New England Soccer Today

Galaxy Claim MLS Championship

The Los Angeles Galaxy claimed their  first MLS Cup of the David Beckham Era with a 1-0 win over the Houston Dynamo Sunday night at the Home Depot Center.

While much was made of Sunday night’s game in light of Beckham’s contract – which is set expire in the offseason – it was Landon Donovan who took center stage by burying a Robbie Keane ball in the 72nd minute to seize the proceedings and give the Galaxy their third MLS Championship in team history.

Although much of the match tilted in L.A.’s favor, the Galaxy weren’t able to convert early chances. Adam Cristman collected a few looks in the first half, but couldn’t put one through.

Meanwhile, Houston’s attack struggled to find its rhythm without playmaker Brad Davis, who was out with an Achilles injury. Matters were only made worse for the guests when Geoff Cameron suffered a knee injury near halftime. Cameron remained on the pitch, but was clearly hampered.

Donovan was all but absent for much of the match until he emerged in grand fashion in the 72nd minute. Keane took a ball near the box then deferred to Donovan, who’s shot deflected off the left mitt of Tally Hall and into the back of the net.

Houston searched for an answer, but it was all in vain. While the intent was there, the hopeful balls never materialized on the scoreboard as the Galaxy were showered with Championship tees, hats, and confetti moments after the final whistle.

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