Beckham quiet in his MLS return
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The buzz is off David Beckham in Major League Soccer.
Los Angeles drew 66,237 for its 5-4 loss at New York two years ago, the largest soccer crowd at Giants Stadium for a U.S. league game in 27 years. Attendance dropped to 46,754 for last year's 2-2 tie and fell by 50 percent to 23,238 Thursday night, when the Galaxy beat the lowly Red Bulls 3-1.
"Obviously, the first year was impressive," Beckham said. "We're in a recession so, you know, maybe that's part of it."
In his first club match since the end of the European season, Beckham was often behind the play and seemed winded. He had no free-kick chances near the goal, didn't make any crosses that created threats and didn't even take all the Galaxy corner kicks while he was in the match.
Fans scurried down the aisles to get better pictures when he did take corner kicks, but he was booed at times.
"A few tonight, but it's to be expected," he said. "It's sometimes nice to get the boos. It gives you some inspiration."
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena didn't think it was too bad.
"I think this is almost a pleasant environment for him tonight," he said. "He can deal with a little bit of booing here."
Alecko Eskandarian scored on a left-footed volley that beat goalkeeper Danny Cepero from about 28 yards in the third minute, Landon Donovan scored on a right-footed shot from about the same distance in the 31st and Eddie Lewis from 15 yards in the 45th.
Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts parried Seth Stammler's shot late in the first half, then blocked Jorge Rojas' attempt off the rebound.
Los Angeles (6-3-9) has won four straight MLS games for the first time since September-October 2007 and is fighting for a playoff berth. The Galaxy had not won at New York since 2000.
Beckham appeared to go out of his way to be friendly with Donovan, who in a book out this week criticized his teammate for allegedly quitting on the Galaxy in the late stages of a disappointing 2008 season.
Beckham and Donovan, who regained his captain's job from the Englishman, shook hands and embraced ahead of the opening whistle. Beckham draped his arm around Donovan after the American scored, and the two hugged after Donovan assisted on the third goal.
"There was never a doubt in our minds that these guys would work together," Arena said.
