Defeat makes MLS debut bittersweet for Beckham

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WASHINGTON, Aug 10 (AFP): David Beckham was delighted to finally make his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut Thursday, but disappointed he couldn't help his Los Angeles Galaxy to a victory.
"It was a good night, but it was also a bad night," said the former England captain, who came on in the 72nd minute of the Galaxy's 1-0 loss to DC United.
"Obviously, there's been a certain amount of pressure because everyone is talking about how I've come to MLS and not played yet. But I don't feel pressure in that sense. I feel pressure in myself to get fit and to get back playing again.
"It was a good night, but it was also a bad night," said the former England captain, who came on in the 72nd minute of the Galaxy's 1-0 loss to DC United.
A sellout crowd of 46,686 at RFK Stadium roared when Beckham, who had been warming up on the sidelines, stepped to the touchline to come into the match.
"That cuts out all the frustration that I've had for the last few weeks, ever since I joined the Galaxy and haven't been able to play," Beckham said of the reaction.
"Stepping out there and seeing the reaction, it was great. I feel very honored. It was great for me to be on the pitch and to kick a soccer ball around."
Beckham showed little ill effect from the left ankle injury that has delayed his official debut, limiting to just a brief appearance in a friendly against Chelsea last month.
He ran without any noticeable problem and met two tackles shortly after taking the field.
However, he said the injured ligaments in the ankle haven't completely healed.
"It was tender," he admitted. "I haven't played on it for eight weeks, I haven't trained on it for eight weeks, and it was going to be tender tonight because it was the first time I really got into anything competitive.