D.C. United turns back Beckham’s Galaxy, 4-1

Luciano Emilio scored twice as United won their fourth straight game.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Los Angeles Galaxy wilted in the heat during David Beckham’s annual visit to the nation’s capital, hardly the best scenario against a D.C. United team that is scoring goals in bunches.

Luciano Emilio struck twice, Marcelo Gallardo had one goal, and Jaime Moreno converted a penalty kick Sunday as United won their fourth straight game, dominating the second half of a 4-1 victory over the Galaxy before a season-high 35,979 fans at steamy RFK Stadium.

“In the second half, you see players that really suffered from the heat,” Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit said. “They were exhausted. It’s extreme for a player to play in this heat — and the humidity also.”

The game matched the two teams that lead the league in both goals scored and goals allowed, but only United maintained its offensive prowess for the full 90 minutes. The Galaxy’s only goal came from Edson Buddle, who netted his 10th of the season.

Meanwhile, Donovan’s highlight moment was a painful one — a bloody whack in the nose from Gallardo’s forearm in the first half. Gallardo was assessed a yellow card instead of a red-card ejection, and Donovan got his own yellow card for arguing the call. Gallardo eventually scored to give United a 3-1 lead in the second half.