I dont know how many of you are in the US and near a MLS team but I just attended the DCU vs LAG game in DC and it was a lot of fun. I've been a semi regular at MLS games for the last decade and I have to say, including playoffs, this was one of the most exciting crowds. For once there is a real buzz in the air. Beckham's barely fit, he had 2 or 3 passes that were fantastic so I have to say the Beckham mania/hype is probably worth it. Just dont buy tickets too over priced... I really have to question why MLS doesnt want to try to get a Chinese players. After all one can see the hype with Yao traveling around drawing Chinese and the Chinese NT play here every few years against MLS and USA. Honestly I would love to see someone like Li Tie in MLS, he would fit in really well.
I'm eagerly awaiting the return of the Earthquake to San Jose next year, can't wait to see Beckham in person vs the Earthquake! As for Chinese players, I was joking around in the Earthquake forum that they should loan Dong Fangzhuo from Man Utd haha.
The best Chinese player ever to play for a North American team was Townshed Qin. He played with San Francisco Blackhawks in the 1980's and 1990's. He obtained All-Star status. His teammates on the team were Wynalda and Balboa. Qin represented China during the mid-1980's. He lost his place with the NT after the WCQ in 1985. He went to play in the US around that time.