The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Beckham Circus has arrived. Forty five thousand spectators will pack into RFK this evening to witness the production. All eyes will be on English mega-star David Beckham, but his performance will likely be relegated to a side show, as an ankle injury will limit him to sub minutes (if any). Even so, the main event of the night is sure to be exciting enough to keep the third-biggest crowd in United’s history enthralled.
The game presents a chance for United to move into second place in the Eastern Conference and avenge last year’s embarrassing 5-2 rout at the hands of the Galaxy. Despite RFK’s merciless mocking of Landycakes Donovan, the star methodically picked apart United’s defense in securing the Gals’ third win at RFK in the last four years.
In seeking to reverse that trend, United will count on Luciano Emilio’s nose for the goal. The Brazilian striker struck for a brace this Sunday in United’s impressive 3-0 win over the New England Revolution and secured MLS Player of the Week Honors. Though Christian Gomez is questionable to start (strained quadriceps), look for Fred, returning from a 1-game suspension, to replace Gomez’s creativity in the midfield.
After the game, the folks who can afford it will head over to Lima (1401 K St., NW) for the official afterparty. Bobby Boswell is hosting the event and expects a solid turnout, including United and Galaxy players. You have to fork over fifty bucks to get in the door, and tickets are only available until 3 p.m. today, but your drinks are paid for and there’s supposed to be giftbags, prizes, and whatnot. Plus, there’s the (slight) chance that Goldenballs himself will show.
We’ll have the full report of Beckham Mania for you tomorrow.
Photo by Flickr user JamesCalder
