With Beckham Gone, MLS Now Leans on Thierry Henry to Carry the Load

David Beckham brought the signature team in MLS a mini-dynasty. Beckham left MLS after two straight Cup titles. Beckham’s MLS tenure was the perfect storm for MLS, as the league grew by teams, attendance, and publicity. Beckham brought amazing goals and assists, and he topped things off by winning. Now, it’s Thierry Henry’s turn. So far in his first three seasons, Henry’s brilliance on the field has been sporadic but other-worldly when on display. His quickness, feet play, corners, assists, and headers are thrilling. He has definitely had his share of great involvement with many goals in MLS. But the New York Red Bulls have not benefited from Henry’s play when it has come to the playoffs or any of the Cups, including U.S. Open and Champions League. Henry will have to rally his team and the League, especially after the off-season of attrition that MLS suffered, with so many known players leaving on transfer or through free agency. Henry now sits where Beckham was as the reigning ge...