CARSON (California): Steven Gerrard made a quiet start to his new career with the Los Angeles Galaxy as they beat Mexico’s Club America 2-1 in the opening game of the International Champions Cup game on Saturday night.

Gerrard played the opening 45 minutes and had one scoring chance that was saved but otherwise had little influence on the match that was sealed by the Major League Soccer side with goals either side of half-time by Robbie Keane and Alan Gordon at StubHub Center.

The 35-year-old midfielder joined the Galaxy after playing his entire 17-season career with English Premier League side Liverpool.

The former England midfielder admitted he was short of match fitness but hopes to get as much game time as possible under his belt as he attempt to settle in to his new surroundings.

“Physically, it was tough,” Gerrard said afterwards. “I haven’t played a competitive match for six or seven weeks so it was very important that I got out there and got 45 minutes.

“Hopefully I get some more minutes on Tuesday [in the US Open Cup match at Real Salt Lake] and be ready for the big game on Friday [against the San Jose Earthquakes].”

Having only started practicing with the Galaxy on Tuesday, Gerrard seemed more comfortable when moving forward in an attacking role, but was caught flat-footed several times on defence.

“Steven played well,” Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said. “His passing was very good. His partnership with Juninho was good. Won some tackles, helped create some chances. Could have had a goal, so his first time out was very encouraging. He looked like he belonged.”

Club America scored on the counter, with Carlos Darwin Quintero putting the ball between Brian Rowe’s legs for a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.

Galaxy captain Keane equalised in the 45th minute. After masterfully collecting a long ball from Juninho with his first touch, Keane coolly placed the ball into the open net from 10 yards out after.

Substitute Gordon scored a late winner for the Galaxy, climbing high to head home Raul Mendiola’s cross in the 80th minute.

Published in Dawn ,July 13th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play