Fire routed by Galaxy

CARSON, Calif. — The post-David Beckham era is off to a rousing start for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Mike Magee scored three times and the Galaxy beat the Chicago Fire 4-0 in the first game of the season for the two-time defending MLS champions.

Magee volleyed home a deflected cross in the 38th minute, converted Robbie Keane’s pass in the 68th and finished a rebound in the 74th. Keane then finished the scoring in the 80th minute.

The Galaxy, transitioning to a new style of attack after Beckham’s departure to French club Paris Saint-Germain, dictated most of the action in a game played largely between the 18-yard boxes.

“You see the quality that he has,” said Keane, who played a role in all 3 of Magee’s goals. “The 3 goals that he scored were exceptional goals. ... It was one of those things. Sometimes you just hit everything and it hits the back of the net. Mikey had one of those days today.”

It was the Chicago-born Magee’s first career hat trick and just his second multigoal game in 11 MLS seasons.

“It was cool,” Magee said. “The hat trick was cool, the win was cool, and the best part of the day was getting the rings.”

The Fire had two good scoring chances, but Chris Rolfe shot wide after Galaxy goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini’s giveaway in the 32nd minute and Cudicini deflected a Maicon Santos free kick over the crossbar in the 60th.