On Sunday, November 20th, the LA Galaxy faced the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup in the Galaxy's home stadium, The Home Depot Center. The Galaxy finished the season winning every home game, an amazing feat. In addition to being the last game of the season for the Galaxy to conclude their unbeaten home streak, it was David Beckham's last game under his 5 year contract for the MLS. Many had called Beckham's time in MLS a failure because of his inability to help his club earn a major trophy. While the Galaxy made there way to the 2009 MLS Cup final to play Real Salt Lake, they ended up loosing in a penalty shootout, 5-4, after a critical Donovan penalty miss where the ball was sent flying over the bar.
This past Sunday, the Galaxy were out for redemption and a trophy. The Galaxy and Dynamo played in front of a sold out crowd in Carson, CA. While the Galaxy had the advantage, Houston did not make it a simple game. The Galaxy were the obvious favorites, between their unbeaten home record and their superb roster - boasting 3 top notch big name designated players: Beckham, Keane, and Donovan. The Galaxy were off to a rocky start after, Alan Cristman was unable to convert three easy goal opportunities in the first half. Early in the second half, Irish international, Robbie Keane trappeda long cross and scored a goal only for it to be called offsides, controversially. The game remained scoreless until Beckham and Keane, combined to assist Landon Donovan's goal in the 77th minute. Some critics criticized Donovan for asking to be allowed to miss the November USMNT friendlies in order to stay with his club and prepare for MLS Cup. I respected Donovan's decision and it clearly paid off. With Donovan's lone goal, the Galaxy won MLS Cup for the first time since the acquisition of David Beckham.
After an amazing season and team effort by the Galaxy, they won MLS Cup 2011 with Landon Donovan being given the game MVP award. In addition, this team has been named the best team in MLS history, with their record and the most expensive team in MLS history having a team salary of $13,058,438. The Beckham Experiment was a success, while it took years and money to finally work, it was a success. Beckham finally got to hoist the MLS Cup, an image that will stay with us fans for a long time to come. It is also, interesting to note, that Beckham has won a championship in three separate leagues in 3 separate countries, a spectacular feat - not many players have accomplished. While we don't know Beckham's club future, quite yet, it has been said he is split between staying with MLS or moving to France to join PSV. It will be interesting to see where Beckham ends up. I foresee Beckham staying with the Galaxy.
