Beckham on target as Galaxy slump

England star David Beckham overcame an injury scare to score from a trademark free-kick as Los Angeles Galaxy were beaten 5-3 by Hyundai A-League side Sydney FC at the Telstra Stadium.

The former England captain’s left ankle collapsed under his body in the 28th minute before Sydney midfielder Brendon Santalab slid into him after losing his footing in the greasy conditions.

Beckham received attention for around a minute before hobbling back into the fray and recovering to find the net from around 25 yards just before half-time, to rapturous applause from the 80,295 crowd.

Sydney led 3-0 at the time through goals to Alex Brosque (two) and Ruben Zadkovich.

Beckham, who played the full 90 minutes, and Edson Buddle replied for the Galaxy before Robbie Middleby added a fourth for Sydney FC and Iain Fyfe rounded off the hosts’ scoring three minutes from time.

Landon Donovan scored a consolation goal for the Galaxy at the death but the Major League Soccer outfit finished the game with 10 men after Kevin Harmse was sent off for a 77th-minute foul.