David Beckham played the majority of the game as the Los Angeles Galaxy took on Hollywood United on Sunday evening at The Home Depot Center in a charity match benefiting the Red Cross funds for victims of the southern California wildfires.
Beckham showed no ill effects of the injuries that hampered him for so long during the MLS season. He scored twice and assisted three other goals as the Galaxy won 12-4 in a romp.
"It's nice to get 80 minutes on the field," said Beckham. "I enjoyed it."
The match level was elevated by a number of former World Cup players participating as guest members of Hollywood United, though some are also regular players. Alexi Lalas, Frank Leboeuf, Richard Gough, Joe-Max Moore, Eric Wynalda and Jorge Campos all took the field for the squad.
All the players mentioned that they were pleased to participate in a match that helped such a worthy cause.
For Beckham though the match also had the added benefit of helping him regain a little more game fitness.
"It gives him a good runout as well, which is good for him," said Gough.
Gough, a former Scotland international who played with the Kansas City Wizards in 1997 and the San Jose Earthquakes in 1998, sympathized with Beckham's injury troubles during the season.
"It's very difficult, because your body needs a rest and he's not had a rest. I think they'll see the best of him next season," he said. "Your body needs a rest. He's played two years without a rest."
Other Galaxy players returning to match fitness included Chris Albright.
"I'm still not 100 percent, so I'm working on getting healthy," said the U.S. international defender. "It's great to be out with the guys."
The game did have several competitive moments. Pete Vaganas scored a stunning volley off a Beckham corner kick. At one point in the match, Beckham, who seemed close to top fitness, argued a penalty call against the Galaxy vigorously.
"It was a friendly match, but I want to win," said Beckham. "I'll play every game as hard as I can."
His teammates were pleased to see the effort.
"I think he thought he was in a Euro qualifier," said Albright.
Landon Donovan noted Beckham's chemistry with his team had improved due to being able to participate regularly in training.
"He's more comfortable and we're more comfortable, because we've worked together more," said Donovan.
Cobi Jones, who scored on a delicate chip over goalkeeper Anthony LaPaglia -- otherwise known as the lead actor in "Without A Trace" -- mentioned that he was relishing his last few games as a Galaxy player.
"I'm just happy to be here with the guys, taking part and having a good time," said Jones.
The captain's armband was worn first by Jones, then it passed to Beckham when Jones exited after the first half and finally ended up with Donovan when Beckham left the match.
The good spirits of the match carried over even to old rivalries.
"It didn't feel the same as we used to feel in a Chelsea-Manchester game," said Leboeuf of facing Beckham like they once did in epic Premiership clashes. "It's nice to see each other again."
Andrea Canales is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
