World Football

Beckham bids LA Galaxy farewell with MLS Cup win

2012

Galaxy  Los Angeles

Gonzalez 60, Donovan 65 pen, Keane 90 pen

3 - 1

Dynamo  Houston

Carr 44

David Beckham ended his LA Galaxy career in glory, collecting a second MLS Cup title with a 3-1 victory against Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center.

Calen Carr had given the Dynamo the lead against the run of play in the penultimate minute of the first half but the Galaxy fought back with three unanswered second-half goals to secure back-to-back MLS Cup wins.

Omar Gonzalez headed them level on the hour before Landon Donovan converted a penalty following a Ricardo Clark handball five minutes later.

The Dynamo introduced all-time leading goal-scorer Brian Ching as they chased an equaliser, but Irish striker Robbie Keane dispatched a second penalty in stoppage-time to seal the victory.

"This is the goal we set ourselves at the start of the season," said Beckham, who received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the final seconds. "It is another special occasion to win a championship at home, in front of our fans and our families."

"I think today was always going to be an emotional day for myself, win or lose. I've been here for six years and part of a team that has kept the majority of their players together. Coming off was tough but I enjoyed the win today.

"It never gets old, I'm 37 and I've been able to play in quite a few finals and championship games and I still love it like I did when I won my first."

Having made a sluggish start to the defence of their MLS title with a meagre three wins from their first 13 regular season games, the Galaxy began this game with intent but failed to turn their early dominance into an advantage.

First, with very little pressure on the ball in midfield, Beckham found Keane in behind Bobby Boswell with a sweeping cross-field ball, but Donovan contrived to put the square ball from the Irishman wide from nine-yards out with 14 minutes gone.

The Dynamo were a threat on the break, but with Omar Gonzalez marshalling the Galaxy back four they looked comfortable despite some shaky goalkeeping - particularly in set-piece situations - from Josh Saunders.