Steven Gerrard scores in his first MLS match LA Galaxy 5 -2 San Jose Earthquakes

Steven Gerrard scored on his Major League Soccer debut and had a role in two of Robbie Keane's three goals as LA Galaxy beat San Jose Earthquakes.

The 35-year-old former Liverpool captain, making his first ever league appearance for anyone other than the Reds, levelled in the 37th minute after Keane's penalty made it 2-1.

Gerrard charged forward from his own half and played the ball to ex-Anfield team-mate Keane, who found Baggio Husidic and Gerrard turned his cross home from 10 yards.

The former England midfielder had won the penalty from which Keane opened the scoring when Tommy Thompson elbowed him.

And in the second half, his low free-kick was turned in by Galaxy captain Keane for the Californian derby winner

He also hit the crossbar and had a goal disallowed when the referee called it back for a penalty following David Bingham's foul on Husidic. Keane stepped up to complete his hat-trick.

Gerrard left the pitch late on to a standing ovation and Sebastian Lletget added a late fifth.

Liverpudlian Gerrard made his Galaxy debut on Tuesday night as a half-time substitute in the US Open Cup defeat by Real Salt Lake.

But this was his first competitive start since leaving Liverpool at the end of the season and he made it in some style. He became only the third player to score a goal, assist one and win a penalty in an MLS game this season, with former Serie A stars Sebastian Giovinco and Kaka the other two.

But, just like when he was presented on the pitch before their match with Toronto earlier this month, it was Republic of Ireland captain Keane who came away with the match ball following a hat-trick.

Quincy Amarikwa had put the Earthquakes 2-0 up with a brace in the opening 25 minutes.