Here’s how the Beckham goal was described on MLS’ Match tracker:

“LA -27th Minute. Goal Scored by 23-David Beckham, 1st of season. In Goal was 1-Troy Perkins. Goal scored from outside penalty area.”

Hmmm.

What the crowd at a half-empty Home Depot Center really saw was a strike of transcendent beauty, a stunning free kick from 27 yards that left goalkeeper Troy Perkins rooted to the spot and staring at the ball rippling the inside netting. This is why the MLS suits wanted Beckham.

Beckham is wearing the captain’s armband and is displaying the sort of leadership the Galaxy direly needs.

Match Tracker does helpfully tell us Beck’s has completed 13 out of 17 passes though.

He also found time to pick up a yellow card for a nasty looking foul on Moreno that would have earned some players a straight red.

Let’s hope Beckham’s ankle holds up and he comes out for the second half.