Our Los Angeles Galaxy won the 2011 MLS Cup on Nov. 20 with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. Our side dominated the match and missed opportunities for more goals, especially in the first half. However, when I got my Sunday started here in L.A. and it was raining hard, I wasn't expecting the win margin for either team to be more than a goal.
The lone goal of the match in the 72nd minute was put together by the Galaxy's three designated players David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. It was an expensive goal but the Galaxy got what they paid for because it was fantastic build up and an even better finish. Beckham played a header forward into the path of Keane. Keane took the ball and controlled it and went around a defender. He stepped away from the same defender using his strength and played a great ball to Donovan who was charging into the penalty area. Donovan chipped the ball into the side netting over Houston goalkeeper Tally Hall who was off his line.
Josh Saunders was rarely tested in net for the Galaxy but proved himself worthy of the starting spot with the way he's played in 2011. His play was symbolic of a theme for the Galaxy this season. When one of the starters was unavailable somebody else stepped up and the quality of the side didn't drop off.
Beckham's assist was his fourth of the playoffs. Three of his assists were game-winners. Donovan's goal was his third of the playoffs. He was named the MVP of the match. Houston missed their MVP, Brad Davis, who was injured and didn't play.
The win was the third MLS Cup for the L.A. franchise and the first since Beckham was signed. But, was it Beckham's last MLS match in a Galaxy uniform? Now that he's finally gotten the Cup, he might feel that it's time for him to go out a winner. He still needs to play somewhere in order to be fit for the 2012 Olympics. Hopefully, that place will be in Los Angeles.
More from Patrick Johnston:
Galaxy land $55 million deal with Time Warner Cable
David Beckham wins MLS Comeback Player of the Year
Galaxy's Bruce Arena named MLS Coach of the Year
Source:
Nick Firchau, "Donovan, LA topple Houston 1-0 for title", LAGalaxy.com
Stats from MLS Soccer.com
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