David Beckham was powerless to prevent LA Galaxy's Asian tour getting off to a losing start at the hands of South Korean side FC Seoul.

After the scores finished level at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, Seoul won a penalty shoot-out 2-1.

Beckham was the only Galaxy player to convert, firing his spot-kick into the roof of the net as Seoul goalkeeper Kim Ho-jun saved the other four.

The former England captain played the full 90 minutes and was in the thick of the action of a surprisingly physical match, creating the opening goal for the MLS outfit.

Playing in front of just 34,000 fans in the 65,000-capacity Seoul World Cup Stadium, the ex-Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder was in action early in the game - momentarily squaring up to Lee Chung-yong after the young Seoul winger caught him with a late tackle.

Beckham's passing skills were on display after 12 minutes when a delightful ball sent Carlos Ruiz free only for the striker to balloon his shot high and wide.

Beckham created the game's opening goal after 20 minutes when he chipped a free-kick into Seoul's penalty area for Alan Gordon to control on his chest and volley into the net.

After 31 minutes, however, the hosts were back on level terms when Jung Jo-gook converted a penalty.

The game slowed in the second half with Galaxy's Steve Cronin the busier of the two goalkeepers.

Galaxy depart for Shanghai tomorrow morning for the next leg of their tour against Shanghai-Hong Kong United on March 5, before facing Hong Kong SACC in Hong Kong four days later.

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