Beckham's show not enough

2008-05-14 10:31

Alberta - David Beckham put on a show on Tuesday, but it wasn't enough for Los Angeles as the Vancouver Whitecaps won their friendly match 2-1 on Tuesday.

In the 43rd minute, Beckham sent a cross-field pass that Alan Gordon headed past Serbian goalie Srdjan Djekanovic to tie the game at 1-1.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star also took a 30-yard (-meter) free kick that just missed the near post as camera flashes flickered among the crowd of 37 104 at Commonwealth Stadium.

"Having a hand in the goal today helped," Beckham said. "I played a few nice passes. Overall it was enjoyable. I enjoyed it."

Beckham was hurt May 3 when a Real Salt Lake player ran through him as he prepared to strike the ball.

"It's just bruising. There's a slight lump on the top of my foot," he said. "I've played with that for three games since, so it's just one of those things that are going to be there."

'People want you to perform'

He said he didn't want to miss the game.

"People want you to perform, whether it's a friendly match or an MLS (Major League Soccer) game or whether you're playing for your country. People expect to see something. You try to do that in every game."

The crowd appeared more supportive of the Galaxy, but the Whitecaps had the better of play for most of the match.

Eduardo Sebrango scored on a picture-perfect cross in the 66th minute and Nick Adderly gave the Whitecaps the lead four minutes in, scoring from 20 yards (meters) out.

"We're all Canadians here so I thought they would cheer for us, but we enjoyed it very much," Sebrango said.

This was the second friendly match in six months, following a November's scoreless draw in Vancouver.

The Galaxy was without MLS scoring leader and United States star Landon Donovan, who had a strained calf and did not make the trip.

- AP