Galaxy Bounce Back

BECKS HELPS GALAXY BOUNCE BACK
It's safe to say that David Beckham's first half-season in the MLS was a disaster, with his new club floundering at the wrong end of the table and injuries leaving him sitting on the sidelines in front of thousands of people who had largely paid solely to see him play. It's equally safe to say that his first game of the 2008 season was just as much of a disaster, with all LA Galaxy's pre-season hopes blown away in a 4-0 thrashing at Colorado Rapids, so there was a lot riding on their first home game of the new campaign.

Not only did they need a good performance and result to save some face after last weekend's defeat, but it was also the first 'California Clasico' since 2005, against local rivals San Jose Earthquakes. As well as that, last season's Galaxy coach Frank Yallop was returning with his new side, including last season's Galaxy keeper Joe Cannon, so there was plenty of incentive for the home side to get back on track and get a win.

Cometh the hour, Cometh the Becks... In the ninth minute of the game, he ran onto a lovely Landon Donovan through-ball and slotted it past former team-mate Cannon to register his first goal in Major League Soccer. In the second half he repaid Donovan by sending him through with a perfect one-touch chip, with the US international finishing to make it 2-0 and seal a crucial and very satisfying victory for LA Galaxy.

Afterwards, Beckham said: "It's great to score a goal, usually I'm on the other end assisting. I'm happy. But I'm more happy that the team performed well. I think tonight was a good team performance.