David Beckham finally played a few minutes tonight in the Galaxy’s game against the D.C. United.  He played about twenty minutes and missed a free shot.

The sellout crowd of more than 46,686 at RFK Stadium let out a thunderous roar as the 32-year-old English midfielder with the tender ankle stripped off his warmup jacket and T-shirt, displaying his bare chest in a steady rain. He then put on his No. 23 jersey and entered the game in place of Quavas Kirk with the Galaxy trailing 1-0.

His appearance as a substitute was the latest milestone in his move to the United States, a signing that has created unprecedented publicity for a league that hopes to elevate itself above niche status in a crowded sports landscape. Beckham’s first news conference and first appearance in uniform were huge events by themselves—now he has actually played in a competitive game.

One small step for man, one giant leap for Hollywood!