Beckham is true

Just over 28 minutes of play, David Beckham scored from his trademark free-kick to give Galaxy the lead over DC in the SuperLiga, thus ensuring their place in the final.

He also set up the second goal with a pass to Donovan. Beckham who was named the captain of the side showed great leadership skills before he was substituted in the 63minute. Even after such an impressive performance, he was modest when interviewed after the game.

“It was nice to get the early goal,” he said. “But it was not just about my goal and Landon’s goal.

“I think it was a team performance that was exceptional, we worked hard as a team and played hard as a team and we won as a team. “

The midfielder had played just 37 minutes for his new club prior to the game against DC United following his high-profile move from Real Madrid because of a persistent ankle injury.

And he responded in the perfect manner by leading his new club to their first win in four games.

Beckham takes captain’s armband to great effect

LOS ANGELES — The Beckham Era in Los Angeles began in earnest on Wednesday night during the SuperLiga semifinal at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. Up to that point, most of the fuss about the famous player had been flash and fluff and little substance. With his injured ankle limiting his performances, a simple fact about the midfielder had nearly been forgotten — Beckham can really play.

In the 27th minute of Wednesday’s match, Beckham blasted one of his patented bending free kicks, decimating not only the D.C. United defense but also the doubts and naysayers who had hounded him these past few weeks.

It was an especially impressive goal considering that Beckham had not taken a free kick in weeks, even during training.

Beckham’s first start for the Galaxy was less of a surprise than the fact that he stepped onto the field wearing the captain’s armband. It had previously been worn by Galaxy star Landon Donovan, and midseason captaincy changes are generally rare.

Middlesbrough finalise Mido move

Egyptian striker Mido has joined Middlesbrough from Spurs in a £6m move. The 24-year-old forward has signed a four-year contract with Boro after agreeing terms and passing a medical.

Boro, who have lost their first two league games, have gained a work permit for Mido, who is in the squad for Saturday’s game against Fulham.

“I played against him as a player and he always impressed me” said Boro boss Gareth Southgate. “He’s got good technical ability – he’s a goalscorer.”

Southgate added: “When you’ve got one of the best crossers of the ball in the league in Stewart Downing, you want someone like Mido who can head the ball.”

Sevilla snub Chelsea’s Alves bid

Chelsea’s bid for Sevilla defender Daniel Alves has been rejected by the Spanish club as “way below” an acceptable price. The Brazilian international’s agent had claimed the clubs were close to an agreement for the £25m-rated player.

But the Uefa Cup holders said on their website: “We would like to clarify that we consider the offer from Chelsea way below the expected level.

“This being the case, Daniel remains a player of Sevilla FC.”

Reports in Spain had suggested the two clubs came to an agreement on Tuesday only for the deal to suffer a hitch.

Alves’ agent Geronimo Suarez had told BBC 5live: “It’s a complicated moment as both clubs are determined to close the deal and we are getting close.

“Daniel wants to close the deal quickly too. It may take two or three days, maximum one week to find a solution.”