(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-08-10 09:41

WASHINGTON - David Beckham made his long-awaited Major League Soccer debut on Thursday, causing few waves on the pitch but creating quite a stir in the stands.

Los Angeles Galaxy's midfielder David Beckham, applauds the sellout crowd of over 45,000 at RFK Stadium as he walks of the field shirtless after making his MLS debut against DC United, Thursday, Aug, 9, 2007 in Washington. Beckham came in as a second half substitute in the galaxy's 1-0 loss.[AP]

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder came on as a 72nd-minute substitute in the nationally televised game with United leading 1-0.

Though neither side scored during Beckham's time on the pitch, giving United a narrow victory, it hardly mattered to the sold-out crowd of 46,686 at RFK Stadium.

Beckham first touched the ball in the 75th minute, prompting a roar from the crowd.

A minute later, the midfielder launched a long-range shot and United goalkeeper Troy Perkins caught the ball comfortably to a combination of cheers and groans from the crowd.

Though much of the second half was played in a steady rain, few fans left the stadium. The crowd cheered when Beckham stood up to come on as substitute, went wild went he trotted on to the pitch, and screamed whenever he approached the ball.

The 32-year-old Beckham played 16 minutes in a friendly against Chelsea on June 21 but has since been nursing an injury to his left ankle.

Scores of number 23 Beckham shirts were in the crowd and dozens of banners, some as far-reaching as "Egypt Loves Becks", were hanging from the upper deck of the aging stadium.

The Galaxy's next game is against the New England Revolution in Foxborough, Mass., on Sunday.

One of the world's most marketable athletes, the former England captain shocked the soccer world this year when he announced he would be leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid for the Galaxy in a five-year deal that could net him up to $250 million.