English soccer star David Beckham made his first appearance in the 2010 Major League Soccer season on Saturday night, playing the final 20 minutes of a 3-1 win over the Columbus Crew at The Home Depot Center.

Beckham, who has been playing in midfield with Los Angeles Galaxy, took a shot in the 73rd minute that was saved by Crew goalkeeper William Hesmer, after he entered the game in the 70th minute when the Galaxy leaded 3-0 on goals by Edson Buddle, Dema Kovalenko and Jovan Kirovski.

The former England skipper was issued a yellow card one minute later for a reckless foul on Columbus midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo.

Andres Mendoza scored his first goal of the season for the Crew (13-6-5) in the 85th minute,and the win improved the Galaxy's record to a league-best 14-5-5.

Beckham had been sidelined because of a torn left Achilles tendon suffered March 14 while playing for Italy's AC Milan.

Beckham underwent surgery March 16, began rehabilitation from the injury in April in Southern California, started practicing with the Galaxy Aug.11 and was activated off the disabled list Thursday.