I can now tell my grandchildren that I was there the first time David Beckham trained on FieldTurf. However, it won't be enough of a tale to put even the most narcoleptic of children to rest.
After a few formalities and 'ellos' to teammates, Becks jogged, juggled and participated in a series of one-touch and keep-away drills before pulling the disappearing act as his fellow all-stars assembled to answer questions in what was dubbed 'The Mixed Zone.'
If the West Ham United scouts were hiding in the shadows, they must have shared a laugh.
A colleague of mine, Matthew Scianitti from Soccer360, made the trek to Vaughn, ON, on Tuesday morning and pointed out that the WHU training session made even the Paul Winsper-led TFC training sessions look like a day at the beach. Bad analogy by me; but you get the point.
Preparation may be the one downfall of this all-star idea, but I imagine head coach Steve Nichol is leaning heavily on the fact that Beckham, Blanco & Landon Donovan will form a formidable triumvirate down the middle of the field on Thursday.
Anyhow, well-knowing that Donovan is an excellent quote (and sometimes a source of comedy) I waited for him to run the gamut of TV cameras before firing a few questions his way.
First off, he was extremely cordial, and shook my hand before commenting on how much he loves the city of Toronto.
Abandoning my pre-conceived Edson Buddle Q&A, I joked with Donovan that as TFC continues to struggle in front of the goal, what would it take to get him to leave the west coast for the sunny shores of Lake Ontario.
"You'll have to convince my wife to leave, and then pay me," Donovan fired back. "Talk to Mo (Johnston)."
Translation: Not a definite no.
Donovan is tormented by TFC supporters when he comes to town, but he would be revered if he were to ever (read: never) slip on a red jersey.
After an awkward silence, I picked up the original Buddle thread, asking Donovan about the Jekyll & Hyde ability of the one-time TFC striker.
"He has flashes of brilliance, and can make a play out of nothing," Donovan started. "Last year he was rarely healthy, and when he was he was inconsistent. But now, he's healthy and he knows that with David (Beckham) and me in the lineup he does not need to be a playmaker."
Buddle was unceremoniously traded from Toronto to Los Angeles at the mid-point of last season, and has benefited from the Beckham-Donovan tandem to the tune of 11 goals this season. He was named as one of the seven all-star reserves chosen by coach Nichol and MLS commissioner Don Garber.
Wednesday is another chance to hear from Beckham as he will be featured in a midday press conference with Blanco at BMO Field. Check back to see what player I get to talk to after Beckham slips out the side door.
