Landon Donovan looked zoned out behind the table, microphone in his face, lights glaring into his eyes, talking about a season that's gone so right for himself and the Los Angeles Galaxy.
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Finally, he paused and almost asked permission to speak candidly. To really say why a Galaxy team that was so dysfunctional a year ago and this year was surrounded by distraction now finds itself playing Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final on Sunday.
"There are a few points that stand out to me. One was having (coach) Bruce (Arena) come in and just create stability, which we hadn't had for a while. And candidly, the second was David's reaction to everything that's gone on," Donovan said with David Beckham seated beside him.
"Life is about choices. He could have come in and chosen to be something different than he has been. He chose to be a man and want this team to be successful. Without him, we're not where we are."
The gamble Major League Soccer embarked on in 2007, when Beckham made his MLS debut to help boost the game in America for a price tag that still causes whiplash from the double-takes, could pay off on Sunday.
Though Beckham's decision to leave Real Madrid for Hollywood was greeted with much skepticism, there was hope that his talents would draw increased interest in the league, victories on the field and ultimately titles for the Galaxy.
Now comes that opportunity for Beckham to help deliver a title for the league's marquee team against a scrappy, overlooked squad from Utah.
"I've been able to play in great leagues and play for big teams, and winning championships and cups with those teams is always exciting," Beckham said. "And so is this. This is the first time I've been in the playoffs and the first time I've been in the MLS Cup. I'm proud to be on this team."
