DAVID BECKHAM scored his first goal for LA Galaxy as he
gave England boss Steve McClaren a huge boost. Becks started his
first game since his move to America and lasted 63 minutes against
DC United.
The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star, 32, sent the home
crowd wild with a trademark free-kick in the 28th minute. Becks
curled the ball up and over the wall from 25 yards into the
top-left corner past stranded DC keeper Troy Perkins.
The England ace, who was also skippering the Galaxy, was in
scintillating form as he dictated play from the centre of midfield.
Becks' inspirational performance - which was only blotted by a
first-half caution - continued into the second half as two minutes
after the break he found regular Galaxy captain Landon Donovan with
a sublime throughball. The US striker converted with confidence to
put Galaxy two up against a side they lost 1-0 to just a week
ago.
Becks was subbed on 63 minutes to a rapturous reception. MLS fans
had turned on Becks after he missed a series of games because of an
ankle injury he picked up playing for England in June. But he
showed no ill-effects from the niggle and looks set to play a part
in next week's Three Lions' friendly against Germany.
There were large gaps in the crowd at Galaxy's Home Depot Center in
Los Angeles. But Goldenballs proved the stayaway supporters wrong
as his Hollywood performance stole the show.
