Do, indeed, have American defenders. Here’s one:

As a soccer fan, I’d agree that the Beckham “arrival” is overhyped, but that doesn’t mean it does not have substance behind it. The DC United/LA Galaxy match has reportedly sold twice as many tickets – in advance – than United matches normally draw. Beckham comes at a time where soccer is beginning to come into Americans’ conciousness and could help propel soccer to be considered a “real sport.” Yes, much of the hype is due to Beckham being married to a pop singer, but as a Yankees fan, I ask, would the DiMaggio legend be as large if he had married a nice young girl from Nebraska instead of Marilyn Monroe? Rock on!