LA Galaxy 2 New York Red Bulls 1 (3-1 agg.)

Leading 1-0 from the first leg, LA Galaxy take on New York Red Bulls at the Home Depot. It was New York who struck first after just three and a half minutes. Henry fed Rodgers splitting the Galaxy defence open, Rodgers passed the ball into the net to level the two-leg tie. Luke Rodgers lost his head a bit after the goal, getting a booking for 'unsporting behaviour', then fortunate not to get a second before 10 minutes have elapsed as he fires the ball into the crowd in frustration. However, in general Red Bulls are looking the most composed of the two teams early on. After the initial knock-back, LA begin press the visitors and come close a couple of times. There was a short-lived scare for LA fans when Beckham was helped off the field clutching his back, but he then rejoined the play and delivered the perfect corner for Mike Magee to head into the net on 42 mins for 1-1 on the night, 2-1 ahead over the two legs.

Beckham returned for the second half, and after plenty of goalmouth action, if was Beckham who won a penalty after being kicked in the ribs from behind whilst shielding the ball in the box.

Donovan stepped up to calmly stroke the ball home, 3-1 up in the tie and LA are in full control with 15 minutes left on the clock. This was just about enough for Beckham who spent enough time on the turf for one match and was substituted with about 12 minutes remaining.

Hopefully the back will hold out for the home game against Real Salt Lake on Sunday for the Western Conference Championship game - if successful, LA hope to be playing in the MLS final on 20th November especially as it will be played at the Home Depot Center.