Ballad of the Major League Soccer Final 2011

With names like Landon Donovan, David Beckham and Robbie Keane on the card it was a must watch game on a Sunday evening after a family beach trip at Fort Clarence followed by dinner at historic Port Royal.

There was enough international soccer intrigue behind the scenes too. For here was the great English superstar who had given a lifeline to American soccer about to bow out in a do or die game. If he did not renew his contract this game was Beckham's last opportunity to win a trophy in America.

Therefore, with apologies to Ernest Lawrence Thayer, please enjoy what is meant to be a somewhat light spoof of his famous 'Casey at the Bat'. Unlike the sad scenes in Casey's Mudville, Bruce Arena's men did not strike out. Despite the agonising nerves and multiple wasted chances the game ended in joy for the home team.

And proves once again that the team with the big budget to buy the brand name players will somehow make it to the top. But it's such a mesmerising affair to watch David Beckham and Landon Donovan on the same team.

Ballad of MLS 2011 Final

Brilliant the outlook for Bruce Arena’s team today;
Just win this one at Home Depot, nothing left to play;
Nerves and deep breaths, for Beckham thought the same,
The burden of great expectations fell upon the game.

Poor Houston’s injured Brad watched in deep despair. The rest
Clung to that hope which "springs eternal in the human breast;"
They thought, If only Ashe could but get a pass out of the blue,
We'd settle for just the odd penalty or two.

But LA Galaxy turned up expensively on time,
Landon Donovan, Robbie, and Beckham for the rhyme;
As upon Houston’s stricken multitude grim melancholy fell,
For they could not pass the ball and seemed under a spell.

But Adam Christman refused to score chance after chance,
Despite the fact that Beckham energised the dance;
Imagine striker Robbie Keane a perfect goal by David fed,

It would not count for referee already blown it dead.

Fears rumbled through the valley, mountain dell and cleft,
Till the expensive trio played it through the left,
For Beckham, mighty Beckham, stared history in the face,

And proved to California that he had earned his place;

Great David flicked a header to the Irishman,

Robbie dribbled his defender and passed to Donovan,

Who clipped over the keeper, and the act was done;

At minute seventy two the game was lost and won.

The rest is academic, though David bent a save

Soccer the wondrous game of beauty for the brave;
David’s in the kitchen, David’s in the hall,

Now he’s won the trophy, will he go home at all?

Oh! everywhere in Phil Anschutz’s land the sun is shining bright;
The band is playing at L.A. Live, and the Lakers hearts are light.
For Phil owns everything in sports, and still you’re asking “Who?”

Feller owns LA Galaxy, and shares in Houston too!