David Beckham: Even Becks' Presence Cannot Turn Americans into Soccer Fans

David Beckham is scheduled to take part in the soccer exhibition contest between the MLS All-Stars and Manchester United in July.

Quick - without looking it up - how many of you even know which team Becks will be playing for in the game?

Thought so.

I'm likely to get plenty of comments from soccer fans on this one, but how many Americans truly care about the MLS or if Beckham plays for or against them in an exhibition match?

Or is it a friendly? Pick one and stick with it, will you please? Some people might actually care enough, and you do not want to offend the handful of American soccer fans that exist. 

It wouldn't be great business.

Then again, how many people are paying attention anyway?

For those of you who just returned after searching for Beckham to find out which team he is playing for, while undoubtedly checking out some photos of his wife, Victoria, welcome back.

And by now, you probably found out that Beckham is scheduled to play for the MLS All-Stars. He used to play for Manchester United for over a decade from 1993-2003. 

Beckham is probably the most well known soccer player since Pele. Those are actually the only two players who most Americans can name, although Landon Donovan probably became the third after last Summer.

You know, because he is splitting from his hot actress wife, Bianca Kajlich.

What, did he do something else last Summer?

Obviously, I am at least partially joking. But just a little.

The truth is that soccer will never crack the top four in the major sports in America. It lags behind football, baseball and basketball, and is even still way behind hockey. Golf and tennis are far more interesting. Boxing and MMA are still doing well, and soccer is not gaining any steam.

In fact, it could be losing some, because the World Cup only comes around every four years, and isn't that the only tournament that matters for the entire sport?

Like I said, I'm bound to catch some heat for this one. But face the facts. Americans love the Super Bowl. We look forward to Opening Day of the baseball season. The NBA and NHL playoffs are great. College basketball has the greatest postseason of them all while college football still has its bowl games. Golf and tennis have four major tournaments every year, while boxing and MMA offers some great action.

Soccer teams don't even wear jerseys that make sense. Different colors on the same team? Really? As if people don't care less already?

Beckham plays for a team in America. But Americans could still not care less about the sport.

Some things will never change.

For more on soccer related news, make sure to check out Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Tom Fontenault, who takes a look at Chad Ochocinco: NFL Superstar Following Childhood Dreams and Disproving Critics.

Soccer fans should hope that the NFL stays locked out and that Ochocinco plays in the MLS. At least Americans would know and care about one player.

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