If it's Good for Soccer -

The largest soccer crowd in Minnesota in more than 25 years came to the Dome last night to see the inaugural Copa Minnesota, featuring the Minnesota Thunder vs. the LA Galaxy. The LA Galaxy and DAVID BECKHAM!

For many, I am sure it was the chance to see Beckham and oh yes, there were other guys on the field as well. It was no doubt the rock-star power that brought them in, but for most the excitement for the game is real. It was a chance for some of the more than 70,000 kids in Minnesota who play soccer to see the most recognized player in their sport.

As I looked out to the crowd, it was a that appeared that each adult needed to be accompanied by a child, or even better yet, by two and that each child needed to wear their team jersey.

There were boys’ teams, who were out-numbered by the girls’ teams and hundreds from Bangu Tsunami team from St. Paul.

Beckham did not disappoint anyone in the crowd. He played 75 minutes, he signed autographs after the game and even gave his jersey to young girl in the crowd.





Compared to what I have been accustomed to shooting at the World Cup, the game wasn’t particularly physical, but after all, it is an exhibition game. Beckham moved around the field effortlessly. When he did get a touch on the ball, his accuracy was amazing. His passing was precisely positioned to another player. His corner kicks were waiting to be capitalized. There is a reason he takes the corner kicks and the free kicks, and it is not his celebrity status.



In the end, it was a night to celebrate soccer. It was a night for the kids to see their hero.

My World Cup blog and our Portrait of Passion website is all about women’s soccer. If it is good for soccer, it is good for women’s soccer.

Ryan Shay 1979 – 2007

There are people that I know and then there are people that I only get to know through my photos. I have lost track of the number of games and events that I have shot over the last year, let alone the last five years. I often review so many shots of a single athlete, that I get the feeling that I know them.

Ryan Shay was such an athlete. During the 2006 Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, I had my usual position, sitting backwards on the back of the lead motorcycle. It was a spectacular fall day, Ryan had a strong start to his race and as the pace pushed a bit and others fell away, Ryan was in the top three runners. Shoulder to shoulder for 5 miles, changing position from time to time, but together stride for stride. In every shot, Ryan was strong, proud, graceful, with a passion for being there. Neither the pace nor the competition had an impact. He was ultimately third on the day, with a great race.



For 2007 Ryan, like many others were running the Medtronic TC 10 mile as a tune up for yesterday’s Olympic Trials in New York. At the pre-race press conference I introduced myself to Ryan. It is always my pleasure to have an opportunity to meet the athletes.



I shot the start of the 2007 Medtronic TC 10 mile and then my son / Competitive Image partner, Jonathan took up Moto responsibilities. Ryan ran with grace and passion.







I was shocked and saddened to hear of Ryan’s collapse and death at the Olympic Trials. My thoughts and prayers are with Ryan’s family. It was truly my pleasure to have met Ryan.