At Last, Beckham Shines As Galaxy's Biggest Star

Soccer superstar David Beckham produces in his first start for the L.A. Galaxy, notching a goal and an assist against D.C. United. (Kevork Djansezian - AP)

Beckham struck the ball with pace and precision, and as Perkins remained helplessly stuck in place, it swerved over the wall and settled into the inner side-netting.

The Galaxy mobbed Beckham as if he had just scored the winning goal in the World Cup, an expression of perhaps both joy and relief.

"Troy has to count on his wall a little bit better," United Coach Tom Soehn said. "He's got to take care of his side of the goal. But it was a great strike. [Beckham] is definitely going to be a good influence in our league."

The momentum firmly on its side, the Galaxy continued to attack confidently against a United side that inexplicably had lost its way.

Two minutes into the second half, the Galaxy expanded the lead. From the edge of the center circle in his own end, Beckham threaded a gorgeous pass past Gros to Donovan, who ran onto it in stride and bore down on Perkins. Donovan's shot took a slight deflection past Perkins in the 47th minute.

United's comeback bid was thwarted by Cannon's reflex saves and Emilio's inability to finish.

Beckham had said on the eve of the match that he was "78 percent" healthy and hoped to play at least a half. With a two-goal advantage, Yallop had little reason to stick with him. So in the 63rd minute, Beckham's evening came to a ceremonious end.

Both sides continued to create chances, but the rejuvenated Galaxy was clearly in control and well on its way to a rematch with Pachuca, a club it had defeated during first-round group play of the inaugural MLS-Mexico tournament.