Itwas a big win for the home team, as DC United won its fourth straightmatch, topping the LA Galaxy in a hot and humid midday game, 4-1.
Beckhamwas outplayed by United's Brazilian forward Luciano Emilio. Emilio,the reigning MLS Most Valuable Player (MVP), scored two goals and hadone assist in the win. The two goals give Emilio 10 on the season, onebehind league-leader Landon Donovan of the Galaxy.
United Head Coach Tom Soehn was pleased with the way his exciting forward played.
"Youknow, he's very opportunistic at this point," said Tom Soehn. "Hecreated a lot of chances. He could've had a few today, he had acouple, but again it goes as the team goes. If we're doing well as ateam, he's going to benefit from it."
Donovan's only highlightof the game was one that he would like to forget. He was hit in thenose with a forearm from United player Marcelo Gallardo, who laterscored to give the United a 3-1 lead. Each player was assessed ayellow card after the play. That play brought an emotional reactionfrom Galaxy Head Coach Ruud Gullit.
"He [Gallardo] scored thethird goal," said Ruud Gullit. "He's supposed to be off the field, offthe pitch [with a red card]. You know there was blood coming out ofhis [Donovan's] nose. Gallardo excuses [apologized] also to me becausehe knew he was lucky to stay on the pitch. I blame also a little bitthe fourth official because it's ridiculous, it was just in front ofhim. If he has no authority what's the point of having him there.
Beckham got a mixed reaction from the Washington fans but says he's used to it.
"I'vehad a lot worse, but you know that's part of the game," said DavidBeckham. "It's part of the atmosphere, part of soccer. You know, it'sthe same all around the world. When you play away from home the fansare less friendly all the time, that's the way it is. You know youaccept that and you get on with it. If you win the game you enjoy it."
Beckhamdid admit his Galaxy club was outplayed by DC United. After aninjury-plagued 2007 season, the popular star said he realizes hisimpact on the game and how playing a full season will help MLS.
"I'veplayed more minutes this year compared to last year," he said. "Youknow, it's great that the people and the fans turn out, because it'sgreat for the game, it's great for the MLS, and it's good to play inthat kind of atmosphere. So, yeah, it was nice to obviously see theamount of fans that turned out today, but I wish the result had beenbetter for us."
There was emotional moment for D.C. United fansas their favorite and locker room leader Ben Olsen took the field inthe 75th minute. Playing his first match of the season afterrecovering from an ankle injury, Olsen took the field to a standingovation and Coach Soehn said his return is a good sign.
"Well hetrained the whole week, and it's important to get Benny back in themix, he's been out since November," he said. "Everybody knows howvaluable he is to us. We just to keep bringing him along slowly andsurely."
Next up for David Beckam and the LA Galaxy will be ahome game on the Fourth of July, as they will take on the first placeteam in the Eastern Conference - the New England Revolution.