The news that David Beckham will return to Los Angeles Galaxy for two more years is generally inconsequential to Toronto FC supporters. What matters is not Beckham’s MLS presence and the natural commercial bonanza, but that in less than two months, there is a real possibility that he will be a threat in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals against Toronto.

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The Reds take on LA Galaxy on March 7 (at Rogers Centre) and again seven days later in the Carson, California return leg. In both of these fixtures - if he is fit - Toronto will have to be aware of Beckham's world famous right foot that unlocks defensive schemes from open play, and views every set-piece opportunity as a deeply personal mission to penetrate the opposition goal.

The offseason was quiet at BMO Field with top players like Joao Plata retained, while talks continue over Richard Eckersley. Toronto's three big stars, midfielders Torsten Frings, Julian de Guzman and forward Danny Koevermans were guaranteed to return. Over at the Home Depot Center, the league and cup champions were mired in uncertainty. That is less the case today.

Before Beckham put pen to paper, LA secured the contract of right fullback and winger Sean Franklin. Several squad players, such as former TFC centre back Andrew Boyens and league veterans Chris Leitch and Pat Noonan, were added to the mix.

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In the midst of the Beckham uncertainty centre back and MLS defender of the year, Omar Gonzalez, suffered a long-term ACL injury while training with FC Nuremberg in Germany. Needless to say, he won’t be there in March to play Toronto in CCL.

LA has also lost the services of Brazilian midfielder Juninho, who has returned home and signed with parent club São Paulo at the conclusion of his MLS loan. Los Angeles pre-empted this void by signing another Brazilian named Marcelo Sarvas, a journeyman 30-year old attacking midfielder.  

The Galaxy will now watch nervously until late February as their other two big stars, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, take part in loan deals with English clubs.

Having a deep, experienced squad with a winning coach in Bruce Arena, LA will feel it can survive without Gonzalez over two games against Toronto. Losing Donovan, Keane or both in their European adventures to further strains or injuries though might tilt things in Toronto’s favour – at least on paper – with or without Beckham in the lineup.

Toronto v. Los Angeles in 2012

March 7 at Rogers Centre in Toronto (CCL quarterfinals, first leg)
March 14 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA (CCL quarterfinals, second leg)
September 22 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA (MLS regular season)
With an unbalanced schedule, Los Angeles will not play a MLS regular season game in Toronto until 2013

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