MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA (AP) - David Beckham lifted a trophy in what could be his final game for the Los Angeles Galaxy, an exhibition victory over Australian A-League team Melbourne Victory on penalty shots Tuesday.
The 36-year-old former England captain was given the man of the match award after the Galaxy’s 4-3 shootout win following a 2-2 draw.
Beckham didn’t score but provided several classy touches. He contract ended with the Galaxy’s season and he hasn’t said where he will play next year. He is thought to be weighing offers to remain in the United States or to join the French club Paris St. Germain.
Beckham’s every move cheered by a 34,000 crowd until he was substituted three minutes from the end. His audacious lob from inside his own half on 13 minutes, which just missed, was reminiscent of the 1996 goal for Manchester United against Wimbledon from similar range that launched him to stardom.
He also won one of two penalties for his side in normal time when he was checked by Victory defender Petar Franjic to earn the spot-kick for Robbie Keane.
Melbourne made the stronger start Tuesday and led 2-0 after 37 minutes with goals by Carlos Hernandez and Isaka Cernak. But after a dubious penalty for handball just before halftime, which Keane converted to make it 2-1, the Galaxy improved in the second half. Keane’s second penalty squared things up at 2-2.
The Galaxy pressed hard but were unable to find the winner in regulation.
The match Tuesday was to be a contest between Beckham and former Liverpool star Harry Kewell. But Kewell withdrew to ensure his fitness for an A-League match this weekend.
“We have an important game on the weekend, and the manager’s told me I can’t play,” Kewell said. “I’m 100 percent fit, I trained today, and I wanted to be out there.”
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