Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids: Rating David Beckham's Performance

While Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy did silence the Colorado Rapids 2-1 on Saturday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, it was an average performance for midfielder David Beckham, who only had three free kicks and wasn't much of a factor in the outcome of the contest.

What I will say is that Beckham has stamina. In spite of getting injured in the second half, Beckham was able to see the match off. Beckham started on Saturday while suffering back issues, and should be commended for even being on the pitch. He has stamina.

What he didn't have was the ability to find open teammates to receive the free kicks. Mike Magee came the closest in the second half but failed to connect. To be fair, Beckham wasn't awarded a lot of set-piece opportunities, but he was unsuccessful in making any of them count.

"It was tough. We all felt it in the warm-up and when you go on a long run or things like that during the game, then you feel it as well," Beckham told reporters after the match.

"I think we coped with it pretty well especially in the first half. Because we kept the ball and passed the ball around well. It was easy for us. But a bit tougher in the second half. It’s a tough place to come and win and we’re happy tonight.

In matches where altitude is an issue and the need to conserve energy is a high priority, Beckham has to avoid taking chances on the long ball. Less long balls, more short passing and defending. Create some buildup. Generate some sequences. None of this 50/50 ball nonsense that will backfire on even the most accomplished a player like David Beckham.

If you want to make the final cut and get to London, you need to reduce the open play crosses and force the rest of the team to rely on each other to get results. Also, complaining to the official late in a match is not going to do you any favors.

This was an average effort from David Beckham. Being more of a leader than the hero would have fancied him better.

Rating: 7/10