Beckham says MLS is better than people think

By Tom Canavan, AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — While the quality of play in the MLS is better than people think, David Beckham said Friday that he believes the it will take time to catch up to some of the world's better leagues.
Beckham said that he is enjoying his first full season with the Los Angeles Galaxy, noting that he had a tough time adjusting last year after arriving in the middle of the season and having to battle an assortment of injuries.

The 33-year-old has been healthy this season. His seven assists are tied for second best in the league and his five goals are tied for 10th.

"I have enjoyed it," Beckham said at a news conference to promote Saturday's game at Giants Stadium against the New York Red Bulls.

"Soccer is definitely changing in this country, and it is getting bigger and growing," Beckham said. "But it is going to take time, and I said that at the start. It's not just going to happen in a year or two. It's a long-term plan to raise the profile for this game in this country. I think it has gone well so far."

Beckham says MLS is better than people think....

Wambach Breaks Leg in Exhibition

By JERÉ LONGMAN

The United States women's soccer team received an apparently devastating blow to its chances for winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics when its top player, forward Abby Wambach, suffered a broken left leg Wednesday night in an exhibition against Brazil.

Wambach broke the tibia and fibula in the leg and will undergo surgery on Thursday to have a titanium rod inserted, a team spokesman said. She is expected to be out of action for three months and will miss the Beijing Games, where the United States women begin play on Aug. 6.

Thirty-one minutes into Wednesday's exhibition, played in San Diego, the fearless and powerful Wambach charged ahead at full speed, seemingly to take a shot from nearly 30 yards, when she collided ferociously with the Brazilian defender Andreia Rosa and helicoptered to the ground.

Immediately, Wambach signaled for assistance in the nationally televised match. Her left leg was immobilized in a brace, and she was taken off the field on a stretcher. Wambach was placed in an ambulance and taken to a San Diego hospital for X-rays, where the fractures were confirmed, Aaron Heifetz, a team spokesman, said by telephone.

Wambach Breaks Leg in Exhibition....

Rodriguez's goal lifts U.S. women

From staff and wire reports

Once again Amy Rodriguez made all the difference for the U.S. women's soccer team in a 1-0 win against Brazil in an exhibition match Sunday.
Rodriguez scored in the 71st minute in the exhibition played in Commerce City, Colo. Rodriguez scored the winning goal against Brazil the last time the two teams played at the Peace Queen Cup on June 17.

The teams meet again Wednesday in San Diego in their last match before the Olympics.

Rodriguez's goal lifts U.S. women....