LA Galaxy 3 Real Salt Lake 1

The Galaxy get off to a good start with a Landon Donovan penalty after 22 minutes. Up to that point, both sides had chances to score, and neither team had a good hold on the match. This was borne out 2 minutes later when RSL convert a corner to level the match at 1-1. From this point, LA look to be taking control of the match keeping possession and creating chances, Salt Lake largely restricted to hitting Galaxy on the break. Both teams hit the woodwork in a busy first half, but the honours are even at half-time 1-1.

Just 13 mins into the second half, Mike Magee got his head onto a Beckham cross for Galaxy to take the lead. Just 10 minutes later, the result was more or less sealed as Donovan fed Keane to take the score to 3-1. A couple of yellows were picked up on the night (NOT by Beckham who is now on an extended run of not getting booked..), but nothing that will prevent players taking part in the MLS final in two weeks time. Beckham was sub'd during extra time, but stood up to the task well considering that games have been coming thick and fast this week, and the continued concern over his back injury.

Keane looks to be over his injury worries, just needs to hit the net more than hitting the post (it's a bigger target after all!). Beckham will be looking to take this chance to win his first MLS cup, having lost the final in 2009 (on penalties), and lost the semi-final in 2010, LA are hopefully a little wiser and better prepared in 2011.

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.

New York Red Bulls 0 LA Galaxy 1

The Galaxy headed up to New York in the cold and managed to steal a win away from home in the first leg of the play-off with the Red Bulls.

The goal came early in the game after Robbie Keane had already hit the bar - Beckham lobs the defence for a very much on-side Mike Magee to volley home on his left foot.

After the break, a re-invigorated New York side came out to get back on even terms, but Josh Saunders managed to keep them out. Donovan spurned a clear chance to go two goals ahead which would have been a useful cushion for the return leg. Despite the pressure from New York, the game finishes 1-0 to The Galaxy, but there was an unsightly fracas at the end of the game which left a couple of Red Bull players on the floor and Juninho needing protection from the officials and his team-mates. Juninho and Marquez (Red Bulls) received red cards for their part in the action and will miss the return leg - Everyone else will no doubt be fired up for Thursday at the Home Depot...

Beckham manages another full 90 minutes (probably more like 95) without a booking..

LA Galaxy1 Colorado Rapids 0

Donovan Ricketts returns to The Galaxy after breaking his arm back in June, and keeps a clean sheet proving that The Galaxy have two top class goalkeepers available once more.
Beckham managed to keep himself out of the referees notebook, but did take a knock in the second half, landing heavily on his back which may agitate the back spasm problems which apparently are still a problem. He made his usual contribution of long-range pinpoint balls and clever passes including a telling pass for the only goal of the match (Donovan). Overall, The Galaxy dominated the game although Colorado had a goal struck off for offside. Keane was bought on after 60 minutes having recently returned from international duty. The upshot is that LA are now guaranteed a spot in the play-offs with plenty of games to spare - they should easily top the Western Conference again this year

WESTERN CONFERENCE

	Club	PTS	GP	W	L	T	GF	GA	GD
1	LA Galaxy	55	28	15	3	10	40	22	18
2	Seattle Sounders FC	48	27	13	5	9	42	29	13
3	FC Dallas	46	27	13	7	7	36	29	7
4	Real Salt Lake	42	25	12	7	6	35	21	14
5	Colorado Rapids	41	29	10	8	11	39	37	2
6	Portland Timbers	32	26	9	12	5	33	41	-8
7	Chivas USA	31	27	7	10	10	32	30	2
8	San Jose Earthquakes	26	26	5	10	11	27	35	-8
9	Vancouver Whitecaps	21	26	4	13	9	27	42	-15

LA Galaxy 0 FC Dallas 3

Dallas and LA meet again, this time to determine who will meet the Colorado Rapids in the MLS cup final. Both teams come out with determination and set a very quick pace right from the outset.

Despite most of the action being initiated by The Galaxy, it is Dallas through Colombian midfielder David Ferreira, that scored first with what was virtually their first and only effort on goal in the first half. At the other end, Hartmann in the Dallas goal has been making great saves to keep them in the game.

Meantime, Beckham looks like he could be carrying an injury, but appeared back on the pitch for the second half, even enduring for the full ninety which may not have been the wisest choice, but demonstrates Beckham's commitment to the cause.
This was not to be LA's night as the second half saw Dallas take control with two more goals from George John and Honduran international Marvin Chavez scored the opener for Dallas with a strike from the edge of the box.
Beckham is reported to have a groin strain and it is understandable why may feel can afford to suffer such an injury at the end of the MLS season with no need to impress England manager Fabio Capello - hopefully this will be something that can be overcome relatively quickly.
England play on Wednesday, and there was no realistic chance of Beckham being considered for this game even though injuries to key players have made for some surprising selections.

Next round coming up...

The next play-off game for The Galaxy will be the semi-final against FC Dallas, on Sunday 14th November at 6pm PST ( Monday 2AM GMT) at the Home Depot Centre.

The other semi will be between San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado rapids on 15th, the final is scheduled for 8:30pm on Sunday 21st (1:30am Monday GMT)

In the meantime, England are due to play France in a friendly on Wednesday 17th November at home.

LA Galaxy 2 (3) Seattle Sounders 1 (1)

Both teams come out with intent, and Beckham gets a booking for a rash challenge in the first 10 minutes.

On 18 minutes, goal-poacher supreme Buddle heads in from a Beckham corner. LA are one-up on the night, two-up in the tie.. On 26 minutes, Beckham is provider again, this time for Gonzalez who heads Beckhams free kick past the keeper extending The Galaxy's lead. The Sounders supporters are effectively silenced as LA go three-up over the two legs. In the closing minutes of the first half, Beckham has a golden chance from a free-kick at perfect distance. The resulting kick curls just wide of the post.

At half-time, The Galaxy must believe they are in the driving seat, Seattle have it all to do in the second half.

After just 4 minutes of the second half, Ricketts gets injured in a goal mouth clash but opts to continue. Seattle are getting more attacking moves going, but failing to get any end result.

66minutes and Ricketts saves point-blank despite still struggling with his injury.

On 70 minutes Bowen comes on for Buddle, 3 minutes later, Birchall comes on for Kovolenko, Dunivant comes on for Magee with just 10 minutes left on the clock as The Galaxy seek to run the game down. Seattle eventually find a way through the LA defence 5 minutes from the end and score their only gol of the play-offs. A nervy 5 minutes plus 4 minutes extra time ensues in which Seattle pile on the pressure. Nevertheless, The Galaxy take the game 2-1, the tie 3-1, Beckham plays a vital role in the win...

The Galaxy have to be pleased with the result and have seemingly coasted through this stage of the play-offs.