I reserve the right to change my opinion if Beckham’s future actions warrant booing — but for now I’m ready to be finished with the ruckus.

I was tremendously impressed with the team at the game and have to give kudos to Arena for building this defense. I’ve seen a lot of teams that play Barcelona regularly be more intimidated (spellbound?) and more easily dismantled. The attack has been well-covered and I agree that the opening formation was both terrible and disheartening in its seeming intent. Glad they changed it.

I’ve been trying my hardest not to comment here on fan reaction to Beckham, but I will say that its a distraction for the rest of the team, and clearly was for the Barca fans I was watching with and who I would have preferred to discuss other aspects of the game with.

All in all, though, a fantastic night.

the game was great – i was impressed by the galaxy’s fitness level. i know they are mid-season, so that explains some of it – and they basically seemed to stand still for the first ten minutes – but overall i think they performed respectably.

the drama of beckham’s goal hasn’t quite been captured, in my view. the crowd’s jeers and whistles as he took position to take the kick were really loud, overwhelming. “He’s going to make it, just out of -” I was going to say “spite” but the ball was in the net before I could speak the word. really solid drama.

will look for you at cafecito in the future – and it was totally a great way to start the day!