Melbourne Victory and LA Galaxy have played out a 2-2 draw in an exhibition match at Etihad Stadium tonight in front of 34,608 fans, but an unexpected penalty shootout was scheduled which Los Angeles won 4-3. Harry Kewell was left out of the squad in order to keep him well rested and injury free but the main attraction in David Beckham was what the crowd had come to see.

Victory started the game looking lively and it wasn’t long before they took the lead via Carlos Hernandez. Shortly after Melbourne were on the attack again. Isaka Cernak was able to run onto a superb through ball from Hernandez and slot the ball home putting his team up 2-0. With the players treating the occasion very much like a training match so too was the referee, awarding a controversial penalty which Robbie Keane buried, sending Ante Covic the wrong way.

The first half ended 2-1 leaving any excitement behind. Melbourne Victory made several changes, opting to give their first team regulars a rest ahead of their important league match this weekend. They were replaced with a number of Youth players who were unable to impress in a rather dull second half. Another penalty was awarded to LA after Petar Franjic shoved Beckham out of the way but the England star didn’t take the spot kick. Instead it was Keane once again who had no trouble in putting the ball past substitute goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.

Catching up on the good old days.

David Beckham was replaced late in the match as it ended 2-2 at full time. Surprisingly though, a penalty shootout was called for which was also treated with little seriousness by the players but it did hand the Galaxy their first win on Australian soil. Melbourne Victory now return their attention to more serious matters as they face Adelaide United in a crucial game on Saturday.