October 20, 2007	Saturday	Shawwal 7, 1428

LOS ANGELES, Oct 19: English star David Beckham took five corner kicks and showed off his slick passing skills after entering as a late substitute in Los Angeles Galaxy’s 1-1 tie against New York on Thursday.

Beckham came into the game in 67th minute for Peter Vagenas after missing 10 games with a knee injury.

His appearance seemed to spark his Galaxy team-mates but they couldn’t convert their chances into goals as they tussle for one of Major League Soccer’s final playoff spots.

The tie extended their unbeaten streak to seven but snapped a five-game winning streak.

A loss would have ended the Galaxy season as they are now three points adrift of Kansas City and Chicago in the playoff race.

They have one game remaining against Chicago in the Windy City on Sunday.

The Red Bulls have already qualified for the playoffs and they will face New England in the first round.

Beckham had been sidelined since August 29 with a knee injury suffered in the Galaxy’s SuperLiga final loss to Mexican club Pachuca.

The Galaxy hoped at the time that Beckham’s injury would not keep him out for the rest of the season. He returned to full training earlier this month.

In Beckham’s absence, the Galaxy won five straight games, putting themselves back on the fringes of the playoff picture.—AFP