AFP
LOS ANGELES
Steven Gerrard made a dream start to his Major League Soccer career on Friday, scoring on his full debut as the Los Angeles Galaxy came from behind to beat the San Jose Earthquakes 5-2 in the California Clasico.
Liverpool legend Gerrard, who had played 45 minutes of a friendly for the Galaxy last weekened and appeared as a substitute in a midweek cup match, helped trigger a remarkable fightback after San Jose raced into an early 2-0 lead.
Gerrard's former Liverpool teammate Robbie Keane was the star, scoring a hat-trick as the Galaxy romped home.
But Gerrard left the pitch to a standing ovation after transforming the course of a match that San Jose looked set to win. The midfielder won the penalty which Keane converted to make it 2-1 and then fired home a 37th-minute equaliser to make it 2-2.
Gerrard, watched by former England and Los Angeles star David Beckham in the stands, then provided the free-kick which Keane steered home to make it 3-2 on 64 minutes.
Gerrard also nearly claimed a second in the 70th minute, his freekick crashing back off the woodwork.
Keane and Gerrard combined again in the build-up which led to the second penalty 10 minutes from time, duly stroked home by Ireland striker Keane for 4-2.
Sebastian Lletget then grabbed a late fifth for the Galaxy.
The 35-year-old Gerrard joined the Galaxy earlier this year on an 18-month deal after spending his entire 17-year professional career with Liverpool.
