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.