Beckham’s America parade drenched in Washington rain

Luciano Emilio was the difference for United (9-6-3), scoring from 25 yards in the 27th minute, but the evening belonged to the fashionable midfielder, whose signing with 11-year-old MLS last winter sent shockwaves through the international soccer establishment. Beckham had made a token appearance in an exhibition three weeks ago, but his tender ankle sidelined him for three matches and an MLS game in Toronto last weekend.

His arrival in Washington renewed speculation about when he would actually play. The first positive sign last night was his inclusion on the active roster. The second indication came when he loosened up on the sideline during the first half. And despite torrential rain — “it was just the biggest raindrops I’ve ever seen,” he said — and a slick field, he entered the match to the roaring approval of the crowd.

“It’s great to be out there because it’s not nice to disappoint people, it’s not nice to disappoint people that paid a lot of money to come and see the game,” he said. “I was thankful to actually get on the pitch. It was a good night, but also a bad night because we ended up losing the game.”

A “playmaker” for most of his career, Beckham played a central role last night. After a few touches, he delivered his first long ball, a nicely placed offering that United goalkeeper Troy Perkins caught without a challenge.

Beckham’s first free kick came in the 85th and was headed high and wide by Carlos Pavon. Later, he sent a splendid long ball that Perkins met an instant before Landon Donovan at the top of the box. The Galaxy begged for a penalty kick, but referee Jair Marrufo let play continue.

Galaxy Coach Frank Yallop said he did not hesitate calling on Beckham. “We’re trying to get him some time on the field and it was the opportune time to do it, really,” he said. “We wanted to change things, we needed to get a goal.”

Despite the injury, Beckham did not hold back, challenging rivals for the ball and serving passes into dangerous spots. “I give him a lot of credit for playing because I know he’s not 100 percent,” United midfielder Ben Olsen said. “Alot of people were here to watch him and he gritted it out.”