Rising temperatures and high humidity created oppressive conditions during yesterday's match between D.C. United and the L.A. Galaxy. The Galaxy ended up taking the worst of it, with United's attack providing the most unbearable heat.

Day games are normally held in the mid-to-late afternoon in order to avoid playing directly under the sun. To maximize exposure, the game was scheduled before the afternoon's European Championship and broadcast nationally on ABC. The game promised two assets worthy of a national audience: the return of international superstar David Beckham to the stadium in which he first appeared for the Galaxy and an attractive style of soccer facilitated by the league's two most prolific offenses (as well as its two most porous defenses).

That offense was on display from the opening minutes. In just the fourth minute, Jaime Moreno worked the right side of the field and got the ball to Santino Quaranta. As he crossed into the penalty box and reared back to fire a shot, he was forcefully shoved from behind by Galaxy midfielder Ante Jazic. Referee Jair Marrufo recognized the clear penalty and Moreno made his 20th consecutive try from the spot.

David Beckham made his return to RFK Stadium yesterday. (Kyle Gustafson / www.photokyle.com)

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United and L.A. each enjoyed solid scoring chances in the coming minutes. Though United created more of them, it was the Galaxy that found net. United's defense did well to contain Landon Donovan for most of the night. The talented forward found his way into the box score in the 26th minute, however, when he slid a pass into the box. Gonzalo Peralta muffed his clearance, and the ball landed around the feet of Bryan Namoff, Devon McTavish, and Edson Buddle. Buddle got to it first, and scored over a diving Zach Wells.

Though Quaranta played well during the game's initial stages, a hamstring strain forced him to sub out in the 27th minute. His replacement, Marc Burch, spent the first few minutes acclimating himself. Then he made his presence felt in a big way. Jaime Moreno again worked his way down the right channel and sent a cross through the box. Marcelo Gallardo went down and pleaded for a penalty. Marrufo's refusal to grant one would have little consequence; Moreno's cross fell at the feet Burch, who found Luciano Emilio with a perfect ball into the box. Emilio's header to the back post extended his scoring streak to six matches. Burch's solid afternoon would later include a 30-yard free kick that rattled the crossbar.

Marrufo would get another chance to put his imprint on the game in the 42nd minute. Donovan aggressively fought to rob the ball from Gallardo. Upset that Marrufo did not call Donovan for a foul, Gallardo raised his arms in frustration (just as the whistle was blown, coincidentally). In doing so, his forearm connected squarely with Donovan's face. The blow could best be described as semi-intentional, and Gallardo was deemed worthy of a yellow card. Donovan's dissent earned himself a matching booking. Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit later echoed Donovan's sentiment that Gallardo should have been sent off. Despite their protestations, United entered the second half with 11 men on the field.

United coach Tom Soehn urged his team to use the oppressive heat against their counterparts in the second half, and his advice proved its value. Throughout the half, United doggedly kept possession of the ball and forced L.A. to wear themselves out by chasing the game. They then jumped into action with bursts of energy that left the Galaxy players wheeling and wheezing.

At first, United were unable to take advantage of their strategy's effectiveness. They sprung breakaways during minutes 56, 57, and 58 before finally scoring in the 60th. Defender Gonzalo Martinez broke down the left side for one of his runs that have been so prevalent during United's recent MLS success. Finding himself all alone, he sent a ball to the top of the box. Emilio's touch landed the ball at the feet of Gallardo. The Argentine held off his defender and tucked the ball into the net.

Galaxy goalkeeper Steve Cronin denied Emilio several times on the night, but there was no stopping the Brazilian in the 68th minute. After several minutes of D.C. possession, Gallardo won a 50-50 ball and quickly found Fred to beat the offsides trap. He drew out Cronin and presented his countryman with the easiest of finishes.

The 35,979 in attendance numbered over 12,000 more than United's previous season high. Though there is no mistaking Beckham's drawing power, the loudest cheers of the night were directed toward another RFK returnee -- D.C. United captain and fan favorite Ben Olsen. The midfielder had been suffering through ankle ailments for over a half year, and his inclusion in the gameday 18-man active roster was surprising. Upon entering the match in the 75th minute, Olsen was greeted by loud cheers at every touch of the ball.

United salted away the remaining 15 minutes of the game, their visitors completely drained from the summer heat. Before the large crowd in attendance and a national television audience, United routed a traditional rival, outplaying them in every aspect. Wells and his defense neutralized Donovan, while Martinez' skillful marking of Beckham limited the $6.5 million man's sparkling services. United will rue some of their missed chances (I counted eight such instances during which a United attacker had the ball with only the keeper to beat), though ultimately it's hard to nitpick a 4-1 victory.

With the win, United moves into third place in the Eastern Conference, vaulting L.A. for the third best record overall.