"This year it's a lot more calm, a lot more relaxed. [Last year] was frustrating. But it's a new season, a new start, a new manager, some new players in as well. It's exciting. We've got to prove that we can play and we can win things. It's a fresh start for us."

-- David Beckham on Monday's opening of preseason training with the Los Angeles Galaxy. The first day was certainly more relaxed -- there was no media mob -- though the Galaxy has preseason trips planned to Hawaii, South Korea and China. (Long Beach Press-Telegram)