Flashback: David Beckham's first MLS start in Red Bulls-Galaxy thriller | THE SIDELINE

David Beckham at Giants stadium in first MLS start


Fans showed up to the August 2007 matchup between the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy to see the first start of David Beckham's MLS career, but they stayed to the very end for the thrilling 5-4 game that transpired.


Beckham announced his arrival rather quickly for the Galaxy with two first-half assists to teammate Carlos Pavón, but it wasn't enough as the Red Bulls claimed the three points. An up-and-coming, 18-year-old American striker named Jozy Altidore was still bursting onto the scene and scored a pair of goals to help New York on their way.


GALLERY: Beckham's career from Manchester to Madrid to LA to Paris

Other notable participants: Juan Pablo Ángel, Clint Mathis, Mike Magee (for New York), manager Bruce Arena (for New York), Joe Cannon, Chris Klein, Landon Donovan and Kyle Martino.


Beckham announced on Thursday that he would retire at the end of this season, which only makes it fitting his first, and most memorable, MLS start highlights the league's slate of games this weekend.


The big one, of course, is the LA Galaxy's visit to Red Bull Arena for a Sunday match against the Red Bulls (1 pm ET, ESPN2, live chat on MLSsoccer.com).


What do you think? Was this 5-4 thriller the best game in MLS history? Who you got in the rematch on Sunday?