David Beckham and his tam-mates begin the celebrations 
Beckham's glittering career has yet another successful chapter 
Landon Donovan reacts after scoring the crucial penalty
David Beckham and Christian Wilhelmsson celebrate with Landon Donovan
after the latter slots home a penalty in the second half to put Galaxy
2-1 ahead
‘It is a special day for us to win
it here at our home, in front of our home fans,’ said an emotional
Beckham, who again hinted that he would soon be involved in the MLS as a
club owner.
‘It is a sad day as well. This is a special place for me and will continue to be a special place.
‘I have no idea where I will go next. I do know that I am happy to have been part of this club for six years and been successful for the last four years.
‘I will continue with my commitment to this league. I might not be playing here any more but my commitment to growing this sport and this league will continue.’
Beckham lost his final game in America as LA Galaxy failed to defend the MLS Cup
Beckham fires in a trademark delivery
This tight little stadium is far from the biggest in the MLS but temporary seating installed for the occasion and the opening of the huge grassy bank towering over one of the goals had boosted the capacity from 27,000 to 30,000.
The untypical Los Angeles weather — drizzling rain on Friday and squally showers before the game — made the grass slippery but it hardly put off the fans. They braved the conditions, spreading their blankets and feasting on hot dogs and Buds well before kick-off.
Of course, the main item on the agenda was Galaxy’s attempt to retain the Philip F Anschultz Trophy, awarded to the winners of the MLS championship in a repeat of last year’s final. Having reached their record eighth final, Galaxy have now equalled DC United’s feat of four titles.
But it was almost a foregone conclusion. If Beckham could have picked opposition least likely to spoil his farewell party, it would have been the Dynamo who have now lost their last six games at the Home Depot.
David Beckham (right) before the game with Robbie Keane (centre)
Ricardo Clark gets to grips with Beckham in the first half
Beckham engineered the 13th-minute move which should have seen Galaxy take the lead with a 30-yard ball to Robbie Keane, whose pass left Landon Donovan with the goal at his mercy but the striker shot wide.
A 19th-minute free-kick from the right-side of the box produced an even worse miss with Mike Magee, two yards out, somehow contriving to head off target. They were misses that Galaxy came to rue when, a minute before half-time, Calen Carr broke down the Houston right, took advantage of sloppy defending by Tommy Meyer and lifted a right footer into the top of the net to stun the home fans.
David Beckham walks out alongside sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz
‘It is a sad day as well. This is a special place for me and will continue to be a special place.
‘I have no idea where I will go next. I do know that I am happy to have been part of this club for six years and been successful for the last four years.
‘I will continue with my commitment to this league. I might not be playing here any more but my commitment to growing this sport and this league will continue.’
Beckham fires in a trademark delivery
This tight little stadium is far from the biggest in the MLS but temporary seating installed for the occasion and the opening of the huge grassy bank towering over one of the goals had boosted the capacity from 27,000 to 30,000.
The untypical Los Angeles weather — drizzling rain on Friday and squally showers before the game — made the grass slippery but it hardly put off the fans. They braved the conditions, spreading their blankets and feasting on hot dogs and Buds well before kick-off.
Of course, the main item on the agenda was Galaxy’s attempt to retain the Philip F Anschultz Trophy, awarded to the winners of the MLS championship in a repeat of last year’s final. Having reached their record eighth final, Galaxy have now equalled DC United’s feat of four titles.
But it was almost a foregone conclusion. If Beckham could have picked opposition least likely to spoil his farewell party, it would have been the Dynamo who have now lost their last six games at the Home Depot.
David Beckham (right) before the game with Robbie Keane (centre) Ricardo Clark gets to grips with Beckham in the first half
Beckham engineered the 13th-minute move which should have seen Galaxy take the lead with a 30-yard ball to Robbie Keane, whose pass left Landon Donovan with the goal at his mercy but the striker shot wide.
A 19th-minute free-kick from the right-side of the box produced an even worse miss with Mike Magee, two yards out, somehow contriving to head off target. They were misses that Galaxy came to rue when, a minute before half-time, Calen Carr broke down the Houston right, took advantage of sloppy defending by Tommy Meyer and lifted a right footer into the top of the net to stun the home fans.
David Beckham walks out alongside sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz