Steven Gerrard was paraded to the Los Angeles Galaxy faithful during their match with Toronto on Saturday night - and made an immediate positive impression by buying them beer.

The former Liverpool captain told the crowd at the StubHub Center during half-time that he couldn't wait to lace up his boots and make his debut in Major League Soccer.

And to help the Galaxy fans celebrate Independence Day, Gerrard bought in 10 crates of beer for the 'Riot Squad' supporters group's tailgate party.

Steven Gerrard is introduced to the Los Angeles Galaxy crowd at half-time during their win over Toronto

The former Liverpool skipper told the 27,000 strong crowd he couldn't wait to play in Major League Soccer

The former England captain received a rapturous reception from the sell-out crowd at the StubHub Center

Gerrard made an immediate positive impression by buying beer for the 'Riot Squad' supporters group

Gerrard sent the crates of beer and this note as he helped their Independence Day celebration go with a bang

The 35-year-old will be eligible to play for LA from Wednesday and he told the sell-out 27,000 crowd: 'I can't wait to get my boots on and play in front of you guys.'

Gerrard is expected to make his debut in next Saturday's International Champions Cup friendly against Mexican side Club America.

Speaking of his ambition for his time in California, the former England captain added: 'I've been in Liverpool all my life. But this is a good place for me to come and enjoy my football, and hopefully add a trophy to my collection.'

With his wife Alex watching on from the stands, a suited and booted Gerrard told the crowd: 'It has been fantastic. The people of LA have made me feel so welcome, both myself and my family and I'm really excited.

'I wish I could play tonight. The first game just can't come quick enough. I'm really looking forward to a successful future and I'm happy.

Gerrard said he was thrilled by the warm welcome received since his arrival in Los Angeles

A smartly suited Gerrard waves to the crowd as he is introduced at half-time during the Toronto match

Gerrard is eligible to play for his new club from Wednesday and could make his debut next weekend

The former Liverpool skipper was understandably the centre of attention at his on-pitch unveiling

Gerrard's wife Alex takes her seat at the StubHub Center as the LA Galaxy beat Toronto 4-0

Alex Gerrard sat alongside Robbie Keane's wife, Claudine, in the owner's box

Gerrard chats to Galaxy president Chris Klein in the owner's box ahead of the match on Saturday night

Gerrard posted this Instagram photograph with wife Alex ahead of the match

The Galaxy fans certainly did their bit to try and make Gerrard feel welcome

Many in the crowd at the StubHub Center were wearing Liverpool shirts with Gerrard's name on the back

Gerrard was thrilled with the reception he received at the StubHub Center as he was introduced to the fans

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'Bruce [Arena, the head coach] and the players and staff have already made me feel very welcome, I feel settled and I'm looking forward to playing with the guys.

'We already have a good team here, full of good players, so I can add a bit to that and the future is good.'

That certainly seemed to be the case as the Galaxy cruised to a 4-0 win over Toronto, with Robbie Keane scoring a hat-trick to take the team third in the Western Conference. They are within one point of leaders Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps.

Keane opened the scoring after nine minutes, converting from the penalty spot after Sebastian Lletget was clipped from behind by Warren Creavalle.

The Ireland international's second arrived shortly before half-time when, following good work out wide by Dan Gargan and Stefan Ishizaki, Baggio Husidic crossed for Keane to fire home.

He competed his Treble in the 59th minute, collecting a long through ball from Justin Morrow to round goalkeeper Chris Konopka and score.

Lletget added a fourth in stoppage time after he took in a pass from Ignacio Maganto.

In an attempt to get off on the right foot with the fans, Gerrard sent 10 crates of beer to the 'Riot Squad' supporters group, among the Galaxy's most passionate.

Gerrard bought in supplies of beer for the fans as they marked Independence Day in Los Angeles

The 'LA Riot Squad' are among the most passionate to follow the MLS team

LA Galaxy fans show their colours during the match with Toronto, which resulted in an easy 4-0 win

Steven Gerrard smiles as he holds his new LA Galaxy shirt in front of the Hollywood sign earlier this week

A letter to the fans from Gerrard read: 'Galaxians - Even though I've yet to wear an LA Galaxy jersey, I am excited for the opportunity to play in front of the Galaxians and earn your respect.

'Supporters are the lifeblood of any club and I know that with your support we'll challenge for MLS Cup again.

'As a token of my appreciation for what you do for the club, I wanted to provide you with some refreshments for the 4th of July.'

Robbie Keane (middle) celebrates with his teammates after scoring one of his three goals

Keane celebrates after doubling the Galaxy's lead shortly before half-time

Keane's hat-trick sent the Galaxy on their way to a comfortable 4-0 win and leaves them third in the league

Keane sends the goalkeeper the wrong way to open Galaxy's scoring after nine minutes

Elsewhere in Saturday night's MLS action, Brazilian star Kaka scored and was then sent off as Orlando City drew 1-1 with Real Salt Lake.

Kaka had struck five minutes into the match but, after Jaime had levelled for Salt Lake, the former Milan star trod on Javier Morales just before half-time and was shown a red card.

Orlando clung on for a point and are third in the Eastern Confernece, level on points with both Columbus Crew and New England Revolution.

Kaka is shown the red card after stamping on Real Salt Lake defender Javier Morales

The Brazilian star had earlier given Orlando City the lead against Real Salt Lake

Columbus enjoyed a 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, recovering from Anatole Abang's early goal with an Ethan Finlay brace.

The Revs went down 3-0 to FC Dallas with goals from Mauro Diaz nine minutes in and Fabian Castillo and Michael Barrios in the second half.

David Villa scored twice as New York City FC won 2-1 against the Montreal Impact, who had drawn level at 1-1 with Ignacio Piatti's penalty.