WASHINGTON: David Beckham made his long-awaited Major League Soccer debut on Thursday, causing few waves on the pitch but creating quite a stir in the stands.

The Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder came on as a 72nd-minute substitute in the nationally televised game against D.C. United.

Though neither side scored during Beckham's time on the pitch, giving United a 1-0 victory, it hardly mattered to the sold-out crowd of 46,686 at RFK Stadium.