LA Galaxy 2 Chicago Fire 1 Beckham scores

Beckham is back in the starting line up for the first time in a few weeks after the prolonged back injury, and after playing just 20 minutes last week.

The first half demonstrated the ability by both teams to launch swift attacks, but the final delivery was missing and there were pitifully few shots, and even fewer that caused the 'keepers any concern. At half time, the dull 0-0 score reflected the play which held little entertainment value. The closest chance falling to a Chicago header which narrowly missed the target in the final minute of the half.

The goals were all saved up for the second half. On 57 minutes, Beckham delivered up a free-kick from the right-hand side - the ball curled away from the goal and found Donovan climbing high on the far side, the well-controlled header back across goal hits the back of the net, 1-0 The Galaxy, another assist to Beckham.

Only 4 minutes later, The Galaxy succumb to a header too to take the score to 1-1. Another 4 minutes later and Beckham scores directly from a corner kick - the in-swinging ball from the left managed to slip between everyone and find the net just inside the far post. Angel was loitering and I am sure that Angel was Beckham's intended target, nevertheless David was clearly delighted to have scored what would prove to be the winning goal. Three goals in a head-spinning 10 minute spell which sees The Galaxy go ahead, get pinned back and go ahead for a second time.

The Fire have one more close effort curled over the bar, but The Galaxy successfully hold their lead 'til the end of the match, enduring 6 minutes of extra time on the way. This all bodes well for LA's assault on the Western Conference league tables as they extend their lead over Dallas.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

	Club	PTS	GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	GD
1	LA Galaxy	39	21	10	2	9	27	16	11
2	FC Dallas	34	19	10	5	4	26	19	7
3	Seattle Sounders FC	32	20	8	4	8	25	18	7
4	Real Salt Lake	30	17	8	3	6	23	12	11
5	Colorado Rapids	27	20	6	5	9	22	23	-1
6	Chivas USA	22	19	5	7	7	24	23	1
7	San Jose Earthquakes	22	18	5	6	7	22	21	1
8	Portland Timbers	18	16	5	8	3	19	28	-9
9	Vancouver Whitecaps	14	20	2	10	8	19	28	-9