A subdued Beckham returns to Galaxy

By Padraic Cassidy

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Reuters) - Maybe it was the heat, or the global commute or the rust from weeks without the intense effort of European soccer, but it turned out to be a quiet return for the marquee player of U.S. soccer, David Beckham.

The England international was booed by the crowd with every touch of the ball but said, after playing a minor role in the L.A. Galaxy's convincing win over Major League Soccer's worst team, he was pleased to be back with his team mates.

Beckham spent the off-season with AC Milan in Italy and his extended loan spell there led Landon Donovan, the Galaxy captain, to publicly question Beckham's commitment to the LA team.

"It's to be expected. Sometimes it's nice to get the boos. It gives you inspiration, especially when we play like we did," said Beckham.

Beckham and Donovan later buried the hatchet in a meeting brokered by their manager, former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena.

In the aftermath of a thumping 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, off-field differences were put aside.

"Given all the circumstances and issues, I think he had a great game," said Arena.

Donovan said the chemistry between the two on the right side of midfield was "fantastic."