CHICAGO - David Beckham's first season in Major League Soccer came to an end today when the Los Angeles Galaxy were beaten 1-0 by the Chicago Fire.
The former England captain played the final 33 minutes, but was unable to lift the Galaxy in a game that wasgoalless until former Manchester United trainee John Thorrington's goal in second-half stoppage time.
Galaxy needed a victory to earn a spot in the eight-team playoffs. The Fire were also playing for their postseason lives, but only needed a draw.
Galaxy goalkeeper Joe Cannon made several point-blank saves to keep his team in position to get the necessary result.
Beckham was appearing in his second game since returning from a right-knee injury that kept him out for ten matches.
He put a long-distance shot over the bar in the 77th minute and his 82nd minute freekick sailed dangerously into the box before being cleared.
Galaxy head coach Frank Yallop said he had no regrets about not starting Beckham.
"It would be tough to ask him to (play a full game) with not playing for seven weeks," he said.
"Once he got into the game, he had some good long passes and his free kicks are always dangerous."
