Beckham Scores, Galaxy Stumble

The Los Angeles Galaxy fell to defeat at the hands of Sydney FC on Monday night by a score of 5-3, despite a trademark free-kick goal from David Beckham in front of 80,295 at Telstra Stadium.

Though the match was billed as an exhibition, the A-League side clearly had something to prove. Midfielder Brendon Sanatalab collided with the English superstar near the half-hour mark, with Beckham coming out of the challenge gripping his left ankle. It was a scene reminiscent of Becks' injury-plagued summer, but fortunately he was able to continue.

"I was worried at first because I thought I'd twisted my ankle again and done the same injury as I'd done on the last day of the season with Real Madrid, but thankfully it wasn't as bad," Beckham told reporters after the game.

After giving up three unanswered first-half goals to their Australian competition, Los Angeles finally got on the board when Beckham lined up a classic free kick just before the halftime whistle. From 25 yards out, Becks bent the ball over the wall and into the upper left corner of the net to give the Galaxy some momentum heading into the locker rooms.
That was just about the only thing Los Angeles could celebrate on the night. Edson Buddle scored to start the second half to narrow the deficit to 3-2, but that was as close as the Galaxy would get. Landon Donovan had the final Los Angeles goal on the night.

The final postseason stop in the Galaxy's world tour will come on Saturday night when they visit the Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand. The team will then return home for some extended rest before returning to practice for the 2008 preseason.