Sylvae MLS News

David Beckham: Why Staying Away from France Was Brilliant Move

After English midfielder David Beckham's five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expired, it seemed as if there was a good chance he would go back overseas. After declining an offer from Paris Saint-Germain, however, that won't happen, and I think it was the right choice. Many will call Beckham stupid for deciding to stay in Los Angeles rather than signing on with PSG. That is especially true since Scott French of ESPNLosAngeles.com is reporting that the French football club was offering him roughly $1 million per month for 18 months. Seeing as Beckham had just come off a $32.5 million contract with the Galaxy and made millions upon millions more while playing in Europe previously, money likely isn't even a consideration for him. This decision had a lot more to do with not wanting to uproot his wife Victoria and their children. Many like to criticize athletes for being money-hungry, but with Beckham's decision stemming solely from a family perspective, you can't help but respect him. On top of that, he can continue to be a large fish in a small pond in the MLS. If Beckham were to go to PSG or some other European power, there's no ...

David Beckham: Los Angeles Galaxy Remain Superstar’s Best Option

David Beckham helped the Los Angeles Galaxy win the MLS Cup and, since his contract was up, started being linked to a European return. Based on a report from Neil McLeman of Mirror Football, however, it looks like Becks will be staying stateside. PSG sporting director Leonardo, speaking in Doha this morning, said: "Yes, it is finished. It is a pity. David was very keen to come to Paris. "But the welfare of his family in Los Angeles, and his desire not to make big changes in his life weighed heavy on him." Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as the most likely potential suitor for Beckham and are obviously upset an agreement could be reached. Even though another chance to play in Europe would have been a proper send off of the veteran playmaker, staying with the Galaxy remains his best option. First and foremost, it is never easy to pick up everything when you have a young family. Beckham has never had any complaints about his stay in Los Angeles, and being able to maintain that stable, low-pressure environment is a nice luxury to have.It's something that wouldn't have been available with PSG because the diehard fans would have been much more ...

David Beckham Transfer Rumors Are Over, Becks Will Remain with the Galaxy

Throughout the last five years, David Beckham has been helping to build the brand that is Major League Soccer to both the United States and the world.After months of speculation, the English star is now set to stay in Los Angeles and finish his career there.Today, Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al Khelaifi said at the Qatar Open tennis tournament: “David Beckham is in Los Angeles. And he's going to stay there.”It was revealed this Christmas that Beckham and his family discussed the possible move to PSG and decided to accept a rolling contract that would allow the English star to continue playing with the club until he decides to retire.After Beckham won the MLS Cup, it was massively reported that Beckham would be joining PSG, with even more reports suggesting that he could join the club during the the tennis tournament that the PSG president is currently attending.PSG have been building themselves into a major football club during the last several months with Qatar Investment Authority deciding to buy 70 percent of PSG shares from then-owners Colony Capital last May.They had already signed some expensive players over the summer transfer window and had just made former AC Milan and Chelsea boss Carlo ...

Report: David Beckham to Remain in the MLS: Family to Keep Becks in LA

Despite recent rumors of David Beckham heading the Paris to join French side Paris Saint-Germain, it appears as though the tides have now turned for this aging star. Soccernet.com is citing Beckham's family as being the deciding factor in the difficult decision facing Becks this off-season.  Leonardo was planning on giving the former England captain time to reconsider his position, but it now seems as though Beckham's decision is final. He does not want to leave his family behind in California - as he has done in previous loan spells at AC Milan - on what would be a long-term basis.Beckham has long been vocal about his aspirations to add to the MLS ever since his arrival. He has shown interest in owning his own team once his playing career is over. Many feel that the MLS was using this as leverage to keep Beckham a part of Major League Soccer.Whatever transpired, it seemed certain that Beckham would be taking his dangerous right boot to Paris this transfer window.  What does Beckham's decision mean for the MLS?LA will be again be favored contenders.The LA Galaxy will retain all three of their key designated players and remain favorites to retain their MLS title in 2012.MLS ...

Toronto FC Offseason Talk: Aron Winter’s First Full Winter with the Club

The MLS offseason has been quiet thus far, with both the expansion draft and re-entry draft having already taken place. Toronto FC has been especially quiet—only waiving a few roster players and adding one young prospect (Reggie Lambe).This is just the calm before the storm. Moves must and will be made as Technical Director Aron Winter is looking to make changes during his first full offseason with the team.TFC has solidified itself as one of the most popular clubs in the young league, but has yet to make an appearance in the playoffs. Last season could be split into two entirely different campaigns because basically the entire team was flipped midseason. The second half was a success and the team will look to build on this.Looking forward to next season we have a birth in the knockout stages of the CONCACAF Champions League, and of course the introduction of the newest Canadian MLS Franchise, Montreal Impact. The next step in the offseason will be the 2012 MLS Superdraft, where Toronto holds picks four and 12 in the first round.Team Needs:Playmaking, Central DefendersTeam Surplus: Goalkeepers, Defensive Midfielders.Breakdown  The team is solid upfront with Danny Koevermans in the middle and a plethora of options on ...

