David Beckham left the game in the 33rd minute with a right knee strain after going in hard for a 50-50 ball with Pachuca’s Fernando Salazar, who suffered exactly the same injury.

Beck’s immediately signaled he wanted to come out, probably to ensure he doesn’t miss England’s Euro 2008 qualifier Sept. 8 against Israel.

Frankly, he looked like he was going to cry as he sat on the bench disconsolately and he slowly limped off at the end of the half, cutting a lonely figure.

Striker Alan Gordon came in for Beck’s.

Until then, with Beckham setting up most of the attacks for the Galaxy, the game had a wide-open feel with plenty of opportunities at both ends.

Upon his departure, Pachuca began to take control with Cacho and Alvarez combining well in particular. They have 10 shots to the Galaxy’s two, although neither was on target.

In the end the Galaxy were fortunate to be down by just one goal.

Pete Vagenas scored it at the wrong end, almost slamming home a Christian Gimenez cross in the 28th minute with a touch he rarely displays at the right end of the field.

Cannon has made several fine saves to keep the Galaxy in it and Roberts cleared another near goal off the line.

Updated: They’ve changed Beckham’s injury from strain to a sprain. Answers.com says a “sprain refers to damage or tearing of ligaments or a joint capsule. Strain refers to damage or tearing of a muscle.”

Which is worse?