2007年VOA标准英语-Fans Prepare for Beckham's First LA Game Saturd

By Mike O'Sullivan
Los Angeles
19 July 2007
 

Renowned¹ British soccer star David Beckham is scheduled to play his first game with the Los Angeles Galaxy² Saturday, when the Galaxy will face the visiting English team, Chelsea.  However, an injury may keep him out of that match. Mike O'Sullivan reports the 32-year-old celebrity³ midfielder is expected to draw needed attention to Major League Soccer, after coming over from Spanish club Real Madrid.

David Beckham waves during practice in Los Angeles, 16 Jul 2007

David Beckham -- international celebrity, soccer star -- is an outstanding midfielder. During his long career, Beckham helped the English team Manchester United win nine championships, and this year his playing contributed to Real Madrid's victory to win the Spanish title.

Even before Beckham arrived, young soccer players, like 12-year-old Melissa Paramo, were excited. "Because he's cute, and he's going to make Galaxy number one," she told us.

American soccer trails such sports as baseball and basketball in popularity⁴.  An American college football game can draw more than 10 million television viewers.  A Major League Soccer game may draw a few hundred thousand.  Only international competitions such as the Word Cup can find a big audience in the United States. 

But the Los Angeles Galaxy has its dedicated⁵ fans, many of them Latino. Alexander Mira never misses a game. "Oh yes, I've been a Galaxy fan for 12 years,” he says, “and I will follow the Galaxy until the end of my life."

Others have come to the stadium in suburban⁶ Los Angeles just to see the new Galaxy star. "Because David Beckham is here, coming to the LA Galaxy.  We're going to watch him play,” explained two girls.

Victoria and David Beckham arrive at Los Angeles International airport, 12 Jul 2007

The arrival of Beckham and his wife, Victoria "Posh Spice," had all the glitter⁷ of a Hollywood premiere.

The event drew soccer fans Diane Tipton and her son from Oregon. "Beckham is big, I think, everywhere in America right now," she said.

Beckham heads into the new season nursing an ankle injury.  Despite this, the Los Angeles Galaxy's game against England's Chelsea club promises to draw viewers on both sides of the Atlantic.  The Galaxy hope the enthusiasm⁸ will spread among American sports fans.

1 renowned   

adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的

参考例句：

• He is one of the world's renowned writers.他是世界上知名的作家之一。
• She is renowned for her advocacy of human rights.她以提倡人权而闻名。

2 galaxy   

n.星系；银河系；一群(杰出或著名的人物)

参考例句：

• The earth is one of the planets in the Galaxy.地球是银河系中的星球之一。
• The company has a galaxy of talent.该公司拥有一批优秀的人才。

3 celebrity   

n.名人，名流；著名，名声，名望

参考例句：

• Tom found himself something of a celebrity. 汤姆意识到自己已小有名气了。
• He haunted famous men, hoping to get celebrity for himself. 他常和名人在一起, 希望借此使自己获得名气。

4 popularity   

n.普及，流行，名望，受欢迎

参考例句：

• The story had an extensive popularity among American readers.这本小说在美国读者中赢得广泛的声望。
• Our product enjoys popularity throughout the world.我们的产品饮誉全球。

5 dedicated   

adj.一心一意的；献身的；热诚的

参考例句：

• He dedicated his life to the cause of education.他献身于教育事业。
• His whole energies are dedicated to improve the design.他的全部精力都放在改进这项设计上了。

6 suburban   

adj.城郊的，在郊区的

参考例句：

• Suburban shopping centers were springing up all over America. 效区的商业中心在美国如雨后春笋般地兴起。
• There's a lot of good things about suburban living.郊区生活是有许多优点。

7 glitter   

vi.闪光(耀)；n.闪光，灿烂光辉，耀眼，辉煌

参考例句：

• The child was attracted by the glitter of the Christmas tree decorations.这孩子被圣诞树上闪耀的装饰物吸引住了。
• Beneath its surface glitter,the fashion industry is a tough place to work in.时装业表面上光彩迷人，但其实是个辛苦的行业。

8 enthusiasm   

n.热情，激情；巨大兴趣；热衷的事物

参考例句：

• We set about our task at once with great enthusiasm.我们立刻兴致勃勃地干起来。
• A team which is full of enthusiasm is more likely to win.情绪高涨的球队更可能获胜。