Gerrard scores on MLS debut

Steven Gerrard scored on his Major League Soccer (MLS) debut as LA Galaxy beat San Jose Earthquakes 5-2.

The 35-year-old former Liverpool captain, who had a hand in two of Robbie Keane’s three goals, levelled in the 37th minute after Keane’s penalty made it 2-1.

Gerrard got a standing ovation for his effort and was beaming afterwards.

“It was very pleasing to get off the mark. I’m starting to feel a little bit sharper, I’m very close to full fitness,” he said.

“Galaxy coach Bruce Arena was shouting ‘how you doing?’ from about 60 minutes but I was pretending I couldn’t hear him and kept looking away.

“I felt like a kid out there again. I didn’t want to come off – I want to play as much football as I can. One of the reasons why I’ve come to this team was to start all the games and play as many minutes as possible.

“I was determined not to become a squad player. I still feel like I’ve got energy, I still love the game, I’m enjoying training and I’m settling in pretty nicely.”

Gerrard made his Galaxy debut on Tuesday night as a half-time substitute in the US Open Cup defeat by Real Salt Lake but this was his first competitive start since leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.