Chelsea beat LA Galaxy 1-0

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

CARSON, California (Reuters) - Chelsea ended their pre-season tour of the U.S. with a 1-0 win against Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday in a match highlighted by David Beckham's long-awaited debut for the hosts.

Chelsea captain John Terry scored the only goal in the 49th minute after being lined up by Joe Cole, driving a powerful shot into the right post before the ball ricocheted into the net.

U.S. international striker Landon Donovan came close to equalising for the Galaxy in the 70th minute after latching onto a cross from Quavas Kirk but he headed over the bar.

Beckham, signed by the Galaxy from Real Madrid on a $32.5 million five-year deal, came on as a substitute in the 78th minute and helped steady the midfield with a polished cameo performance.

His mere appearance on the bench seemed to lift his new team mates, who delivered one of their best performances in an otherwise dismal campaign.

The Galaxy have won only three of their 12 Major League Soccer games this season and languish second bottom in the Western standings.

They also failed to reach the U.S. Open Cup quarter-finals after losing 1-0 at lowly Richmond Kickers last week.

"LA played the game with a lot of passion, I think maybe they waited to show David Beckham they have a team," Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho told reporters.