Steven Gerrard makes LA Galaxy debut in pre-season friendly
Last updated on .From the section Football
Steven Gerrard "looked like he belonged" as he played his first game for LA Galaxy in a friendly, the MLS side's manager Bruce Arena said.
Ex-Liverpool captain Gerrard featured in the first half of a 2-1 victory over Mexican side Club America on Saturday, forcing a save from 35 yards.
Captain Robbie Keane equalised after Carlos Darwin Quintero put America ahead, before Alan Gordon's winner.
Arena said the 35-year-old's Galaxy debut was "very encouraging".
"His passing was very good," the 63-year-old added. "His partnership with Juninho was good. He won some tackles, helped create some chances. He could have had a goal. Steven played well."
Midfielder Gerrard, who left Liverpool at the end of last season after 17 years with the Anfield club, said: "It was good to get 45 minutes under my belt and I'll keep getting better and better and the more I get used to my team-mates, I'll improve.
"Physically it was tough. I haven't played a competitive match for six or seven weeks so it was very important that I got out there and got 45 minutes."
Gerrard is expected to play his first MLS match when the Galaxy host the San Jose Earthquakes on Friday.
Quintero gave America an early lead after firing the ball between Galaxy goalkeeper Brian Rowe's legs in the seventh minute.
Gerrard had a low shot saved from inside the box before 34-year-old Republic of Ireland forward Keane displayed brilliant close control to slide home and level the match.
Gordon's winner came in the 80th minute, the 33-year-old forward out-jumping two defenders and heading in Raul Mendiola's cross.
