David Beckham’s MLS debut in the 72nd minute last week at RFK had very little in common with the roar of a dedicated, loyal sports crowd, but more like the desperate, love-struck cries of fans trying to catch a glimpse of their favorite rockstar.

The only thing that I’ve ever experienced personally that was in any way similar to the shrill screaming that took place when Beckham took the field at the DC United/Galaxy game was a New Kids on the Block concert way back, and before you roll your eyes, here’s why:

DC United players and Beckham’s teammates say that it was like being on the field during what they would imagine a Super Bowl or an NBA Finals, but that night’s hype was different. It was more Beatles or Elvis.

Even when Beckham began simply warming up on the sidelines, they began screaming, and when he took off his jacket and switched to his jersey ... look out. It was over -- seriously, it was louder than an NFL conference championship, and there were absolutely more photoflashes than there were for Barry Bonds' record-breaking homer.

And in the midst of a steady downpour, every time Beckham even just touched the ball, the shrills came back, as though they were on a timer connected with Beckham’s foot -- just like when girls in the crowd go crazy, reaching and crying for the Michael Jacksons and the Elvis Presleys of the world -– shrieking a high-pitched rattle while looking like they might die when he walks off stage.

And those screams that were distractions for the players were also a symbol of optimism. Ben Olsen, United’s star midfielder, told me when I asked if he felt like he was part of history, that it wasn’t that dramatic, but that he did realize what this could mean for soccer.

The best part of it was that on a night when the league’s biggest star filled 46,686 seats inside RFK, DC United was able to play a spirited, dominant game against the LA Galaxy and get a win in front of new fans they hope to win over.