Beckham makes MLS debut but Galaxy stumbles in D.C. (original) (raw)

WASHINGTON — With heavy rain falling and his short-handed team trailing in electric RFK Stadium on Thursday, David Beckham finally made his competitive debut in Major League Soccer.

"The biggest raindrops I've ever seen," in the English megastar's words, relented as if on cue, but D.C. United did not. Luciano Emilio's league-leading 13th goal stood up as United handed the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-0 loss.

Beckham warmed up near the end of the first half, setting off cheers and flash bulbs. The cheers escalated with roughly 20 minutes to play, when he stripped off his warmup gear and donned the No. 23 Galaxy jersey that has reaped merchandising dividends for the league. He replaced young U.S. player Quavas Kirk.

"For his sake, it was a difficult situation to come into," United coach Tom Soehn said. "They're down a man, and we're looking to kill it off, move the ball around and limit his touches. I give him credit. Every time he gets the ball, his first look is forward, and he put some dangerous balls in."

Beckham immediately threw himself into some tough challenges, not appearing to favor the left ankle that kept him out of SuperLiga play and last weekend's game in Toronto. He put through several incisive passes from midfield and had one opportunity to show his free-kick wizardry, landing a cross on teammate Carlos Pavon's head from 40 yards out.

"I was happy to get out there," Beckham said. "But yeah, there was tenderness, and I'm sure there will be for a while. It's not an injury that just clears up and is perfect. There will be a certain amount of reaction from it tomorrow, but it's a good forward step for me tonight."

Several close calls didn't go the Galaxy's way, including a late no-call when Landon Donovan ran onto Beckham's perfectly placed 50-yard pass but fell over United goalkeeper Troy Perkins. The precision delivery was a taste of what lies ahead for the duo.

"I can't wait until we get going," Donovan said. "I think we both have soccer brains, we see the game the same way, we know how the game should be played, and I think we're going to benefit from that."

Beckham didn't complain about that particular play but questioned a couple of earlier decisions by referee Jair Marrufo, as did Galaxy coach Frank Yallop.

"There were a couple of opportunities the referee missed, but that's soccer," Beckham said. "That happens all around the world."

Los Angeles was reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute when Kyle Martino slid into D.C. United's Fred from behind, earning a red card.

The lively crowd, which included English coach Steve McClaren, almost saw an historic MLS moment soon after Beckham's entrance, but Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon parried Jaime Moreno's strong bid for his 109th career goal. The veteran forward remains tied with former player and current Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis for the career lead.

Cannon was victimized in the 27th minute on a 25-yard rising shot from Emilio that slipped through his hands to give United (9-6-3) the lead.

Los Angeles fell to 3-6-5, but Galaxy players were pleased with the effort and the atmosphere.

"The atmosphere was awesome," Donovan said. "It's good for our guys, it's good for our league to play in what I call 'real games.' That's a real game out there tonight."

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