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Friday, 10 August 2007, 05:24 GMT 06:24 UK

Beckham makes Major League debut

David Beckham takes a free kick in his Major League Soccer debut on Thursday night David Beckham made his Major League Soccer debut for Los Angeles Galaxy in Washington on Thursday, but was unable to prevent his new side losing 1-0.

England coach Steve McClaren was in the crowd as Beckham came on against DC United in the 75th minute.

Beckham, who has been struggling with an ankle injury, said he was delighted to finally play for his new team.

"It's not nice to disappoint people who have paid a lot of money to see you, so it was good to get on the pitch."

But the midfielder admitted he was disappointed with the result, which saw Galaxy beaten by Emilio's 27th-minute goal.

"It was a good night, but it was also a bad night," Beckham said.

"Obviously, there's been a certain amount of pressure because everyone is talking about how I've come to MLS and not played yet.

"Beckham wants to continue to play for England and I'm sure Steve wants to have him part of that so we'll make a decision in cooperation"
Alexi Lalas
LA Galaxy general manager


"But I don't feel pressure in that sense. I feel pressure in myself to get fit and to get back playing again."

England manager McClaren was in Washington to watch Beckham and also to meet his new coach Frank Yallop and Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas.

Lalas said McClaren is keen to build a solid working relationship with the club to monitor Beckham's progress.

"That's a discussion that we've had and will continue to keep him abreast of the situation here," Lalas said.

"Beckham wants to continue to play for England and I'm sure Steve wants to have him part of that but he needs to have him fully fit, so we'll see how this next week goes, how quickly he progresses and then make a decision in cooperation.

"That was a huge reason for him to be out here, to get to know the new club, the new personnel, so we had a very nice chat about everything."

During his appearance Beckham showed no ill-effects from the ankle injury that has delayed his MLS debut.




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Related to this story:

Beckham to miss FC Dallas fixture (30 Jul 07 |  Football )
Beckham misses SuperLiga defeat (29 Jul 07 |  Football )
McClaren decision shocked Beckham (25 Jul 07 |  Internationals )
Beckhams get red carpet treatment (23 Jul 07 |  Entertainment )
LA pitfalls awaiting Beckham (23 Jul 07 |  Football )
Beckham's LA debut in pictures (22 Jul 07 |  Football )
Beckham makes brief Galaxy debut (22 Jul 07 |  Football )

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