Objectivo.com

If the Los Angeles Galaxy are going to be America’s version of the Galacticos, the stars have to shine. On Thursday night at the Home Depot Center, David Beckham and Landon Donovan did more than just shine. Each player finished with a goal and an assist as the Galaxy beat the San Jose Earthquakes, 2-0, in the Quakes’ first game back in MLS.

Before a packed house that included L.A. Lakers star Kobe Bryant, Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit fielded a more traditional 4-4-2. U23 standout Mike Randolph, inexplicably left out in last week’s 4-0 loss to Colorado, was back in the lineup, and Donovan started up top after being invisible on the flank last week.

The changes paid dividends in the 9th minute. A giveaway near midfield was picked up by Donovan, who turned and threaded a pass to Beckham, who made a quick diagonal run behind the defense. Beckham one-timed a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Joe Cannon to give the Galaxy the lead. It was Beckham’s first league goal, although he scored once in last year’s Superliga tournament.

Donovan himself then doubled the lead in the 37th minute. After flurried interplay near midfield, Beckham lofted a ball behind the Quakes defense. Donovan, who won two MLS Cups with San Jose earlier this decade, outran Ryan Cochrane to the ball and gracefully lifted the ball over the outstretched arms of an onrushing Cannon.

The second half was a more defensive battle as L.A. tightened the defense. San Jose, meanwhile, were unable to mount even a half-chance.

The Galaxy, playing without striker Carlos Ruiz, nearly iced the game through Alan Gordon, but his touch let him down and Nick Garcia was able to close him down before he released his shot.