Originally published October 21, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 21, 2007 at 2:04 AM

People in Sports | David Beckham and Cuauhtemoc Blanco

David Beckham (pictured at left) and Cuauhtemoc Blanco: When the two marquee players of Major League Soccer's new designated player rule...

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David Beckham (pictured at left) and Cuauhtemoc Blanco: When the two marquee players of Major League Soccer's new designated player rule meet on the field today in Chicago for the first time in the league's regular-season finale, a win would mean a playoff berth.

Beckham's team, the Los Angeles Galaxy, is 9-13-7. Blanco's Chicago Fire is 9-10-10. The winner would finish with MLS's eighth-best record — and the league's final playoff spot.

Beckham has been strapped by injuries after signing a five-year, $32.5 million deal with the Galaxy. Blanco, the Mexican standout who has a three-year contract that guarantees him $2.7 million this year, has been the catalyst for the Fire since joining the team in July. He has four goals and six assists in 13 games.

Comparsions?

"I think he's a great player. He's played for great teams and for his national team," Blanco said through a translator. "He's an important player who can make a difference for whatever team he is playing for."

Responded Beckham: "We'll be watching him, but we'll be watching the rest of their players. This league deserves good players and spectacular players. We have a few of those.

"Cuauhtemoc is a very good player, but it's not about individuals, it's about teams. Team rivalries are what you really want to see."

The Associated Press

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