David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy suffered a humbling 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer yesterday while the Philadelphia Union earned their second straight win.

Beckham, captaining the Galaxy in the absence of Landon Donovan away on international duty, saw his side go a goal down inside three minutes to an Andy Williams strike.

A Javier Morales penalty put Salt Lake 2-0 up in just the tenth minute and then the Argentine playmaker took advantage of a dozing Beckham to lose his marker at a throw in and fire home a superb shot from 20 yards out to make it 3-0 four minutes before the break.

Paulo Junior made it 4-0 for Real in the 68th minute before Colombian Juan Pablo Angel got a consolation for the Galaxy with his first goal for the club, getting on the end of a curling free-kick from Beckham.

Philadelphia, who won at Houston last week, continued their bright start with a 1-0 win over MLS new boys Vancouver, thanks to a 77th minute goal from Guatemalan forward Carlos Ruiz.

US international Charlie Davies continued his return from a 17 month lay-off caused by a serious car accident, by scoring an injury time penalty for D.C United but that couldn't save the Washington team from a 2-1 loss to the New England Revolution.

Mexican international Omar Bravo was sent off in the 32nd minute of Sporting Kansas City's 3-2 defeat to an impressive Chicago Fire.

A weakened New York Red Bulls, without injured former France striker Thierry Henry, were held to a goalless draw at Columbus, while Portland's tough baptism in the league continued with a 2-0 loss at Toronto - Dutchman Javier Martina scoring both goals.

Defending champions the Colorado Rapids enjoyed a 1-0 win at Chivas USA - Quincy Amarikwa getting the only goal.