LOS ANGELES, July 22: David Beckham made a low-key start to his US football career here Saturday, making a 12-minute cameo appearance for Los Angeles Galaxy in a

1-0 defeat by English giants Chelsea.

The 32-year-old England star, who has been nursing an injured left ankle, came on as a second-half substitute in the 78th minute to roars and an explosion of flashbulbs from a 27,000 sell-out crowd at the Home Depot Center.

Beckham, who has not played since helping former club Real Madrid clinch the Spanish title 35 days ago, appeared to be moving gingerly and had only a handful of moments on the ball while on the field.

Yet his every touch was greeted by squeals of delight from fans crowded into the stadium to witness the star's first game in a Galaxy jersey, which saw Chelsea win thanks to a 49th-minute John Terry strike.—AFP