Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: Rating David Beckham's Performance

It was a tale of two stretches of time for the Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham. During the first 80 minutes, Beckham played like he deserved to be playing for the Los Angeles Blues. Absolutely stupefying play. No intensity, and the set piece slot machine was in one-arm bandit mode.

And then, in the 81st minute, Beckham was able to fire a close laser on a Landon Donovan delivery to make it 2-1. Game on, says the England international, still feeling the aftereffects of the Team Great Britain pipe dream that tormented him like a thief in the night.

Los Angeles were due for a late-night mugging of some sorts, and it was Beckham who found a player of the future in Jose Villareal.

Beckham delivered a long ball to Juninho, who then fed the ball to Villareal to complete the rally. The game-tying assist salvaged a point for Bruce Arena's Galaxy and kept their unbeaten streak against Martin Rennie's Vancouver Whitecaps alive.

At least, until the next match.

But when it's a tale of two stretches of time—one big, the other small—it's not going to equate to a good player rating. For a designated player of David Beckham's caliber, the expectation is for an all-around performance, whether it is in the run of play, by being the provider, or by delivering crisp set pieces.

We saw Beckham's best game of the season a few days ago against the Portland Timbers. However, a consistent effort will need to be had from the No. 23 in order for Los Angeles to remain in the race.

Rating: 6/10