STUB HUB CENTER, LOS ANGELES—Steven Gerrard made his Los Angeles Galaxy debut in their friendly match against Club America of Mexico on Saturday evening.

Gerrard played the opening 45 minutes of the International Champions Cup game, which ended in a 2-1 win for the Englishman's new club.

The visit of the Mexican side to Southern California meant for a lively atmosphere on Gerrard's first outing in America and there was a sense of anticipation around the stadium ahead of the marquee player's debut.

The 35-year-old showed a few signs of nerves and rustiness early on, but he grew into the game and began to dictate the play—making more passes and having more touches than any other Galaxy player during the opening 45.

The former Liverpool captain lined up alongside diminutive Brazilian Juninho in Galaxy's midfield, with head coach Bruce Arena having explained this week that the pair will work in tandem but that Gerrard "needs to be a little bit closer to goal."

After Club America took an early lead through Carlos Quintero in the seventh minute, Gerrard and his team-mates initially looked somewhat shell-shocked and a miscommunication between the Englishman and his new team-mate, Galaxy centre-back Leonardo, almost let the visiting side in for a second goal.

But as the nerves dissipated, Gerrard began to exert his influence more and had two opportunities shortly after the 20-minute mark—the second of which was only denied via a good save from the Club America 'keeper Hugo Gonzalez.

Gerrard burst from midfield, linked well to receive the ball back from Jose Villarreal, before hitting a half volley that looked destined to open his account for his new side. Had it been on his right rather than left foot, it surely would have burst the net.

There were some oohs and aahs as Gerrard showcased his trademark driven balls to switch play with ease and accuracy. Galaxy fans will be excited to see the new man in full flow—and against sides in regular MLS play that won't be as strong as Club America. 

The final word of the opening half was left to Gerrard's captain, Robbie Keane, who expertly controlled a long ball to outwit both the 'keeper and an opposing defender to beautifully control the ball then slot into the open net.

We can't get enough of this Robbie Keane goal. #ICC2015 pic.twitter.com/mv34kiGPnu

Gerrard departed at half-time with the scores level, having showed enough signs that he will revel in his role at a new club.

It may take some time—and a lot of patience—to adapt to a new style of play and new team-mates who perhaps aren't always on the same wavelength, but Gerrard will get what he wanted; regular playing time as the main man in midfield.

Gerrard admitted to some rustiness post-match, saying: "I haven’t played a competitive match for six or seven weeks so it was very important that I got out there and got 45 minutes."

"For me personally, it was good to get 45 minutes under my belt and I’ll keep getting better and better and the more I get used to my team-mates, I’ll improve."

Arena praised Gerrard's performance: "Steven played well, his passing was very good, his partnership with Juninho was good."

Arena noted Gerrard's leadership and said that he thinks he is "about a month [away from full match fitness]."

Gerrard will make his MLS bow for Galaxy in their match at home to San Jose Earthquakes on Friday night, although Arena said he would wait to asses him ahead of the U.S. Open Cup tie at Real Salt Lake on Tuesday night, which would provide his competitive debut and first "road trip" with his new team.

Quotes obtained firsthand/via LA Galaxy. Stats provided by ICC at stadium.

Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

Source: Click Here