wife, Victoria, attended the ceremony.
“From day one when myself, Victoria, and the kids arrived in this city we felt at home and for that we will be forever grateful,” said Beckham, who is set to become an MLS club owner when expansion side Inter Miami joins the league.
“This city has always felt like home for me. My wife, my kids, my parents, and my friends, I couldn't have had the career I had without the support from you guys.”
Beckham made headlines around the world when he moved to the United States in 2007 after an illustrious career at Manchester United and Real Madrid.
His Galaxy deal was widely reported to be for US$250 million over five years, but in reality the $250 million figure was his potential earnings from salary, endorsements and club revenue. His base salary was $6.5 million a year but he was promised a percentage of Galaxy revenues.
Beckham played for the Galaxy until 2012, taking league titles in his final two campaigns, during a career that also featured a stop with England's national team.
“He wasn't one of the fastest players on the field, nor did he score many goals,” Arena said. “He was an outstanding passer and a great free-kick specialist.
“He was an intelligent and skillful player. He was simply a great leader and a winner.”
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant said, “the impact he had on the sport here in America can't be overstated. He was the first true big name to come to the States.”
Beckham helped pave the way for European star players to follow and so it was fitting that Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored on a late header on Saturday to lift the Galaxy to a season-opening win over the Fire.
Ibrahimovic, who was second in MLS last season with 22 goals in his debut campaign, rushed in to put his header past Fire goalkeeper David Ousted in the 80th minute.
“We are not 100 per cent but worked to get our first three points,” said Ibrahimovic.
Cincy debut
Elsewhere, Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley's brace lifted the Canadian side to a 3-1 victory at Philadelphia in the opening game of the season.
The 31-year-old US midfielder found the goal three minutes into first half stoppage time and again in the 62nd to put Toronto on top.
Mexico's Marco Fabian answered for the Union in the 73rd minute but US midfielder Nick DeLeon sealed Toronto's victory three minutes into stoppage time.
Opening day also featured the debut of expansion squad FC Cincinnati, who opened late at Seattle.
Three other early matches ended in draws with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution deadlocked 1-1, Orlando City and New York City level 2-2 and the New York Red Bulls finishing 1-1 with the Columbus Crew.
MLS Cup champion Atlanta, with a new manager and without star Miguel Almiron who decamped to Newcastle United in January, opens its campaign on Sunday against Wayne Rooney and D.C. United.
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