David Beckham: Former England Star Would Be Dumb to Choose L.A. Galaxy over PSG

Former England international star David Beckham is foolishly considering signing a new deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS over French Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain.His current contract with the Galaxy expires at midnight of the new year, and though Beckham has been rumored to be considering a transfer to PSG, the Galaxy could remain with his current club according to the Daily Mail: Sources close to the former Manchester United midfielder on Friday night said that, as it stands, the veteran is more inclined to stay in America. Beckham, 36, will hold talks with his adviser, Simon Fuller, over the coming days before making his decision but is reluctant to uproot his wife Victoria and four children, who are settled in Los Angeles. Beckham is not the superstar midfielder he once was for Manchester United, but he is still capable of being effective in the French league, and PSG are currently an exciting team with a bright future.They just hired former AC Milan and Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti to be their new manager, and the club currently sit atop the Ligue 1 table with a three-point lead over Montpellier.Beckham would be able to give the PSG midfield some creativity ...

Toronto FC: 5 Biggest Names That Flopped for the Club

By far, the best part of living anywhere near Toronto is that there is always something to complain about in terms of sports.  Let's face it, Toronto clubs have all been rather pathetic over the past decade or so.  With the introduction of Toronto FC into the fold came another avenue to scrutinize, examine and complain about.  MLS is a growing league, and with the introduction of David Beckham and the Designated Player Rule, each team has sought European talent to strengthen their side.As you will soon see, not all of these European imports live up to their pedigree, name or price tag.  Here are the five biggest import flops in TFC's young history. Begin Slideshow

Red Bulls Offseason Report: Marquez Status, Henry to Arsenal and Ream Transfer

This is your New York Red Bulls offseason report for the month of December.At the start of the Red Bulls' offseason, I made a list of five things that the team had to do before the much-anticipated start of the 2012 season. Those five things were: Get attractive home jerseys, sell Rafa Marquez, keep Henry happy, test Ream in the market and find a playmaker.How is the team doing on the five objectives I assigned to them? Click through this slideshow to see. Begin Slideshow

5 Reasons TFC Should Never Have Traded Dwayne De Rosario

2011 was a year of great drama regarding the most successful player to lace up for Toronto FC.  With two great seasons under his belt in his native town, Dwayne De Rosario made public demands for increased wages.  Then the great Celtic fiasco began, in which De Rosario began training with Celtic FC without permission from Toronto.   Goal.com reported intern management stated, "We were unaware of Dwayne's plan to train with Celtic and we will contact them to understand the situation.  Obviously, if there is interest in a short-term loan arrangement by either him or Celtic, they will need to approach us and the league formally, and we will consider based on what is in TFC's best interest." These two moments spoiled De Rosario's name in Toronto. However, despite the conflict surrounding Dwayne in his last months with The Reds, this is a list of five reasons Toronto should have held onto this Canadian star.Begin Slideshow

MLS Transfers: Houston Dynamo Make Their First Deal of the Offseason

Nathan Sturgis, a 24-year-old journeyman midfielder, joined his fifth MLS club in only seven years yesterday evening, landing with the Houston Dynamo.  This young utility player has seen brief stints of both success and lackluster play throughout his MLS career.  Houston signed Stugris from Toronto FC for a conditional 2014 draft pick (essentially not much).  It would appear that Toronto unloading Sturgis might mean that Aron Winter has his targets set on bringing in another piece to his side.  Losing Sturgis (who did not particularly impress in Toronto) frees up both cap room and an American international slot.  Having just last season signed Sturgis from the Vancouver Whitecaps for a first overall (eighth) pick in the 2011 SuperDraft, Toronto sees a great deal of loss as this deal goes through.Houston looks to Sturgis to add depth and leadership.  President of Business Operations Chris Canetti told MLSsoccer.com that:Dom [Kinnear] knows in his mind what he likes, and when he really likes a guy he envisions, far more than anyone else, how that guy will fit into the club and into his scheme. That was certainly the case with Adam Moffat and hopefully it will be the same situation where Dom sees Sturgis in a certain role with our club and ...