Beckham, Galaxy In Top Form

In this blog I have focused more on European news and results rather than what has been transpiring stateside. Lost in all this has been the surprisingly good performance of the David Beckham-led Los Angeles Galaxy and their rise to the top of the Western Conference in Major League Soccer.

When Beckham arrived back on U.S. soil in July, the media was buzzing about the reception he would receive from MLS. Certainly fans were rubbed the wrong way after his AC Milan loan fiasco. Beckham handled it all wrong in my opinion, openly stating his desire to stay over in Europe.

With the boos and taunts came an unwinding of Beckham's judgments.

In his first appearance back at Los Angeles' Home Depot Center, Beckham called out a fan for taunting and almost hopped a barricade to get to the instigator.

Another incident occurred where the Englishman openly acknowledged another fan in Kansas City. This one contained less venom but still showed how much the jeers had got to him.

Fast forward three months. The Galaxy have qualified for the playoffs and sit in first place in the Western Conference. After the club's last regular season home game, Beckham was given a standing ovation by his own fans after being substituted in the game's late stages.

First-year manager Bruce Arena has dramatically improved the Galaxy organization and helped to stave off any late-season collapse. Since his return, Beckham has been able to provide support as a central playmaker who feeds superstar Landon Donovan.

It has been an interesting turnaround that has gone relatively unnoticed by U.S. sports media. I guess it just proves that old saying true that winning does solve everything.

While the tensions between Beckham and the fans seem to have scabbed over, it will be interesting to see if he can lead the Galaxy to the MLS Cup. Beckham just may be able to leave the league in peace if he captures the title.

The Galaxy open the MLS Playoffs against Chivas USA on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN2.